The Lazy Song by Bruno Mars

Question

Could I ask several questions about “The Lazy Song” by Bruno Mars?

Thank you so much in advance.

Part of its lyrics is as follows:

Today I don't feel like doing anything
I just wanna lay in my bed

Don't feel like picking up my phone
So leave a message at the tone
Cus today I swear I'm not doing anything

I'm gonna kick my feet up and stare at the fan
Turn the TV on
Throw my hand in my pants
Nobodys gon' tell me I can't

I'll be loungin on the couch just chillin in my snuggie
Click to MTV so they can teach me how to dougie
Cus in my castle I'm the freakin man
------------------------------------------------------------------

I might mess around and get my college degree
I bet my old man would be so proud of me
But sorry pops you'll just have to wait

Question 1:

Shouldn’t it be “lie in the bed?” Or “lay in the bed” is also acceptable?

Question 2:

Is there any difference between “leave a message at the tone” and “leave a message after the tone?”

Question 3: Is “freaking” euphemism for “fucking?” If yes, then does it mean something positive for negative?

Question 4: Does “pops” here mean “father?” If yes, then shouldn’t it be “pop?”

Question 5: Does “throw my hand in my pants” mean anything special or, you know, it’s just some kind of behavior?

Ivanhr · Accepted Answer

1. "Lie" is better but "lay" is also heard (many people think this usage is incorrect as "lay" is normally transient )

2. For me, "at" denotes the start of the tone/beep. (if the tone is relatively short there would practically be no difference between the two words. You may want to hear other people as well)

3. Yes, it replaces the f word. It's just used to emphasize that you're the man in your home

4. Usually it's papa or pops

5. This refers to self-gratification.

Wrandom · Answer

1. Yes, "lie" is better but "lay" becoming more and more acceptable. According to something I read, the distinction has been blurring since the fourteenth century.

2. There is a literal different but both are understood. Leaving a message "at" the tone would be difficult because it would have to be on that moment only.

3. Yes, "freakin'" most likely started being used instead of the F word because of its similar sound and the the fact that "freak" is an interesting word in itself. You'll find english speakers use whichever f-word that comes to mind at any time if they want to avoid swearing. It is a intensifier, so it can be good or bad, however you want to use it.

4. Yes, "pop" is more correct but we like to throw extra sounds in sometimes.

5. Yes, I think it is a reference to that particular activity (look at the video clip). And the reference to "nobodys gonna tell me i cant..."

Bye

Wil

Anonymous · Answer

Thank you, Ivanhr and wrandom.

But excuse me for my poor English. Could I ask two more questions?

Ivanha,

Does “self-gratification” mean masturbation?

(Forgive me if I’m being too straight. I tried but I just couldn’t think of other proper and decent words to replace masturbation.)

wrandom,

Are you saying that “throw my hand in my pants” also mean “nobody’s gonna tell me I cant”?

Thank you again.

Ivanhr · Answer

Yes, that's what I meant. I'm  not really sure if people use that word much (or at all) but I couldn't think of anything more decent and I knew you'd understand.

Wrandom · Answer

hi, no i meant adults sometimes/often tell their children that its bad to ********** so here he's saying that he's going to do it and no one can tell him not to.

wil

JohnParis · Answer

Dear Anon,

I've read the thread and I think your English is quite good.

When it comes to song lyrics (a major reason many young people want to understand English), I have found it best not to try and correct or even think about the artist's English but, rather, to concentrate on the message he's trying to convey. This also applies to poetry.

In today's music, the younger the artist, the more likely you will find the English twisted and turned to express sentiments, emotions or the way his fans actually speak. There is nothing incorrect about this. Artistic expression is the purview of the performer. Intentional errors are frequently made to add to the alure of a song and its lyrics. If you like the beat and you get the drift of what the artist is trying to say, don't worry about the grammar. Just enjoy.

John

Anonymous · Answer

Thank you, Ivanhr!

Thank you, wrandom!

Thank you both for your patience. Thank you so much!

Anonymous · Answer

John,

Thank you for leaving a message here.

Actually when I ask questions about song lyrics, I’m not trying to correct any errors the artists made, I’m trying to learn. My English, to be honest, is quite poor. Song lyrics are pretty difficult for me to read. Hence, whenever I read some expressions or words I’m not familiar with, I start to worry I might distort the original message the artists try to convey.

Frankly speaking, I love learning English songs but I’m afraid I might not be able to do it due to my poor English ability.

The Lazy Song by Bruno Mars

Top answer

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

Related Questions