In this blog post, you will learn how to improve your English language skills with an amazing cover of Suzanne Vega’s “Tom’s Diner” performed by AnnenMayKantereit featuring Giant Rooks. Discover how to use the lyrics to expand your grammar (Present Simple and Present Continuous), practice pronunciation, and enhance your listening comprehension skills.
Tom's Diner
This cover of “Tom’s Diner” is a shortened version of the original song by Suzanne Vega. It describes the singer sitting in a diner, waiting for her coffee to be poured by the man behind the counter. She notices a couple kissing hello and pretends not to see them, pouring her milk instead. The lyrics emphasize the routine and familiarity of the setting and the people who frequent it, with the repeated phrase “It is always nice to see you” conveying a sense of warmth and community. The simple and repetitive melody of the song adds to the feeling of routine and familiarity. Overall, the cover reflects on the small moments and interactions in daily life that can bring a sense of comfort and connection.
Cette reprise de “Tom’s Diner” est une version abrégée de la chanson originale de Suzanne Vega. Elle décrit la chanteuse assise dans un diner, attendant que l’homme derrière le comptoir lui serve son café. Elle remarque un couple qui s’embrasse en se saluant et fait semblant de ne pas les voir, versant son lait à la place. Les paroles mettent en évidence la routine et la familiarité de l’endroit ainsi que des gens qui le fréquentent, avec la phrase répétée “It is always nice to see you” qui transmet une impression de chaleur et de communauté. La mélodie simple et répétitive de la chanson ajoute à cette sensation de routine et de familiarité. Dans l’ensemble, cette reprise évoque les petits moments et interactions de la vie quotidienne qui peuvent procurer une sensation de confort et de connexion.
Diese Cover-Version von “Tom’s Diner” ist eine verkürzte Version des Originalsongs von Suzanne Vega. Sie beschreibt die Sängerin, wie sie in einem Diner sitzt und darauf wartet, dass der Mann hinter dem Tresen ihr Kaffee einschenkt. Sie bemerkt ein Paar, das sich begrüßt und küsst, und gibt vor, sie nicht zu sehen, indem sie stattdessen ihre Milch einschenkt. Die Lyrics betonen die Routine und Vertrautheit der Umgebung und der Menschen, die sie häufig besuchen, wobei der wiederholte Satz “Es ist immer schön, dich zu sehen” ein Gefühl von Wärme und Gemeinschaft vermittelt. Die einfache und repetitive Melodie des Songs verstärkt das Gefühl von Routine und Vertrautheit. Insgesamt reflektiert das Cover die kleinen Momente und Interaktionen im täglichen Leben, die ein Gefühl von Komfort und Verbindung bringen können.
Esta versão de “Tom’s Diner” é uma versão mais curta da música original de Suzanne Vega. Ela descreve a cantora sentada num restaurante, à espera que o homem atrás do balcão lhe sirva café. Ela vê um casal a beijar-se quando uma mulher entra no café e finge não os ver, colocando o leite na chávena para disfarçar. A letra enfatiza a rotina e familiaridade do ambiente e das pessoas que frequentam o café, com a frase repetida “It is always nice to see you” [É sempre bom ver-te], que transmite uma sensação de calor e comunidade. A melodia simples e repetitiva da música reforça a sensação de rotina e familiaridade. No geral, esta versão reflete sobre os pequenos momentos e interações da vida diária que podem trazer uma sensação de conforto e pertença.
Esta versión de “Tom’s Diner” es una versión acortada de la canción original de Suzanne Vega. Describe a la cantante sentada en un diner, esperando a que el hombre detrás del mostrador le sirva su café. Ella nota a una pareja que se besa al saludarse y finge no verlos, sirviendo en su lugar su leche. Las letras enfatizan la rutina y familiaridad del ambiente y de las personas que frecuentan el lugar, con la frase repetida “Siempre es agradable verte” transmitiendo una sensación de calidez y comunidad. La melodía simple y repetitiva de la canción agrega a la sensación de rutina y familiaridad. En general, la versión reflexiona sobre los pequeños momentos e interacciones en la vida cotidiana que pueden brindar una sensación de comodidad y conexión.

Time to work
Follow these 3 simple steps:
Listen to the full song once
Read the explanation of the song
Do the exercises below (follow all the steps)
SIMPLE PRESENT or PRESENT CONTINUOUS?
Use the verbs in the boxes to complete the lyrics. You have to put the verbs in the correct tense.
Look up new words in a dictionary.
Listen to excerpts 1 and 2 and change your answers if necessary.
Click the "check" button to correct the exercise.
Listen and sing along!
Go to the kitchen and grab a snack.
Listen again and sing along once more!
Part 1
Tata, tara, tata, rara Tata, tara, tata, rara I in the morning At the diner on the corner I at the counter For the man to pour the coffee And he it only halfway And before I even He out the window At somebody coming in Tata, tara, tata, rara Tata, tara, tata, rara |
Part 2
Tata, tara, tata, rara Tata, tara, tata, rara 'It always nice to see you' the man behind the counter To the woman who has come in She her umbrella And I the other way As they their hellos And I not to see them And instead I the milk Tata, tara, tata, rara Tata, tara, tata, rara |
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