Display Bilingual:

They've sped up to the point where they provoke 00:53
The punchline before they have told the joke 00:56
Plenty of desperation to be seen 00:59
Starin' at the television screen 01:02
They've sped up to the point where they provoke 01:05
You to tell the fuckin' punchline before you have told the joke 01:08
Well sorry, sunshine, it doesn't exist 01:12
It wasn't in the Top 100 list 01:15
And it's the thousandth time that it's even bolder 01:17
Don't be surprised when you get bent over 01:21
They told you, but you were dyin' for it 01:25
She saw it and she grabbed it and it wasn't what it seemed 01:30
The kids all dream of makin' it, whatever that means 01:34
Another variation on a theme 01:37
A tangle on the television and the magazine 01:39
D'you reckon that they do it for a joke? 01:43
D'you reckon that they make 'em take an oath 01:46
That says that "We are defenders of any poser 01:49
Or professional pretender around" 01:54
And when did your list replace the twist and turn 02:01
Like a fist replaced a kiss? 02:05
Don't concern us with your bollocks 02:07
I don't want your prayer 02:10
Save it for the mornin' after 02:13
02:17
And it's the thousandth time that it's even bolder 02:39
Don't be surprised when you get bent over 02:43
They told you, but you were gaggin' for it 02:47
Let's have a game on the teddy picker 02:52
Not quick enough, can I have it quicker? 02:54
Already thick and you're gettin' thicker 02:56
Let's have a game on the teddy picker 02:59
Not quick enough, can I have it quicker? 03:01
Already thick and you're gettin' thicker 03:02
Presumin' that all things are equal 03:06
Who'd want to be men of the people 03:09
When there's people like you? 03:13
03:16

Teddy Picker – English Lyrics

📚 Don’t just sing along to "Teddy Picker" – train your ears, learn vocab, and become a language pro in the app!
By
Arctic Monkeys
Album
Favourite Worst Nightmare
Viewed
68,136,650
Language
Learn this song

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

Start Practicing
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

Do you remember what “provoke” or “desperation” means in "Teddy Picker"?

Hop into the app to practice now – quizzes, flashcards, and native-like pronunciation are waiting!

Key Grammar Structures

Coming Soon!

We're updating this section. Stay tuned!