Two Essential Phrasal Verbs and Music

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Two Essential Phrasal Verbs and Music
October 19, 2009

Do you feel busy? Maybe you are too busy to study English sometimes. This is pretty common. Many people are two busy to do the things that they really want to do.

For example, I really wanted to send you all a newsletter at the beginning of October.

Look at the date! I missed by two weeks, but I did learn something. We are never too busy for something, we just choose to do something else.

“Success usually comes to those who are too busy
to be looking for it.” - Henry David Thoreau

So, what did I learn and what do I want you to think about?

You are not too busy to study English.

YES, you might be busy...and some of those activities might be really important, but you do have time. You just have to find time and also find ways to study.

This month

I wanted to send you a music video that I have loved since the moment I watched it almost a year ago. I wish I had shared it with you sooner.

Note: I've noticed that A LOT of people are enjoying the Learning English with Music section of the website, and I will be adding some great resources and more music in the months to come.

Have you ever heard of the band “CAKE”?

If you haven't then I suggest that you listen to some of their music. They have some really great songs, and the words are very clear and easy to sing along to.

Here is a great one called, “Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps”.

I especially like the video, which I found on YouTube. If the video doesn't work in your email, then just visit the following URL:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PqQQrLPdyws

The Lyrics are below...

Don't know how to pronounce Perhaps?

Want to ask a pronunciation question?

Click here to ask Charles Becker.

The man behind the "Best Accent Training Mp3's ".

Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps

By Cake

You wont admit you love me.
And so how am I ever to know?
You only tell me
Perhaps, perhaps, perhaps.

A million times I ask you,
And then I ask you over again.
You only answer
Perhaps, perhaps, perhaps.

If you cant make your mind up,
Well never get started.
And I don't wanna wind up
Being parted, broken-hearted.
So if you really love me,
Say yes.
But if you don't, dear, confess.
And please don't tell me
Perhaps, perhaps, perhaps.

If you cant make your mind up,
Well never get started.
And I don't wanna wind up
Being parted, broken-hearted.
So if you really love me,
Say yes.
But if you don't, dear, confess.
And please don't tell me

Perhaps, perhaps, perhaps,
Perhaps, perhaps, perhaps,
Perhaps, perhaps, perhaps.

Looking a little closer at the song.

There are a couple of phrasal verbs in this short song which are incredibly useful. So let's explore each of them.

1) Make up your mind/Make your mind up

This phrasal verb refers to the action of deciding something. For example, if you decide to go on vacation and you have finished planning, you could say that you mind is made up, you are going to Canada for Christmas.

2) To wind up

This means how something will be in the end (or end up) or the conclusion of any action. For example, I do not want to wind up with arthritis so I need to exercise and eat well.

More Examples

The boy wound up in the hospital because he hit a tree while driving drunk.

I needed to make up my mind about the tickets, or else the man was going to sell them to the other man.

I didn't want to wind up in prison, so I didn't steal the cd's like my friends.

My husband couldn't make up his mind about our vacation, so we just stayed home.

If I don't send the contract to the client by 5pm I could wind up on the street and jobless.

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Have a wonderful day everyone!
Cheers,

Diana Tower
http://www.helping-you-learn-english.com