Learn Through English
 
Music/Ethics: Drugs
Song: The Needle and the Damage Done

Author: Neil Young

Before listening:

1. There's sometimes a lot of information in song titles. What does this tell you about the song?

2. Now read the song from top to bottom carefully. Find the words you don’t understand in a dictionary.

3. Discuss with your classmates what the song is about.

 

I caught you knockin'
At my cellar door
I love you, baby,
Can I have some more
Ooh, ooh, the damage done.


I hit the city and
I lost my band
I watched the needle
Take another man
Gone, gone, the damage done.

I sing the song
Because I love the man
I know that some
Of you don't understand
Milk-blood
To keep from running out.


I've seen the needle
And the damage done
A little part of it in everyone
But every junkie's
Like a settin' sun.

 

After listening:

1. What is the writer’s point of view?

2. What is the meaning of the last two lines?

3. This song was written in the early 1970’s. Do you think we still have similar problems?

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