Massachusetts – English Lyrics

• By: Jensen McRae

Lyrics & Translation

“Massachusetts” is an excellent song for English language learners due to its contemporary folk-pop style that features clear, conversational vocals and emotionally precise storytelling. You can learn to use 'hyper-specific' details to create universal meaning, as McRae masterfully uses small, personal references to a specific ex-boyfriend—like 'pilgrim ashtrays' and 'Christian Bale as Batman'—to encapsulate a feeling that anyone who has experienced a memorable breakup can understand. The song's clarity and emotional depth make it a perfect example of modern, poetic English songwriting.

[English]

When someone tells me they're from Massachusetts

Now I always ask, "What part?"

I wonder if you kept the pilgrim ashtray

If it's still propped up on your bar cart

Could make a grand off of the chain you bought me

But goddamn, it's not for sale

When someone asks me who's my favorite Batman

I'll think of you and say, "Christian Bale"

As long as I live, I'll remember the names

Of your favorite beers and your video games

The look on your face when you turned 26

And your dad got too stoned, yeah, that one's gonna stick

You broke me to pieces, but I root for you

Even though everything went up in flames

I'll never forget how I bloomed for your gaze

Or your wall of guitars or your video games

Or your video games

Or your video games

Pick up your phrases, now I say, "It's aces," but it always sounds so fake

I wonder if your tongue is turning over anything I used to say

Your sister's trying for a baby lately and your parents got new jobs

It's getting darker, so I turn you down, but I can't turn you off, oh-oh

As long as I live, I'll remember the names

Of your favorite beers and your video games

The look on your face when you turned 26

And your dad got too stoned, yeah, that one's gonna stick

You broke me to pieces, but I root for you

Even though everything went up in flames

I'll never forget how I bloomed for your gaze

Or your wall of guitars or your video games

Or your video games

Or your video games

...

At least I'm treading water and not about to drown

I'm not trying to find you, babe, you're just around

Everything reminds me of you, even now

Even now, even now

As long as I live, I'll remember the names

Of your favorite beers and your video games

The fire in my gut that I've chased ever since

You set the bar, you're gonna stick

...

Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary	Meanings
Massachusetts ˌmæsəˈtʃuːsɪts A1	noun - a state in the northeastern United States
pilgrim ˈpɪlɡrɪm A2	noun - a traveler or pilgrim, especially one on a religious journey
ashtray ˈæʃˌtreɪ A1	noun - a container for cigarette ashes
propped prɒpt A2	verb - to support or hold up something
grand ɡrænd A1	noun - a thousand dollars
goddamn ɡɒdˈdæm B1	adjective - used to express anger or frustration
Batman ˈbætˌmæn A1	noun - a fictional superhero character
Christian ˈkrɪstʃən A1	adjective - relating to Christianity
Bale beɪl A1	noun - a bundle of something, often straw or hay
bloomed bluːmd A2	verb - to produce flowers; to flourish
guitars ɡɪˈtɑːrz A1	noun - a musical instrument with strings
aces ˈeɪsɪz A2	noun - something excellent or remarkable
treading ˈtrɛdɪŋ A2	verb - to walk or step on something
water ˈwɔːtər A1	noun - a clear liquid essential for life
chased tʃeɪst A2	verb - to pursue or follow

Key Grammar Structures

• When someone tells me they're from Massachusetts

  ➔ Present Simple with 'when'

  ➔ The phrase 'When someone tells me' uses the present simple to describe a habitual or general situation, emphasizing that this action happens regularly.

• I wonder if you kept the pilgrim ashtray

  ➔ Present Simple with 'wonder if'

  ➔ The phrase 'I wonder if' is used to express uncertainty or curiosity about a present or future situation, here about whether the ashtray was kept.

• Could make a grand off of the chain you bought me

  ➔ Modal Verb 'Could' for Possibility

  ➔ The modal verb 'could' is used to express a possible action in the past or present, here suggesting the potential to make money from the chain.

• As long as I live, I'll remember the names

  ➔ Future Simple with 'will' after 'as long as'

  ➔ The phrase 'As long as I live, I'll remember' uses the future simple with 'will' to express a promise or certainty about a future action, here about remembering names.

• You broke me to pieces, but I root for you

  ➔ Past Simple vs. Present Simple

  ➔ The contrast between 'You broke me to pieces' (past simple) and 'I root for you' (present simple) highlights a past action and a current ongoing feeling.

• Pick up your phrases, now I say, 'It's aces,' but it always sounds so fake

  ➔ Present Simple with Reporting Verbs

  ➔ The phrase 'now I say' uses the present simple with a reporting verb to describe a habitual action, here about adopting someone else's phrases.

• It's getting darker, so I turn you down, but I can't turn you off

  ➔ Present Continuous vs. Present Simple

  ➔ The contrast between 'It's getting darker' (present continuous) and 'I turn you down' (present simple) shows a temporary situation versus a habitual action.

• Everything reminds me of you, even now

  ➔ Present Simple with 'remind'

  ➔ The phrase 'Everything reminds me of you' uses the present simple to describe an ongoing situation where things continuously trigger memories.