CHAMPS - White Satellite

CHAMPS is a band from the Isle of Wight. They have appeared on the British Council's Selector music radio show. This song is called 'White Satellite'. See what you think.

Preparation

CHAMPS appeared on the British Council's Selector music radio programme, which brings you the best of new, British music. To find out more about CHAMPS and to listen to more of their music, have a look at their website. Music and lyrics by Michael & David Champion (cc).

Match the vocabulary with the correct definition and write a–h next to the numbers 1–8.

1. …….. a doorway      a. a group of people who sing together
2. …….. to bury      b. a space where there is a door
3. …….. ground      c. to put something in the ground and cover it with earth
4. …….. crown      d. the grey, powdery material that is left after something is burnt
5. …….. a choir      e. an object in space that orbits around the Earth, the sun or another planet
6. …….. a satellite      f. the solid surface of the Earth
7. …….. a frown      g. a circular decorative object worn on the head of a king or queen
8. …….. ashes      h. a facial expression of displeasure made by wrinkling the brow

1. Check your vocabulary: gap fill

  Listen to the song. As you listen, write the words to fill the gaps.

1. We’ve all seen the dark in the _______________ down

We’ve all heard the choir’s song rise out the _______________

Carry me round to the doorway down _______________ me with ashes, carry me down (x2)

2. She was my better _______________

White _______________ (x2)

3. We’ve all seen the _______________ in the doorway down

We’ve all been together in that, that dying _______________

We’ve all joined hands through the doorway down

I’ll be here forever, _______________ your frown

I’ll be here forever, sharing your _______________

4. She was my _______________ life

_______________ satellite (x2)

Music and lyrics by Michael & David Champion (cc).

2. Check your pronunciation: grouping

   Put the words in the correct groups, according to the vowel sound. Write the words in the correct group.

town           frown           satellite           I’ll              white          crown           ground           rise

down /au/	life /ai/

3. Check your understanding: multiple choice

  Choose the best option to complete these sentences.

1. The song starts with …    a. guitar chords and drums.    b. piano chords and drums.    c. solo piano.
2. The drum beat in the chorus …    a. is the same as the drum beat in the verse.    b. is different from the drum beat in the verse.    c. stops.
3. The words to the second verse …    a. are completely different from the first verse.    b. are the same as the first verse.    c. are similar to the first verse.
4. One recurring theme in the video is …    a. travelling.    b. nature.    c. space.
5. In the video we see people …    a. playing draughts, bowling and playing table football.    b. playing chess, cards, and pool.    c. playing football, draughts and darts.
6. The lyrics suggest the song is about …    a. leaving home.    b. living life in the moment.    c. depression over a lost love.

Discussion

Did you like the song?   Do you think listening to songs is a good way to improve your English?

Vocabulary Box

Keys

Preparation

1. b 2. c 3. f 4. g 5. a 6. e 7. h 8. d

1. Check your vocabulary: gap fill

1. doorway, ground, Bury 2. life, satellite 3. stars, town, wearing, crown 4. better, White

2. Check your pronunciation: grouping

down /au/ frown crown ground town life /ai/ satellite white rise I’ll

3. Check your understanding: multiple choice

1. b 2. a 3. c 4. a 5. a 6. c