Hey there! This is TOP episode 301. Learn English With Imagine Dragons “Believer”.
You read English. You understand English. You’ve been learning for years, but when it’s time to speak—your mind just freezes, and the words don’t come out. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. I’ve been exactly where you are. I’m Ola Mierniczak, and this is the Teacher Ola Podcast. I’m here to help you finally speak out loud—the words, the ideas, the English that have been stuck in your head for too long. This isn’t about perfect grammar or fancy vocabulary. This is about your voice. Your words. Your real English.
Hello, and welcome to episode 301. Today, we’re looking at a few phrases you might have heard in songs — expressions like fired up, heartache, or ebb and flow. We’ll break them down, see how people use them, and talk about when you might say them yourself.
Let’s get started.
But before we jump into today’s episode, I have something important, something that might just be the push you need to finally do the one thing you keep putting off: actually speaking English.
The Say It Out Loud course is coming back this September. We start on the 18th, but you don’t have to wait. If you join now at siol.pl, you’ll get early access to the course materials and the early-bird price. It’s the same course that’s helped over hundred people move from silence to real conversation and not in theory, but in practice.
And if you’re still not sure it’s for you and come try it out.
On 17 August, you can join a one-time event called One Speaking Club. It’s a chance to see what it’s like to practise speaking with a group of people who are on the same path. No spotlight, no pressure, just actual speaking in a space that feels safe and real. You don’t need more passive input. You need this.
Go to teacherola.com/one, fill in the form, and I’ll see you there.
Alright let’s get into today’s episode.
7 phrases from “Believer” by Imagine Dragons.
One. First things first
This phrase is used when you want to start with the most important thing before doing anything else. It helps organize priorities. It’s a way to say, let’s deal with the most important thing first.
People use this in everyday life to introduce what must happen before anything else. Examples:
First things first, let’s check if we have a budget for it.
First things first, I need a coffee before I can even think about working.
Two. I’m fired up
“Fired up” means excited, full of energy, or emotionally ready for something. Sometimes it can also mean angry, depending on the tone and context.
It’s used when someone is getting ready for a big moment like a match, a speech, an event or when they’re feeling really enthusiastic. Like Marshal from Paw Patrol. I’m fired up!
I’m fired up for the concert tonight!
She’s all fired up about her new job.
Three. I’m the one at the sail
This line uses metaphor. Being “at the sail” means being the one who controls the direction, like in a boat. It means taking control, leading, or being responsible.
People don’t usually say this exact phrase in real life, but they do use sailing and boat metaphors to talk about control or leadership.
After years of being told what to do, I’m finally the one at the helm.
The helm is a handle or wheel used for controlling the ship or a boat.
She’s steering her own ship now, no one tells her what to do.
Four. Writing my poems for the few
“For the few” means that something is not for everyone, but for a small, specific group of people who understand and appreciate it.
This is used when you want to highlight that you’re doing something for a select audience, not the majority, but for those who truly care or understand.And that group is relatively small.
This book isn’t for everyone, it’s for the few who truly get the idea.
Five. Heartache
“Heartache” is deep emotional pain. It’s a kind of “ache,” but not physical, it’s emotional.
About aches. We say: headache, stomachache, backache, toothache earache and yet again: heartache.
“Heartache” is used when someone is going through emotional pain. For instance:
After the breakup, she was filled with heartache for weeks.
Six. Send a prayer to the ones up above
To “send a prayer” means to think about someone in a caring or spiritual way, often asking for help, peace, or blessings. Obviously it’s connected with religion. I’d like you to pay attention to these three phrases:
“Say a prayer for someone”
“Keep someone in your prayers”
“Answer to my prayers”
Three sentences:
We sent a prayer to the victims of the disaster.
This is an answer to my prayers.
I’ll keep you in my prayers.
Seven. Ebbing and flowing
This phrase comes from the movement of the sea:
Ebb is the tide going out (getting lower), Flow is the tide coming in (rising). So, “ebbing and flowing” means something goes up and down, rises and falls, or comes and goes, often in a natural rhythm.
People use it to talk about emotions, relationships, energy, creativity, popularity or anything that changes over time, not staying constant.
Her motivation keeps ebbing and flowing.
The conversation ebbed and flowed.
PRACTICE
First things first, I need a coffee before I can even think about working.
She’s all fired up about her new job.
After years of being told what to do, I’m finally the one at the helm.
This book isn’t for everyone, it’s for the few who truly get the idea.
After the breakup, she was filled with heartache for weeks.
We sent a prayer to the victims of the disaster.
This is an answer to my prayers.
I’ll keep you in my prayers.
Her motivation keeps ebbing and flowing.
The conversation ebbed and flowed.
Alright, before we finish – just a quick but important reminder! There are TWO separate events coming up and I don’t want you to mix them up. Ready? Let’s go:
Event number one:
ONE SPEAKING CLUB – this is a one-time event happening very soon – on the 17th of August. If you’ve ever wanted to practise speaking English with me and a small, supportive group – this is your chance!
Go to: teacherola.com/one, fill out the form, apply, and I’ll see you there!
Event number two:
SAY IT OUT LOUD course – my complete speaking course. We officially start on the 18th of September, but you can join now, start learning immediately, and grab the early-bird price before it’s gone!
To join the course, head to: siol.pl
So again – two different things:
ONE SPEAKING CLUB – 17th of August – teacherola.com/one
SAY IT OUT LOUD course – starts 18th of September – siol.pl
Got it? Brilliant! Save the dates, check the links, and I’ll see you very soon.
And don’t forget your free worksheet for this episode – grab it at teacherola.com/301.That’s it for today. Thank you for listening!
I’ll see you next time. I believe in you, I know and you know that you can speak English. Stay fearless, take care, and say it out loud!
I’m your Teacher Ola, and you’ve been listening to Teacher Ola Podcast.
Bye for now!