Elton John – Sorry seems to be the hardest word

To practise: Interrogative, Present simple, Present Tense, Question words, Questions, What
Band/singer:

Practice the interrogative in the present tense in your ESL class with this song, Sorry seems to be the hardest word by Elton John.

There are only 3 questions in these lyrics but they are repeated quite a lot, making this song perfect for basic level students; the questions are: “what do I…”, “What have I got…” & “Why can’t we…”

To see suggestions on how to use this song in class, click here.

YouTube player

Lyrics

What have I got to do to make you love me?
What have I got to do to make you care?
What do I do when lightning strikes me?
And I wake to find that you’re not there

What do I do to make you want me?
What have I got to do to be heard?
What do I say when it’s all over?
And sorry seems to be the hardest word

It’s sad, so sad
It’s a sad, sad situation
And it’s getting more and more absurd
It’s sad, so sad
Why can’t we talk it over?
Oh it seems to me
That sorry seems to be the hardest word

What do I do to make you love me?
What have I got to do to be heard?
What do I do when lightning strikes me?
What have I got to do?
What have I got to do?
When sorry seems to be the hardest word

Elton JohnBritish musician (born 1947)

Sir Elton Hercules John is a British singer, songwriter and pianist. Acclaimed by critics and musicians, particularly for his work during the 1970s, his music and showmanship have had a significant, lasting impact on the music industry. His songwriting partnership with lyricist Bernie Taupin is one of the most successful in history.

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