Different Colors – English Lyrics

• By: WALK THE MOON

Lyrics & Translation

Learning a language can be a colorful journey, and WALK THE MOON's "Different Colors" is the perfect soundtrack. This song's powerful and clear lyrics about unity and celebrating differences offer a great way to pick up new vocabulary and practice pronunciation. What makes it special is its uplifting message of acceptance, making the learning process not just educational, but also inspiring.

[English]

Ooh, ooh, ooh

Ooh, ooh, ooh

...

Ooh, ooh, ooh

...

Coming up slowly, oh, sun over the hill

Daylight's still a long time comin', but I know it will

Been under their spell, oh, but we're comin' awake

So we'll be rude, we'll be loud as long as it takes

This is why, this is why

We crank the dial to the right

Ooh, this is why we're bitin' the bullet

We know the kids are right (sing!)

Ooh, different colors

Ooh, we carry each other

Ooh, we're just different colors

This is why we're bitin' the bullet

We know the kids are right

We keep crankin' the music up, drivin' through our town

But they don't wanna hear, they want us to turn it down

So come on lovers, come on haters, tonight we raise a fire

'Cause when the people get to dancin', they forget about takin' sides

This is why, this is why

We crank the dial to the right

Ooh, this is why we're bitin' the bullet

We know the kids are right (sing!)

Ooh, different colors

Ooh, we carry each other

Ooh, we're just different colors

This is why we're bitin' the bullet

We know the kids are right

(For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction)

We're comin' awake, out of your spell

As long as it takes, we're comin' awake

We're comin' awake, out of your spell

As long as it takes, we're comin' awake

This is why, this is why

We crank the dial to the right

This is why we're bitin' the bullet

We know the kids are right

I said this is why, this is why

We turn it up all night

Oh, this is why we're bitin' the bullet

We know the kids are right

Ooh, different colors

Ooh, we carry each other

Ooh, we're just different colors

This is why we're bitin' the bullet

We know the kids are right

Different colors

We carry each other (oh, yeah)

We're just different colors

This is why we're bitin' the bullet

We know the kids are right

...

Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary	Meanings
color /ˈkʌlər/ A1	noun - the property of objects that depends on the light they reflect, perceived by the human eye as red, blue, green, etc.
different /ˈdɪfrənt/ A1	adjective - not the same as another or each other; unlike in nature, form, or quality.
carry /ˈkæri/ A2	verb - to support and move (someone or something) from one place to another; (in the context 'carry each other') to support or help someone.
bite /baɪt/ B1	verb - (idiom 'bite the bullet') to face a difficult or unpleasant situation with courage and endurance.
bullet /ˈbʊlɪt/ B1	noun - a small metal projectile fired from a gun. (Part of the idiom 'bite the bullet').
crank /kræŋk/ B2	verb - to turn a crank or handle; (in the song 'crank the dial', 'crank up the music') to increase the volume or intensity of something.
dial /ˈdaɪəl/ B1	noun - a face of a clock, watch, or compass, or the control on a radio, etc., that is turned to select a particular setting.
awake /əˈweɪk/ A2	adjective - not asleep; (metaphorically in the song) becoming aware, alert, or conscious.
spell /spɛl/ B2	noun - a form of words used as a magical charm or incantation; a state of enchantment or fascination, or a period of strong influence or control over someone.
rude /ruːd/ B1	adjective - offensively impolite or ill-mannered; (in the song) assertive, defiant, or unapologetically prominent.
loud /laʊd/ A2	adjective - producing or capable of producing much noise; (in the song) making a lot of noise, being heard clearly.
fire /ˈfaɪər/ A1	noun - combustion or burning; (in 'raise a fire') metaphorical for creating excitement, passion, or even conflict.
lover /ˈlʌvər/ B1	noun - a person who loves another person or thing; an enthusiast or admirer; (in the song) people who support or share affection.
hater /ˈheɪtər/ B2	noun - a person who intensely dislikes someone or something, often expressing negativity or criticism.
side /saɪd/ A1	noun - a position or direction; (in 'taking sides') a group or party that is in opposition to another, or a particular opinion or standpoint.
action /ˈækʃən/ A2	noun - the fact or process of doing something, typically to achieve an aim.
reaction /riˈækʃən/ B1	noun - an act in response to something else.
opposite /ˈɒpəzɪt/ A2	adjective - situated on the other side or at an opposing position.
dance /dɑːns/ A1	verb - to move rhythmically to music, typically following a set sequence of steps.
people /ˈpiːpl/ A1	noun - human beings in general or considered collectively.

Key Grammar Structures

• Daylight's still a long time comin', but I know it will

  ➔ Future with 'will' + gerund phrase as subject

  ➔ The sentence uses 'will' to express a future certainty. The subject is a gerund phrase – “Daylight’s still a long time comin'” – acting as a noun. The phrase describes the *action* of daylight arriving.

• Been under their spell, oh, but we're comin' awake

  ➔ Present Perfect Continuous ('been') + Present Continuous ('we're comin')

  ➔ The sentence contrasts a past state (“been under their spell”) with a current process of change (“we’re comin’ awake”). The 'been' indicates a state that started in the past and continued until recently. The 'we're comin'' shows an ongoing process.

• So we'll be rude, we'll be loud as long as it takes

  ➔ Future with 'will' + Adverbial Clause of Time ('as long as')

  ➔ The sentence expresses a future intention contingent on a condition. “As long as it takes” specifies the duration for which they will maintain their behavior. The repetition of 'we'll be' emphasizes their commitment.

• We keep crankin' the music up, drivin' through our town

  ➔ Present Continuous used for habitual action ('keep crankin') + Present Participle as a result clause ('drivin')

  ➔ The phrase 'keep crankin'' indicates a repeated action. 'Drivin' through our town' functions as a result of cranking up the music, creating a sense of continuous action and momentum. The 'keep' emphasizes the persistence of the action.

• But they don't wanna hear, they want us to turn it down

  ➔ Negative Imperative ('don't wanna hear') + Infinitive of Purpose ('to turn it down')

  ➔ The sentence expresses opposition. 'Don't wanna hear' is an informal way of expressing a negative command. 'To turn it down' explains the reason for their opposition – they want the music lowered.