– English Lyrics

Lyrics & Translation

[English]

Beginning on Wednesday night, I observed my parents

arguing over the possibility of us moving to Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Ugh, Oklahoma.

The argument escalated and then my father stormed out

and bought a Fiero.

(voice breaking): And then I went to my Meemaw's

and slept in my underwear!

(sobbing)

(door opens)

That's it; I've wasted my life.

(music plays quietly on radio)

You want to tell me what happened?

Instead of remaining a neutral observer,

I got emotional in front of the whole class.

Well, that's not a big deal.

Yes, it is; I'm a scientist.

You never hear about Newton crying like a baby

when he got brutalized by an apple.

I think you're being a little tough on yourself.

I wonder why this is affecting me so much.

Well, maybe it has something to do with your parents arguing.

Us moving? I don't think so.

Texas, Oklahoma... what's the difference?

Hey, now, I think you might want to crack open

your psychology textbook 'cause that there is crazy talk.

I did read a chapter on repressing emotions.

I suppose I could've been doing that to avoid dealing

with the fear of change,

and moving would certainly be a big change.

That's very astute. I'd have a new room,

in a new house,

and the new house would probably have a different smell,

and I probably wouldn't like that smell

because I don't like new smells,

and I'd be going to a new school with new kids and new teachers,

and I bet they'd all smell different, as well.

Okay, now calm down.

That's easy for you to say.

Your olfactory senses aren't about to be assaulted

by the state of Oklahoma.

Okay, let's try a different approach.

Can I take you to get some ice cream?

I'm having an emotional crisis, Meemaw!

You can't fix that with ice cream.

Right. Sorry.

You want to go to Radio Shack?

Yes, I want to go to Radio Shack!

Well, sir, that's the tour.

What do you think, nicer than East Texas?

(chuckles) Very impressive.

Not sure how you did it,

but that is the least disgusting locker room I've ever been in.

Yes, sir.

Every bit of it's brand, spanking new.

I bet if you had to, you could even eat lunch in there.

(laughs) So what do you say, George?

I could sure use a man with your track record

to coach special teams. Please.

Thank you. I got to say, I'm real tempted.

How does the family feel about relocating?

Oh, they're all pretty excited about the opportunity.

The kids see it as an adventure.

So why am I feeling like you got some hesitation?

If it's about the money,

I believe I can get you some more money.

No, no, no, the money's good.

Well, that's it, then. You're gonna fit in perfectly

with our program here.

We got a lovely little house for you and your family,

and best of all,

you're gonna be out of Texas. (laughs)

I thought you started out in Houston?

Shh. I'm trying to fit in around here.

(both laugh)

So we have a deal?

(sighs)

What happened?

Can I take my coat off?

No. What happened?

(sighs) I turned it down.

Why?

'Cause you're afraid of Mom?

'Cause I don't want to live in Oklahoma.

George.

What difference does it make, Mare?

We're not moving.

ADULT SHELDON: As a child, I never understood

the sacrifices my father made for his family's happiness,

which made me somewhat less compassionate

than I should've been.

SHELDON: Yay! We're not moving!

MISSY: We're staying in Texas!

(all cheering, laughing)

Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary	Meanings
observed /əbˈzɜːrvd/ B1	verb - to watch or notice something carefully
arguing /ˈɑːrɡjuɪŋ/ A2	verb - to give reasons or cite evidence for or against an idea
escalated /ˈɛskəleɪtɪd/ B1	verb - to increase in intensity, magnitude, or severity
stormed /stɔːrmd/ B1	verb - to move angrily or suddenly
emotional /ɪˈmoʊʃənl/ A2	adjective - relating to feelings or emotions
neutral /ˈnjuːtrəl/ A2	adjective - not supporting or helping either side in a conflict
scientist /ˈsaɪəntɪst/ A1	noun - a person who is trained in science
repressing /rɪˈprɛsɪŋ/ B2	verb - to restrain or suppress
astute /əˈstjuːt/ B2	adjective - showing a sharp mind or cleverness
olfactory /ˈɒl.fə.tɔː.ri/ C1	adjective - relating to the sense of smell
assaulted /əˈsɔːltɪd/ B1	verb - to attack violently
hesitation /ˌhɛzɪˈteɪʃən/ B1	noun - a pause or delay before an action
relocating /riːˈloʊkeɪtɪŋ/ B1	verb - to move to a different place
compassionate /kəmˈpæʃənət/ B2	adjective - feeling or showing sympathy and concern for others

Key Grammar Structures

• Beginning on Wednesday night, I observed my parents arguing over the possibility of us moving to Tulsa, Oklahoma.

  ➔ Present Perfect Continuous (have been + verb-ing)

  ➔ The phrase "have been arguing" highlights an action that started in the past and continues to the present.

• The argument escalated and then my father stormed out and bought a Fiero.

  ➔ Past Simple (verb + -ed)

  ➔ The verbs "escalated," "stormed," and "bought" are in the past simple, indicating completed actions.

• (voice breaking): And then I went to my Meemaw's and slept in my underwear!

  ➔ Past Continuous (was/were + verb-ing)

  ➔ The phrase "was sleeping" (implied by context) indicates an ongoing action in the past.

• Well, maybe it has something to do with your parents arguing.

  ➔ Present Perfect (have + past participle)

  ➔ The phrase "has something to do" uses the present perfect to connect past actions to the present.

• I suppose I could've been doing that to avoid dealing with the fear of change.

  ➔ Modal Verb + Perfect Infinitive (could have + past participle)

  ➔ The phrase "could've been doing" (contraction of "could have been doing") expresses a past possibility.

• That's very astute.

  ➔ Adjective Complement (subject + verb + adjective)

  ➔ The phrase "That's very astute" uses an adjective complement to describe the subject.

• I'd have a new room, in a new house, and the new house would probably have a different smell.

  ➔ Conditional Sentence (if + past simple, would + base verb)

  ➔ The phrase "would probably have" is a conditional sentence expressing a probable outcome.

• You can't fix that with ice cream.

  ➔ Modal Verb for Prohibition (can't + base verb)

  ➔ The phrase "can't fix" uses a modal verb to express prohibition.