1,2,3,4 – English Lyrics

• By: Feist

Lyrics & Translation

Embark on a delightful linguistic journey with Feist's "1234"! This globally recognized indie-pop gem, known for its catchy melody and surprisingly profound lyrics, offers a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in English. Its clear, repetitive counting and emotionally rich narrative provide an accessible entry point to understanding English vocabulary and idiomatic expressions related to love, nostalgia, and personal growth. Discover how a seemingly simple song can carry deep meaning, making language learning an enjoyable and memorable experience.

[English]

[MUSIC - FEIST, "1234"]

FEIST: [SINGING]

One, two, three, four monsters walking 'cross the floor.

I love counting, counting to the number four.

Oh you're counting, counting with me, to one less than five

and one more than three.

MONSTERS: [SINGING] Oh.

FEIST: [SINGING] We're counting to four.

MONSTERS: [SINGING] Oh.

FEIST: [SINGING] Let's count some more.

One, two, three, four penguins that went by the door.

I love counting, counting to the number four.

I see four here.

I see four there.

My favorite number, nothing can compare.

MONSTERS: [SINGING] Oh.

FEIST: [SINGING] We're counting to four.

MONSTERS: [SINGING] Oh.

FEIST: [SINGING] Let's count some more.

One, two, three, four chickens just back from the shore.

I love counting, counting to the number four.

MONSTERS: [SINGING] Oh.

FEIST: [SINGING] We're counting to four.

MONSTERS: [SINGING] Oh.

FEIST: [SINGING] Let's count some more.

One, two, three, four, chickens just

back from the shore.

One, two, three, four penguins that went by the door.

One, two, three, four monsters walking 'cross the floor.

MONSTERS: [SINGING] Bock, bock, ba bock.

Bock, bock, ba bock, ba bock.

Bock bock ba bock.

Bock bock ba bock ba bock.

Whoa.

FEIST: [SINGING] We're counting to four.

FEIST: [SINGING] Oh.

FEIST: [SINGING] Counting to four.

Counting to four.

Counting to four.

[MUSIC - FEIST, "1234"]

Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary	Meanings
monster /ˈmɒnstər/ A2	noun - a large, frightening creature
count /kaʊnt/ A1	verb - to say numbers in order
number /ˈnʌmbər/ A1	noun - a mathematical value used for counting
favorite /ˈfeɪvərɪt/ A2	adjective - preferred before all others
chicken /ˈtʃɪkɪn/ A1	noun - a domestic fowl kept for its eggs or meat
floor /flɔːr/ A1	noun - the bottom surface of a room
shore /ʃɔːr/ B1	noun - the land along the edge of a sea or lake
more /mɔːr/ A1	adverb - a greater or additional amount
see /siː/ A1	verb - to perceive with the eyes
counting /ˈkaʊntɪŋ/ A1	verb - the action of saying numbers in order
by /baɪ/ A1	preposition - near or next to

Key Grammar Structures

• One, two, three, four monsters walking 'cross the floor.

  ➔ Counting numbers with a present participle verb ('walking') to describe an ongoing action.

  ➔ The use of a present participle ('walking') following the numbers shows an ongoing activity.

• I love counting, counting to the number four.

  ➔ Use of the verb 'love' followed by an -ing form ('counting') to express a preference or enjoyment.

  ➔ The structure 'love' + -ing form shows enjoyment or preference for an activity.

• My favorite number, nothing can compare.

  ➔ Use of 'nothing can compare' as a fixed expression meaning 'nothing is better or equal'.

  ➔ This phrase emphasizes that the number is unmatched or exceptional.

• We're counting to four.

  ➔ Present continuous tense ('are counting') used to indicate an ongoing action.

  ➔ The 'be' + verb ending in -ing expresses an action happening right now.

• I see four here. I see four there.

  ➔ Use of the verb 'see' to indicate perception of objects or quantities in different locations.

  ➔ The verb 'see' here functions to show perception of the presence or quantity of objects.

• Bock, bock, ba bock.

  ➔ Onomatopoeic expression mimicking the sound made by chickens.

  ➔ This is an onomatopoeic sequence representing the sounds chickens make.