Listening comprehension

Watch the video and answer the multiple-choice questions. Pay attention to the images, expressions and ideas in the song.

Watch the video

Listen carefully. You can pause, replay or rewind the video while completing the quiz.

Multiple-choice quiz

Choose the best answer for each question.

0 of 10 questions answered

1 What is the person doing as they "drift away" in the song?

The correct answer is B. The subject is described as begging and borrowing while drifting away.

2 According to the lyrics, what is the person unable to face?

The correct answer is C. The lyrics suggest that the subject cannot face the things or experiences they have left behind.

3 What happens if the "veil" falls away from the author's eyes?

The correct answer is A. The image of flying blind suggests moving forward without seeing clearly or understanding the situation.

4 What physical description is used for the man's eyes?

The correct answer is D. Bloodshot eyes are red or irritated-looking, often associated with tiredness, strain or lack of sleep.

5 In the second verse, what did the person "touch"?

The correct answer is C. The subject is described as having touched the sun, an image that suggests reaching something extremely high or ambitious.

6 What does the speaker imply about the man's actions in the second verse?

The correct answer is B. The image of flying too high suggests excessive ambition or taking risks beyond one's limits.

7 What is the speaker hoping for him "tomorrow"?

The correct answer is C. The speaker hopes that the subject will be sane tomorrow, suggesting a desire for emotional or mental stability.

8 What does the speaker want the person to overcome?

The correct answer is B. The speaker wants the subject to overcome the madness or emotional turmoil they are experiencing tonight.

9 What is described as a "tragic waste of time"?

The correct answer is B. The speaker sees the subject's current pursuit as pointless and ultimately damaging.

10 What is the final fate of the person regarding their "drift"?

The correct answer is B. The final statement suggests that this time the subject's departure or emotional drift may be permanent.

Takeaways

Main ideas and images in the song

  • Drifting away: The subject appears to be losing direction or becoming disconnected.
  • Facing the past: The lyrics suggest difficulty confronting what has been left behind.
  • Flying blind: This image represents moving forward without clarity or control.
  • Bloodshot eyes: A physical image that may suggest exhaustion or strain.
  • Touching the sun: An image of reaching very high or taking great risks.
  • Flying too high: The speaker suggests that the subject may have gone beyond their limits.
  • Tomorrow: The speaker hopes the subject will regain their sanity and stability.
  • Madness tonight: The subject is experiencing a difficult or troubled moment.
  • A tragic waste of time: The speaker criticises the pursuit the subject is engaged in.
  • Not coming back: The ending suggests a final or irreversible departure.

Vocabulary to remember

  • Drift away: To gradually move away or become disconnected.
  • Beg and borrow: To ask people for money or things, often because you have very little.
  • Veil: Something that covers or hides; it can also represent a lack of clarity.
  • Flying blind: Acting without enough information or understanding.
  • Bloodshot: Having red eyes, usually because of tiredness or irritation.
  • Sane: Mentally healthy or able to think clearly.
  • Pursuit: An activity, goal or ambition that someone follows.
  • Tragic waste: A terrible or sad use of time, effort or opportunity.

Think about the message

The song presents a person who seems to be losing direction, struggling with the past and taking risks. The speaker expresses concern and hopes that the person will find stability, but the ending suggests that they may not return.