Learn English Through Song: "Singing in the Rain"

"Singing in the Rain" is the name of this song as well as the movie from 1952. The movie Singing in the Rain belongs to the genre called the musical. A musical is a play or movie with a lot of singing and dancing. Actors in musicals talk, sing and dance.

Bollywood, or the Indian film industry, is famous for its musicals. The U.S. film industry, called Hollywood, was also famous for its wonderful musicals during the "golden age" of Hollywood in the early to mid-20th century. Although there aren't many musicals made in Hollywood anymore, an example of a modern Hollywood musical is the 2016 movie La La Land.

This song, "Singing in the Rain", features the singing, dancing and acting of the incredibly talented Gene Kelly. The lyrics for the song are in both English and Spanish, so pay attention to the words in yellow... and enjoy the video!

"Singing in the Rain" - from the movie Singing in the Rain - 1952

I'm singin' in the rain,
Just singin' in the rain,
What a glorious feeling,
I'm happy again!
I'm laughing at clouds
So dark up above,
The sun's in my heart and I'm ready for love!

Let the stormy clouds chase
Everyone from the place,
Come on with the rain,
I've got a smile on my face!
I'll walk down the lane
With a happy refrain,
Just singin', singin' in the rain!

Why am I smiling and why do I sing?
Why does December seem sunny as Spring?
Why do I get up each morning to start
Happy and head-up with joy in my heart?
Why is each new task a trifle to do?
Because I am living a life full of you!

Hey, I'm singin' in the rain,
Just singin' in the rain,
What a glorious feeling,
I'm happy again!
I'm laughing at clouds
So dark up above,
The sun's in my heart and I'm ready for love!

Let the stormy clouds chase
Everyone from the place,
Come on with your rain,
I've got a smile on my face!
I'll walk down the lane
With a happy refrain,
Just singin', singin' in the rain!

Comprehension Questions:

1. What kind of weather is happening in the song?

a. sunny

b. rainy

c. windy

d. snowy

2. What is the man (Gene Kelly) doing in the video?

a. reading and writing

b. eating and drinking

c. singing and dancing

d. yawning and sleeping

3. How does Gene Kelly seem to feel?

a. tired

b. sad

c. worried

d. happy

4. (Opinion question) Do you like this song and Gene Kelly's performance? Why or why not? Share your opinion in the comments below.

Answers:

1 - b

2 - c

3 - d

Leave any comments or questions in the comments below.