ESLSongs

“Then Again” is a song written for English teachers to use in the ESL classroom to practise the structure “I wish…” and it comes with an easy-to-use worksheet!

The lyrics of this song contains 11 different examples of the use of the verb WISH, 7 of which express a hypothetical present desire with “I WISH + past simple”, and 4 of which are “I WISH + past perfect” for past regrets.

• I wish that you were here
• I wish that you could help me
• I wish that I had money
• I wish that I could shower
• I wish that I had studied
• I wish I hadn’t acted
• I wish I hadn’t got…
• I wish I’d never started
• I wish I had a lover
• I wish I had more hair
• I wish I didn’t worry

This song comes with a worksheet and is available for download in mp3 so inspire your students to greatness in the classroom and practise grammar and vocabulary the fun way with this original song! To see other suggestions on how to use this song in class, click here.

Lyrics

How I wish that you were here with me
I wish that you would help me with my needs
Then again you always drive me crazy
You never listen and you never stop complaining

I wish that I had money in the bank
I wish that I could shower you with cash
Then again you’d just go out and spend it
On ugly clothes you’ll end up never wearing

No regrets, but then again…

I wish that I had studied more at school
I wish I hadn’t acted like a fool
Then again my teachers were so boring
I need a reason to get up every morning

I wish I hadn’t got those weird tattoos
I wish I’d never started drinking booze
Then again I always was a rebel
Then again my life is very stressful

No regrets, but then again…

But then again we all make mistakes
But then again you live and learn and that’s OK

Now I am so glad I’ve got my health
I’m glad that I don’t need anyone else
Then again I wish I had a lover
I wish I had more hair and that I were younger

I’m so glad I have more than I need
I’m so glad I’m happy and I’m free
Then again I wish I didn’t worry
About when I will die and all my money

No regrets, but then again…

Suggested activity: fill the gaps

Download this exercise (PDF)

Try to guess from the context where each of the “I wish…” phrases go. The listen to the song to check your answers.

• I wish I didn’t worry
• I wish I had a lover
• I wish I had more hair
• I wish I hadn’t acted
• I wish I hadn’t got
• I wish I’d never started
• I wish that I could shower
• I wish that I had money
• I wish that I had studied
• I wish that you could help me
• I wish that you were here

How ¹____________________ with me
²____________________ with my needs
Then again you always drive me crazy
You never listen and you never stop complaining

³____________________ in the bank
⁴____________________ you with cash
Then again you’d just go out and spend it
On ugly clothes you’ll end up never wearing

No regrets, but then again

⁵____________________ more at school
⁶____________________ like a fool
Then again my teachers were so boring
I need a reason to get up every morning

⁷____________________ those weird tattoos
⁸____________________ drinking booze
Then again I always was a rebel
Then again my life is very stressful

No regrets, but then again

But then again we all make mistakes
But then again you live and learn and that’s OK

Now I am so glad I’ve got my health
I’m glad that I don’t need anyone else
Then again ⁹____________________
¹⁰____________________ and that I were younger

I’m so glad I have more than I need
I’m so glad I’m happy and I’m free
Then again ¹¹____________________
About when I will die and all my money

No regrets, but then again

If you enjoyed the song or if you think it will be useful for your students at least, remember this song comes with a worksheet and is available for download in mp3