Teddy Picker – English Lyrics

• By: Arctic Monkeys
• Album: Favourite Worst Nightmare

Lyrics & Translation

Dive into the fast-paced, energetic world of Arctic Monkeys with "Teddy Picker"! This track from their second album is a masterclass in sharp, observational lyricism, offering insights into British rock slang and the band's signature wit. By exploring its commentary on fame and the music industry, you can grasp nuances of English expression while enjoying a truly iconic indie-punk sound. What makes it special is its clever use of metaphor and Alex Turner's distinctive, rapid-fire vocal delivery, making it a dynamic listen for language learners and music fans alike.

[English]

They've sped up to the point where they provoke

The punchline before they have told the joke

Plenty of desperation to be seen

Starin' at the television screen

They've sped up to the point where they provoke

You to tell the fuckin' punchline before you have told the joke

Well sorry, sunshine, it doesn't exist

It wasn't in the Top 100 list

And it's the thousandth time that it's even bolder

Don't be surprised when you get bent over

They told you, but you were dyin' for it

She saw it and she grabbed it and it wasn't what it seemed

The kids all dream of makin' it, whatever that means

Another variation on a theme

A tangle on the television and the magazine

D'you reckon that they do it for a joke?

D'you reckon that they make 'em take an oath

That says that "We are defenders of any poser

Or professional pretender around"

And when did your list replace the twist and turn

Like a fist replaced a kiss?

Don't concern us with your bollocks

I don't want your prayer

Save it for the mornin' after

...

And it's the thousandth time that it's even bolder

Don't be surprised when you get bent over

They told you, but you were gaggin' for it

Let's have a game on the teddy picker

Not quick enough, can I have it quicker?

Already thick and you're gettin' thicker

Let's have a game on the teddy picker

Not quick enough, can I have it quicker?

Already thick and you're gettin' thicker

Presumin' that all things are equal

Who'd want to be men of the people

When there's people like you?

...

Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary	Meanings
provoke /prəˈvoʊk/ B2	verb - to stimulate or give rise to a reaction or emotion
desperation /ˌdɛspəˈreɪʃən/ B2	noun - a state of despair or hopelessness
television /ˌtɛlɪˈvɪʒən/ A2	noun - a device for transmitting visual images and sound
joke /dʒoʊk/ A1	noun - something said or done to cause laughter
punchline /ˈpʊntʃˌlaɪn/ B1	noun - the final part of a joke that provides the humor
bold /boʊld/ B2	adjective - showing courage or confidence
twist /twɪst/ B2	noun - an unexpected change in a story or situation verb - to turn or bend something
pretender /prɪˈtɛn.dər/ C1	noun - a person who claims a right or title they do not possess
gaggin' /ˈgægɪn/ B2	verb (informal) - to feel like vomiting
game /ɡeɪm/ A2	noun - an activity involving skill or chance
thick /θɪk/ B2	adjective - having a large distance between opposite sides