new lesson
Billy Eichner Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm Pumbaa, this is Timon
Look, kid, bad things happen
And you can't do anything about it, right?
Right
Wrong!
When the world turns its back on you, you turn your back on the world
Only embrace what's next
Well, that's not what I was taught
Well then maybe you need a new lesson
Repeat after me, kid
Hakuna Matata
In the song "New Lesson" by Billy Eichner, the lyrics begin with a conversation between two characters, Pumbaa and Timon, who are from the classic Disney movie "The Lion King". Pumbaa tries to comfort a kid who has just experienced something bad by telling him that bad things happen and you can't do anything about them. However, Timon disagrees and says that you should turn your back on the world when it turns its back on you. He encourages the kid to only embrace what's next and turn the "what" into "so what?" - in other words, don't dwell on the past or negative experiences.
The kid responds that this isn't what he was taught, but Timon tells him that he needs a new lesson. The song then closes out with the famous phrase, "Hakuna Matata", which means "no worries" or "don't worry, be happy" in Swahili, and is another reference to "The Lion King". Overall, the song is about embracing positivity and moving forward rather than dwelling on negative experiences or thoughts.
Line by Line Meaning
Who are you?
Billy Eichner asks for the identity of the other person in the conversation.
I'm Pumbaa, this is Timon
The other person identifies themselves as Pumbaa and introduces his friend Timon.
Look, kid, bad things happen
Billy Eichner acknowledges that unfortunate events occur in life.
And you can't do anything about it, right?
Billy Eichner poses a rhetorical question suggesting that the listener can't control what happens to them.
Right
The listener affirms Billy Eichner's statement.
Wrong!
Billy Eichner contradicts the previous statements and suggests that there is a different way to approach life's adversity.
When the world turns its back on you, you turn your back on the world
Billy Eichner suggests that when others are unsupportive, it's best to ignore them and focus on oneself.
Only embrace what's next
Billy Eichner advises the listener to look ahead and focus on the future.
And turn the "what" into "so what?"
Billy Eichner suggests that rather than being concerned about negative events, the listener should adopt a more carefree attitude.
Well, that's not what I was taught
The listener disagrees with Billy Eichner's advice.
Well then maybe you need a new lesson
Billy Eichner suggests that the listener's previous teachings may not be effective and should consider a different perspective.
Repeat after me, kid
Billy Eichner invites the listener to follow his lead and repeat what he says.
Hakuna Matata
Billy Eichner teaches the listener the Swahili phrase for 'no worries', promoting a carefree attitude.
Lyrics © Walt Disney Music Company
Written by: Jeff Nathanson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind