Category Archives: Music

How does Ed Sheeran use Connected Speech in Afterglow?

How does Ed Sheeran use Connected Speech in Afterglow?

Welcome to a short series about connected speech in English. We’re discussing the new song Afterglow by Ed Sheeran and focusing on how the singer uses features of connected speech as he sings.

Here is the first free video class in the series:

The features of connected speech mentioned are:

  • GLOTTAL STOPS
  • FORWARD CONSONANT LINKING (FCL)
  • ASSIMILATION
  • CONTRACTION
  • INTRUSION
  • ELISION
  • WEAK FORMS (SCHWA SOUNDS)
  • FRIENDLY CONSONANT SOUNDS

Find out more about them here: Lesson 5.7 Connected Speech (purlandtraining.com)

Here is the second free video class in the series:


Afterglow, written by: David Hodges, Fred again.., Ed Sheeran

Release date: 21.12.20    

Ed Sheeran – Afterglow [Official Performance Video]: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_NGQfFCFUn4

Ed Sheeran – Afterglow [Official Lyric Video]: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xG9CviE5Fs

Afterglow – lyrics: https://genius.com/Ed-sheeran-afterglow-lyrics

Vocab Builder: What does it mean to be speechless - Featuring The Shires

Vocab Builder: What does it mean to be speechless? – Featuring The Shires

If you are

speechless

You can’t find the words

Words are not enough

There are no words

You have nothing to say

Nothing to add to your look of surprise

Maybe you feel shocked, astonished, upset – even angry

Let down. Betrayed

Or a friend thought about you enough to help you – completely out of the blue

Paid a compliment. Paid tribute to you, to your hard work – unsung no more

Or astounded you on a wonderful occasion, like a birthday or a wedding day

Or maybe you feel aghast – returning home to find your kids held a party, the house is ruined

Lost for words – suddenly unable to articulate your sense of loss, of trust

But a sunset; a kind act; a right word at the right moment to boost a failing ego

When you look at the one you love and realise there is no other

You want for nothing more

For the first time – or the thousand and first time

You’re speechless

Words come rushing forward toward an open door, but it’s better to hold on

Be quiet

You don’t even have the choice

Rendered speechless – by kindness, by faithfulness, by love

As in this beautiful song by The Shires

‘Words, words, words

We don’t need words tonight…’

Speechless

‘Speechless’ music video by The Shires, taken from the album Accidentally on Purpose

Image: The Shires live in concert in Bristol, 07.11.14 by Steve Selwood