Throw the 'R' Away
Linguistic Dilemma: Shedding 'R' to Connect
Lyrics
I've been so sad
Feeling sad
Since you said my accent was bad
Upset by criticism of accent
He's worn a frown
Expressing sadness with a frown
This Caledonia clown
Referring to oneself as a clown from Caledonia (Scotland)
I'm just going to have to learn to hesitate
Will learn to hesitate in speech
To make sure my words
Being cautious with words
On your Saxen ears don't grate
Acknowledging different linguistic backgrounds
But I wouldn't know a single word to say
Expressing difficulty in finding appropriate words
If I flattened all the vowels
If altering pronunciation (flattening vowels) and discarding 'r'
And threw the 'are' away
Challenges of communication with changed language
You say that if I want to get ahead
Advice to abandon current language for success
The language I use should he left for dead
Suggesting the current language is hindering progress
It doesn't please your ears
Not pleasing the listener's ears
And though you tell it like a leg pull
Listener is skeptical, treating advice as a joke
I think your still full of John Bull
Accusing the listener of nationalistic pride
You just refuse to bear
Refusal to tolerate or endure
Some days I stand
Being present in England (green and pleasant land)
On your green and pleasant land
Concerns about acceptance due to speech
Now dare I show face
Hesitation to appear when language is a disgrace
When my diction is such a disgrace
Oh what can I do
Expressing helplessness in communication
To be understood by you
Seeking a solution to be understood
Perhaps for some money
Humorous suggestion of using a different language for money
I could talk like a bee dripping honey.
Metaphorically offering sweet talk for financial gain
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