Released in 1999, 'Smooth' was a collaboration between Santana and Rob Thomas. The song melds rock and Latin rhythms, quickly becoming a cultural sensation and topping the Billboard Hot 100 for 12 consecutive weeks. Known for its compelling narrative and catchy chorus, 'Smooth' offers learners a great opportunity to engage with English through its storytelling and conversational tone. The song's success marked a reinvention for Santana, bringing him back into the limelight and showcasing the power of cross-genre collaboration.
Lyrics
Smooth — Santana ft. Rob Thomas
English
Ow!
Cha!
Shoo-ca-choo-ca!
As he came into the window
Was a sound of a crescendo
He came into her apartment
He left the bloodstains on the carpet
She ran underneath the table
He could see she was unable
So she ran into the bedroom
She was struck down, it was her doom
Annie, are you okay?
So, Annie, are you okay? Are you okay, Annie?
Annie, are you okay?
So, Annie, are you okay? Are you okay, Annie?
Annie, are you okay?
So, Annie, are you okay? Are you okay, Annie?
Annie, are you okay?
So, Annie, are you okay? Are you okay, Annie?
Annie, are you okay?
Will you tell us that you're okay?
There's a sound at the window
Then he struck you, a crescendo, Annie
He came into your apartment
Left the bloodstains on the carpet
And then you ran into the bedroom
You were struck down
It was your doom
Annie, are you okay?
So, Annie, are you okay? Are you okay, Annie?
Annie, are you okay?
So, Annie, are you okay? Are you okay, Annie?
Annie, are you okay?
So, Annie, are you okay? Are you okay, Annie?
You've been hit by—
You've been hit by—
A smooth criminal
Ow!
So they came in to the out way
It was Sunday, what a black day
Every time I tried to find him
He's leaving no clues left behind him
And he had no way of knowing
Of the suspect or what to expect
Mouth-to-mouth resuscitation
Sounding heartbeats, intimidations
Annie, are you okay?
So, Annie, are you okay? Are you okay, Annie?
Annie, are you okay?
So, Annie, are you okay? Are you okay, Annie?
Annie, are you okay?
Annie, are you okay? Are you okay?
Annie, are you okay?
So, Annie, are you okay? Are you okay, Annie?
Annie, are you okay?
So, Annie, are you okay? Are you okay, Annie?
Annie, are you okay?
Will you tell us that you're okay?
There's a sound at the window
Then he struck you, a crescendo, Annie
He came into your apartment
Left the bloodstains on the carpet
And then you ran into the bedroom
You were struck down
It was your doom
Annie, are you okay? Annie, are you okay?
Are you okay, Annie?
You've been hit by—
You've been struck by—
A smooth criminal
Choo-cha, choo-cha
Ow!
Okay, I want everybody to clear the area right now!
Ow!
Hoo!
Hoo!
Hoo!
Hoo!
Ow!
Annie, are you okay? (I don't know)
Will you tell us that you're okay? (I don't know)
There's a sound at the window (I don't know)
Then he struck you, a crescendo, Annie (I don't know)
He came into your apartment (I don't know)
Left the bloodstains on the carpet (I don't know why, baby)
And then you ran into the bedroom (Help me)
You were struck down
It was your doom, Annie (Doggone it)
Annie, are you okay? (Doggone it, baby)
Will you tell us that you're okay? (Doggone it, baby)
There's a sound at the window (Doggone it, baby)
Then he struck you, a crescendo Annie (Hoo! Hoo!)
He came into your apartment, (Doggone it)
Left the bloodstains on the carpet (Hoo!)
And then you ran into the bedroom (Hoo! Hoo!)
You were struck down (Doggone it)
It was your doom, Annie (Ow!)
Ow!
Ow!
Shoo-cha-choo, shoo-cha-choo!
Ow!
Ow!
Grammar
What you learn from this song
Modals / Modales
Modals are auxiliary verbs that express ability, possibility, permission, or obligation. In 'Smooth,' they help convey the uncertainty and urgency in the narrative. Understanding modals is essential for expressing moods and attitudes.
'He could see she was unable' — This line suggests that it was possible for him to see her condition, highlighting uncertainty.
'Will you tell us that you're okay?' — This line shows how modals can express requests or offers in a polite way.
'You were struck down' — Here, the past form implies a completed action, making the narrative more vivid.
Simple Past / Pasado Simple
The Simple Past tense describes completed actions in the past. It's crucial for narrating events and storytelling. In 'Smooth,' it provides a sense of immediacy and drama.
'He came into her apartment' — This indicates a past action where he entered her space.
'You were struck down' — This line describes a decisive event that has already taken place.
'It was your doom' — This statement concludes a past event, reinforcing the song's dramatic narrative.
Fun facts
Did you know?
The song features a unique blend of rock and Latin genres, showcasing Santana's signature guitar style alongside Thomas's soulful vocals.
At the 2000 Grammy Awards, 'Smooth' won Record of the Year and Song of the Year, cementing its legacy in pop music history.
In addition to its commercial success, 'Smooth' played a pivotal role in revitalizing Santana's career, earning him a new generation of fans.
'Smooth' was notably performed live during the Super Bowl halftime show in 2000, introducing the song to millions of viewers worldwide.
The song has been covered by various artists, including the Glee cast, demonstrating its enduring popularity and cultural relevance.
For students
Why learn English with this song?
Learning English through 'Smooth' is beneficial due to its engaging storytelling and clear pronunciation. The vocabulary includes both simple and complex words, suitable for advanced learners. The repetition of key phrases enhances retention, while the varied use of grammar topics provides rich learning opportunities. This song helps reinforce both narrative techniques and conversational English.
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