ESLSongs

Practice the perfect modal verbs of ability “could” and “could have“, and the modal verbs of obligation “should have” in your ESL class with this song, Misunderstood by Bon Jovi.

This song’s lyrics contain…

• 5 different examples of the modal verbs of ability”could“, 1 of “could have…”
• 1 example of the modal verb of obligation “should” and 3 of “should have…“

There is a suggestion on how to use this song in your ESL classes below, but for more ideas, click here.

Lyrics

Should I… could I have said the wrong things right a thousand times?
If I could just rewind, I see it in my mind
If I could turn back time, you’d still be mine

You cried, I died
I should have shut my mouth, things headed south
As the words slipped off my tongue, they sounded dumb
If this old heart could talk, it’d say you’re the one
I’m wasting time
When I think about it

I should have drove all night
Would have run all the lights, I was misunderstood
I stumbled like my words
Did the best I could, damn
Misunderstood

Could I… should I apologize for sleeping on the couch that night?
Staying out too late with all my friends
You found me passed out in the yard again

You cried, I tried
To stretch the truth, but didn’t lie
It’s not so bad
You think about it

I should have drove all night
Would have run all the lights, I was misunderstood
I stumbled like my words
Did the best I could, damn
Misunderstood, intentions good

It’s you and I
Just think about it

I should have drove all night
I would have run all the lights
I was misunderstood
I stumbled like my words, did the best I could

I’m hanging outside your door
I’ve been here before, misunderstood
I stumbled like my words
Did the best I could, damn
Misunderstood, intentions good

Suggested activity: fill the gaps

Download this exercise (PDF)

Listen to the song and fill the gaps with the modal verb you hear: could, could have, should or should have

¹__________ I… ²__________ I have said the wrong things right a thousand times?
If I ³__________ just rewind, I see it in my mind
If I ⁴__________ turn back time, you’d still be mine

You cried, I died
I ⁵__________ shut my mouth, things headed south
As the words slipped off my tongue, they sounded dumb
If this old heart ⁶__________ talk, it’d say you’re the one
I’m wasting time
When I think about it

I ⁷__________ drove all night
I would have run all the lights, I was misunderstood
I stumbled like my words
Did the best I ⁸__________, damn! Misunderstood

⁹__________ I… ¹⁰__________ I apologize for sleeping on the couch that night?
Staying out too late with all my friends
You found me passed out in the yard again

You cried, I tried
To stretch the truth, but didn’t lie
It’s not so bad
You think about it

I ¹¹__________ drove all night
I would have run all the lights, I was misunderstood
I stumbled like my words
Did the best I ¹²__________, damn! Misunderstood, intentions good

It’s you and I, just think about it

I ¹³__________ drove all night
I would have run all the lights
I was misunderstood
I stumbled like my words, did the best I ¹⁴__________

I’m hanging outside your door
I’ve been here before, misunderstood
I stumbled like my words
Did the best I ¹⁵__________, damn! Misunderstood, intentions good

Bon Jovi

Bon Jovi is an American rock band formed in 1983 in Sayreville, New Jersey. The band currently consists of singer Jon Bon Jovi, keyboardist David Bryan, drummer Tico Torres, guitarist Phil X, and bassist Hugh McDonald. Original bassist Alec John Such left the band in 1994, and longtime guitarist and co-songwriter Richie Sambora left in 2013. The band has been credited with “bridging the gap between heavy metal, rock and pop with style and ease”.