Bummerland – English Lyrics

• By: AJR
• Album: OK Orchestra

Lyrics & Translation

Learning a new language can feel like being in "Bummerland" at times, but AJR's song reminds us that embracing the struggle is part of the journey to success. Through its clever and relatable English lyrics about overcoming disappointment, you can learn conversational phrases and idioms while being motivated by its hopeful message. This song is special because it turns a negative experience into a powerful and catchy anthem of resilience, a perfect companion for your language learning adventure.

[English]

Bummerland, here I am

Better nix my summer plans

Bummerland, give a cheer

'Cause you're only going up from here

...

This month, I got seven haircuts

And now my hair is all gone

...

It's sad but I've been alone for too long

So I keep getting haircuts

It's my all time low

And I just can't wait

'Cause the quicker I'm there

Is the quicker I'll say

Bummerland, here I am

Better nix my summer plans

Bummerland, give a cheer

'Cause you're only going up from here

Bummerland, here I am

Better nix my summer plans

Bummerland, sorry dear

But you're only going up from here

My friends always pay for my drinks

I can't afford no nice things

...

But I hope my bank account gets so low

Even zero

So next year

When I buy that first beer

I'll be a goddamn hero

It's my all time low

And I just can't wait

'Cause the quicker I'm there

Is the quicker I'll say

Bummerland, here I am

Better nix my summer plans

Bummerland, sorry dear

But you're only going up from here

Daa da-da da

Daa da-da da

Daa da-da da ('cause you're only going up from here)

Daa da-da da

It's my all time low

And I just can't wait

'Cause the quicker I'm there

Is the quicker I'll say

Bummerland, here I am

Better nix my summer plans

Bummerland, give a cheer

'Cause you're only going up from here

Bummerland, here I am

And there ain't no funner land

Bummerland, it's kinda weird

But you're only going up from here

...

Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary	Meanings
bummerland /ˈbʌmərˌlænd/ A2	noun - a fictional or exaggerated place reflecting disappointment or negativity
plans /plænz/ A2	noun - detailed proposals or arrangements for doing something in the future
cheer /tʃɪər/ A2	noun - a shout of encouragement, approval, or celebration
gain /ɡeɪn/ B1	verb - to obtain or achieve something
low /loʊ/ A2	adjective - not high in position, amount, or level
wait /weɪt/ A2	verb - stay in place until something happens or a certain time passes
low /loʊ/ A2	noun - a position or level that is below others
land /lænd/ A2	noun - the part of the Earth's surface that is not covered by water
funny /ˈfʌn.i/ B2	adjective - causing laughter or amusement
weird /wɪrd/ C1	adjective - strange or unusual in a way that is difficult to understand or explain

Key Grammar Structures

• Bummerland, here I am

  ➔ Present Simple

  ➔ The phrase "here I am" uses the present simple tense to indicate a current state of being.

• Better nix my summer plans

  ➔ Imperative Mood

  ➔ The word "nix" is used in the imperative mood to give a command or suggestion.

• It's sad but I've been alone for too long

  ➔ Present Perfect Continuous

  ➔ The phrase "I've been alone for too long" uses the present perfect continuous to express an action that started in the past and continues to the present.

• But I hope my bank account gets so low

  ➔ Subjunctive Mood

  ➔ The phrase "I hope my bank account gets so low" expresses a wish or desire, which is often conveyed using the subjunctive mood.

• I'll be a goddamn hero

  ➔ Future Simple

  ➔ The phrase "I'll be a goddamn hero" uses the future simple tense to express a future intention or prediction.

• You're only going up from here

  ➔ Present Continuous

  ➔ The phrase "you're only going up from here" uses the present continuous tense to indicate an ongoing action or trend.

• It's my all time low

  ➔ Present Simple

  ➔ The phrase "it's my all time low" uses the present simple tense to express a current state or condition.