Learn 16 new English idioms and phrasal verbs with one of America’s best Midwest hip-hop groups. Atmosphere is an American hip-hop duo currently consisting of rapper Slug and DJ Ant. The group formed in 1989 and has released six studio albums and ten EPs. Slug’s lyrics are usually metaphorical and autobiographical, and he often uses women as symbols in his music. In “Sunshine”, Slug tells us a simple story about waking up with a hangover and then going outside to enjoy a relaxing day in the sun.
Sunshine, sunshine. It’s fine.
I feel it in my skin warming up my mind.
Sometimes you got to give in to win.
I love the days when it shines. Whoah! Let it shine!
Phrasal Verbs and Vocabulary
- hangover (noun) – the headache and sick feeling you have the next day after drinking too much alcohol. I really don’t want to go to work today. I went to the company party last night, and I have a bad hangover.
- also, hungover (adjective) – Are you hungover? Your eyes are red and you look like hell.
- chill (verb) – to spend time relaxing. After work on Fridays, I usually chill with my coworkers.
- also, chill out (phrasal verb) – Do you want to chill out this Saturday?
- also, chill (adjective) – very calm and relaxing. I think Buddhist temple music is so chill. It’s makes me feel less nervous.
- dead in the eye (idiom) – directly; exactly; completely. The sunlight hit me dead in the eye. It was so bright, and I should have worn sunglasses.
- bump (idiom) – to dance; to enjoy music. People all over the world are bumping to hip-hop music. It’s incredible!
- take a look (phrasal verb) – to look at something with attention. Take a look at the new website. It looks great, doesn’t it?
- also, Take a look at this! Get a load of this! (idiom) – People say this when they are about to share something shocking or surprising.
- take a breath (phasal verb) – to breathe slowly and calmly, especially after exercise or something stressful. I’m sorry that you had a bad day at work. Just take a breath, and tell me what happened.
- give in (phrasal verb) – to admit that you have been defeated; to agree to do something you don’t want to do. I didn’t want to go to the party, but I finally gave in after my friend begged me to go.
- bust out (phrasal verb) – to produce; to reveal; to show. We have company coming over in a few hours. We should definitely bust out that new bottle of wine.
- let loose (phrasal verb) – to do something that is not controlled; to have fun. We have been working hard all week. I just want to go downtown and let loose tonight!
- figure out (phrasal verb) – to think about something until you understand it. I cannot figure how to use Windows 8. It’s very difficult!
- pull up (phrasal verb) – to slowly stop, especially a car. The police car slowly pulled up to my apartment. It was so scary!
Discussion Questions
How do you like to relax and chill out? What do you do? Do you like to hang out with your friends or do something alone? What is your perfect day? Does your perfect day include letting loose? Please write your comments below!