What the song is about
The song is about good manners. It explains when we use three simple words: please when we ask for something, thank you when someone helps us, and sorry when we do something wrong. The bridge shows that after an argument, talking and apologizing can bring people closer again.
Useful words and expressions
- a favor: something you ask another person to do for you. Can you do me a favor?
- politely: in a kind, respectful way (adjective: polite).
- the way to go: the best thing to do.
- to change the mood: to make people feel different, usually better.
- to need a hand: to need help. Do you need a hand with that bag?
- grateful: thankful. I'm grateful for your help.
- to do wrong: to do something bad or not fair.
- to argue: to disagree with someone angrily.
- unfair: not fair, not right.
- to talk it out: to talk about a problem until it is solved.
- to clear the air: to end bad feelings by talking openly.
- an apology: the act of saying sorry (verb: to apologize).
- to open the door: here, to make something possible.
Grammar
- Polite requests with can: Can you help me, please? Adding please makes a request polite. Could you…? is even more polite.
- Present simple for general truths and habits: When someone helps you, you say "Thank you." The song uses you to mean people in general.
- When / if clauses: When you want a favor, what do you say? and If you do wrong, just say… Both clauses use the present simple.
- Imperatives: Just say please, do not worry. The word just makes the advice sound easy and friendly.
- Comparatives: much closer than ever before. Much makes the comparison stronger.
Watch out
- The song sings I am sorry and do not worry in full forms. In everyday speech people almost always say I'm sorry and don't worry.
- They keep us happy and keep us good is chosen to rhyme with mood. Keep us good is unusual; people normally say help us be good or keep us kind.
- These simple words help us understand ends without saying what we understand, because it needs to rhyme with hand. In normal English, understand here would usually have an object, such as understand each other.
- To start the day is there mostly for the rhyme with say; polite requests are not only for the morning.