Music Activity: Read, Listen, And Learn About "Whatever"

In a recent article on "Everyday Expressions To Know And Use", we discussed different expressions like check out (look at), figure out (determine, solve, understand), deal with (manage), and whatever.

Whatever can mean

• anything that  (in French = "qu’importe"),
• no matter what (in French = "quoi que ce soit"),
• never mind,
• I do not care, or
• it does not matter.

In the following music activity, we are going to read the lyrics (words) of a song called "Whatever" by Oasis. After, you can watch the music video to listen to the song. 

You will learn how the word, whatever, is used. In addition, you will learn some interesting everyday expressions and vocabulary.

"Whatever": The Lyrics

I'm free to be whatever I
Whatever I choose
And I'll sing the blues if I want

I'm free to say whatever I
Whatever I like
If it's wrong or right it's alright (also "all right", which means OK)

Always seems to me
You only see what people want you to see
How long's it gonna (going to) be
Before we get on the bus
And cause no fuss (dispute, perturbation)
Get a grip on yourself (make an effort to control your emotions and be calm)
It don't cost much

Free to be whatever you
Whatever you say
If it comes my way it's alright

You're free to be wherever you
Wherever you please (anywhere you want)
You can shoot the breeze (have a relaxed conversation and talk about things that are not important) if you want

It always seems to me
You only see what people want you to see
How long's it gonna be
Before we get on the bus
And cause no fuss
Get a grip on yourself
It don't cost much

I'm free to be whatever I
Whatever I choose
And I'll sing the blues if I want

Here in my mind
You know you might find
Something that you
You thought you once (at one time in the past) knew
But now it's all gone
And you know it's no fun
Yeah I know it's no fun
Oh I know it's no fun

I'm free to be whatever I
Whatever I choose
And I'll sing the blues if I want

I'm free to be whatever I
Whatever I choose
And I'll sing the blues if I want

Whatever you do
Whatever you say
Yeah I know it's alright

Whatever you do
Whatever you say
Yeah I know it's alright

What does whatever mean in the song?

Now, listen to the music video to help you figure out the meaning of whatever.

In the song, whatever means "anything that."

PRACTICE AND THINK IN ENGLISH

Can you give examples of how to use whatever?

Tell me by leaving a comment below or in a message by E-mail at kaufman.terry@gmail.com, if you like.

To learn how to leave a comment, please click for instructions in English or click for instructions in French. It is not necessary to have a Google account. After you type your comment, click on the menu, "Comment as" ("choisir une identité") and choose "Name" or "Anonymous".