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The White Stripes — You Don't Know What Love Is
Album: Icky Thump
Avg rating:
6.3

Your rating:
Total ratings: 615









Released: 2007
Length: 3:49
Plays (last 30 days): 0
In some respects I suspect you've got a respectable side.
When pushed and pulled and pressured, you seldom run and hide,
But it's for someone else's benefit, not for what you wanna do
Until I realize that you've realized I'm gonna say these words to you.

Yeah, you don't know what love is,
You do as you're told.
Just as a child of ten might act,
But you're far too old.
You're not hopeless, or helpless,
And I hate to sound cold,
But you don't know what love is,
You just do as you're told.

I can see your man can't help but win any problems that may arise,
But in his mind, there can be no sin if you never criticize.
You just keep on, repeating all those empty "I love you"s.
Until you see you deserve better, I'm gonna lay right into you.

Yeah, you don't know what love is,
You just do as you're told.
Just as a child of ten might act,
But you're far too old.
You're not hopeless, or helpless,
And I hate to sound cold,
But you don't know what love is,
No you don't know what love is,
No you don't know what love is,
You just do as you're told.
Yeah, do as you're told
Yeah.
Comments (139)add comment
 FluorideFreeMN wrote:
I like The White Stripes...but not this track.

The lyrics seemed cliche and the music was uninspired.
 
I freakin' HATE the White Stripes—but this cut is pretty tolerable.  
 cvandoren wrote:

I'm glad that you liked it - but come on.  83% of the songs you rate are rated a 10.  really?  83% are godlike, the best ever?

 
This comment doesn't account for those of us who only rate the stuff we like. I'm among them.

Besides cvandoren uses a false syllogism. Just because 83% of toterola's ratings are 10s, doesn't mean that 83% of all songs on RP are 10s. It only means 83% of the songs toterola rates. And my guess is that he, like me, just takes a pass on the stuff he doesn't rate, say, 8 or higher. Does this make sense?

 toterola wrote:
How the heck does this song only have a 6.1 average rating? Jesus, this is the perfect rock song! WTF!?!

It gets a solid 10 from me. Man, what a song/band! {#Hearteyes} {#Clap} {#Cheers}
 
I'm glad that you liked it - but come on.  83% of the songs you rate are rated a 10.  really?  83% are godlike, the best ever?

I realize a lot of people like these guys, but I find the music very simplistic, with just a few chords and I'm not fond of his voice.  To each his own though - bring me some Foo Fighters! 
And it stoned me...
I like it fine. Figured out who they make ME think of: Young Fresh Fellows. Now sit back and listen!
I was commenting on the Strummer song - and the phat guitar tone of this got my attention. I have come around to the White Stripes after some more exposure. One cannot argue with the brick wall of guitar and drums they hit you in the face with.
Yeah... uhhh NO.
most excellent....
still waiting for Bill to play Icky Thump again.
I like The White Stripes...but not this track.

The lyrics seemed cliche and the music was uninspired.
I always like the Black Crows.  
 jjbix wrote:
music ain't too bad but these two are trying so hard to be cool rock stars
 
I'm not sure about that, I mean how many rock stars go to Iqaluit, on Baffin Island - the Canadian far far north - while on tour? These guys did!
Except that Mighty Quinn sort of had a melody.

Rock and roll trivia for today: Quinn the Eskimo was a reference to Anthony Quinn portraying an eskimo in the movie "The Savage Innocents" which I always thought would have been a great name for a rock band.

 
bronorb wrote:
This is kind of a ripoff of "Mighty Quinn" by Manfred Mann.  Isn't it?

 


Nah! Not this one. I'll pass.
This is kind of a ripoff of "Mighty Quinn" by Manfred Mann.  Isn't it?

How the heck does this song only have a 6.1 average rating? Jesus, this is the perfect rock song! WTF!?!

It gets a solid 10 from me. Man, what a song/band! {#Hearteyes} {#Clap} {#Cheers}
{#No}
The White Stripes are good. Sometimes really good.

But they are also very seriously overrated.
Full points for rock n roll attitude.

I don't get the music though.
 agnes wrote:
The opening guitar riff is my ringtone! I love it!!!!
 
I will never forget that ringtone, even though you have a different one now.
 jbtidwell wrote:
I hear "And it Stoned Me"
 
I was catching that, too...   had the speakers turned way down.

 thewiseking wrote:
rocknroll.
i guess some folks aren't used to hearing it anymore.
can be a little bit jarring, i guess.
 
Agreed. The White Stripes brought a refreshing simplicity back to rock music.

music ain't too bad but these two are trying so hard to be cool rock stars
rocknroll. i guess some folks aren't used to hearing it anymore. can be a little bit jarring, i guess.
The opening guitar riff is my ringtone! I love it!!!!
bizon wrote:
I'm certainly glad that I'm not the only one who doesn't understand what all what the big fuss surrounding Jack White and the White Stripes is about. He/they are mediocre and repetitive at best, if you ask me.
You're definitely not alone. I wish someone could explain the White Stripes to me ... I just don't get it. Sounds like repetitive, annoying drivel to me. :shrug:
thenoizzbox wrote:
FWIW, you're not alone. To call them highly overrated would be an understatement IMO... and when you qualify the playing as passable you are being VERY polite.
I'm certainly glad that I'm not the only one who doesn't understand what all what the big fuss surrounding Jack White and the White Stripes is about. He/they are mediocre and repetitive at best, if you ask me.
OldFrenchie wrote:
barely passable. In fact outright crap IMO. 2
Their sense of timing is atrocious, as bad a Leonard Skynard.
barely passable. In fact outright crap IMO. 2
Odyzzeuz wrote:
You make some very good points.
Why, thank you. I know it was the intelligent, insightful prose. I am also sure that I cut you with my razor-sharp wit. Hey, some days the words just don't come out well, gimme a break.
nalle wrote:
Yes, why not?
Oh, I get it. It's ''music'' for masochists.
Odyzzeuz wrote:
And should I just enjoy having my teeth drilled, too?
Yes, why not?
tlbritton wrote:
WOW, just read prior comments... You guys are WAY heavy... Just listen and enjoy if possible.
And should I just enjoy having my teeth drilled, too?
Lyrics = yes But the tune? Jack's done better....actually he's done this song before. On all his other albums.
It's too bad that Jack couldn't have had a career before the singer-songwriter era.
Now we rock
robco1 wrote:
Yeah, I got Elephant and listen to maybe two songs. They have something, but they really seem to push it to (and often past) the point of listenability. But I like this one.
You think people said the same thing about Led Zep? I love the White Stripes by the way
squeaky!
ScottFromWyoming wrote:
White Stripes are why the iTunes Music store is great. They seem to have 2, maybe 3 worthwhile songs per album. $2.97 and I have Icky Thump!
Yeah, I got Elephant and listen to maybe two songs. They have something, but they really seem to push it to (and often past) the point of listenability. But I like this one.
audiolizard wrote:
I like it.
Me too!
White Stripes are why the iTunes Music store is great. They seem to have 2, maybe 3 worthwhile songs per album. $2.97 and I have Icky Thump!
I like it.
Irritating and intrusive. bleech.
Now all we need is umpa lumpa's dancing.
bronorb wrote:
And he plays them all so...passably. I don't see all the talent that everyone is raving about.
FWIW, you're not alone. To call them highly overrated would be an understatement IMO... and when you qualify the playing as passable you are being VERY polite.
lmic wrote:
Jack is an unbelieveably multitalented musician--piano, drums, bass, guitar, and various other stringed instruments...
And he plays them all so...passably. I don't see all the talent that everyone is raving about.
hmm, I always thought you had to be at least reasonably good at playing an instrument if you wanted to play in a successful rock band. Maybe I should pursue a career as a drummer, I can already do boo-hiss so I guess I got the necessary skills.
cdcassaw wrote:
Seems to have some real Janice influence.
I assume you mean Janis? No way, not even close. I have tried to like WS, but I just can't see the allure.
EssexTex wrote:
The two of them sound better than bands with 4 or 5 members...without sounding repetitive.
tlbritton wrote:
WOW, just read prior comments... You guys are WAY heavy... Just listen and enjoy if possible.
NOT possible. Nothing here to enjoy.
The two of them sound better than bands with 4 or 5 members...without sounding repetitive.
WOW, just read prior comments... You guys are WAY heavy... Just listen and enjoy if possible.
Faaab! Meg gets a 10 for the outfit on the album cover... These guys continue to be unique - like it.
Roverfish wrote:
...no matter how I slice it, what I hear is a band that in 10 years will be played and people will actually laugh about and wonder why anybody liked them.
Amazing! I've gotta ask - what gives you this special ability to prognosticate about music and culture? Enchanted edition of the magic 8 ball? 1:15 am meeting with Doc Brown at Twin Pines Mall? Insight gleaned from Hal Lindsey over coffee and biscotti? Sorry, Nostradamus, but from here you just sound like a run-of-the-mill White Stripes hater using hyperbole to lay claim to present and future taste superiority.
I tried to sit as objectively as I could, forgetting my prior bias...no matter how I slice it, what I hear is a band that in 10 years will be played and people will actually laugh about and wonder why anybody liked them. They deploy every stereotyped, hackneyed technique known to man (or woman), and to limited effect, no less. They are, in fact, self-ridiculing. Is this the novelty that fans enjoy? I'm honestly trying to understand the appeal here. Meanwhile: 2.
I dig it man
Seems to have some real Janice influence.
I really like Meg and Jack's work! And I just had to lift my rating up from seven to eight.
A whole lotta energy. Well, a lotta noise anyway. At least it doesn't have that uber-high pitched guitar playing that sounds like a cross between a mosquito and a dentist drill. Oh wait, there it is.
window wrote:
Who says you gotta have loads of talent to make rock and roll?
Jack is an unbelieveably multitalented musician--piano, drums, bass, guitar, and various other stringed instruments. The White Stripes put on one of the most stellar shows, from a purely technical as well as creative perspective, that I've personally ever seen. EDIT: Jack's also a bit of a prima donna on stage -- and, hey, deserves to be, IMO.
Hello, This leaves me cold...I just don't feel anything other than whiny. Neil
I've added Meg to our Prayer List. She's GOT to get well and Soon!
window wrote:
Gotta say I'm surprised by the number of sucker-punches being thrown at Jack and Meg's musicianship. Who says you gotta have loads of talent to make rock and roll? Sometimes it's just about havin' fun, man.
They're growing on me. And sometimes it *is* all about the fun.
Great stuff. Garage 101 with a PhD. Get well Meg.
up to 8 this album is excellent IMO.
Kristi wrote:
I agree with mrrmt, window, Misterfixit. Stop harping on the Stripes. They're lots of fun and far from sucky! I got Icky Thump and I love it. So there!!
You make some very good points.
I agree with mrrmt, window, Misterfixit. Stop harping on the Stripes. They're lots of fun and far from sucky! I got Icky Thump and I love it. So there!!
Dynamite wrote:
In my mind, this is no longer the White Stripes. It sounds nothing like the band I used to love. That said, this song is really fun.
Funny. This sounds exactly like the band I hate.
electronicthroat wrote:
I was actually being sarcastic. She's probably the worst drummer in rock music.
No she is NOT. I am. Now go away while I head over to the bank.
In my mind, this is no longer the White Stripes. It sounds nothing like the band I used to love. That said, this song is really fun.
There's definitely a pattern here. Soul Coughing followed by The White Stripes. Hm. You could probably come up with a whole long series of BANDS THAT SUCK.
Yeah. I love these kids. Everything they do is packed with heart!
Hey you guys, lighten up on the Stripes. This is good ole rock and roll. Get used to it. Misterfixit, Out.
Gotta say I'm surprised by the number of sucker-punches being thrown at Jack and Meg's musicianship. Who says you gotta have loads of talent to make rock and roll? Sometimes it's just about havin' fun, man.
Awesome! Another chance to deride the nonexistent musicianship and hackneyed song-writing (I'm being kind) of the Witless Strips. This tune doesn't even measure up to 70's throwaway rock standards...solid 3.
diseasedyak wrote:
If yer gonna play in Texas, you gotta have a fiddle in the band That lead guitar is hot but not for a Louisiana man...
Hey, I heard a fiddle towards the end.
Weakly derivative....
I like the sloppy drumming... it fits. The speakers at work aren't very big, but at home the kick drum rattles my chest cavity... love it!
loved their sold out halifax gig!
diseasedyak wrote:
If yer gonna play in Texas, you gotta have a fiddle in the band That lead guitar is hot but not for a Louisiana man...
Someone give this man a t-shirt. Right on, brother.
If yer gonna play in Texas, you gotta have a fiddle in the band That lead guitar is hot but not for a Louisiana man...
MORE SCRATCHY VOCALS, MORE SCREAMING HEAD THROBBING GUITAR, MORE 6TH GRADE DRUMMING... LOVE IT, LOVE IT, LOVE IT!!!
All the hate & lame comments people... go start your own band and create some better music. I'll bet you rot in the corner of the local pub instead of reaching millions like White Stripes. I enjoyed their sold out show at the Fillmore Denver.
half trick pony
Please, please someone take Meg's ride cymbal away
electronicthroat wrote:
I was actually being sarcastic. She's probably the worst drummer in rock music.
Meg's the sexiest drummer in rock!
electronicthroat wrote:
I was actually being sarcastic. She's probably the worst drummer in rock music.
I don't know why so many here hate her drumming so much. It's primitive, but very cool IMO. I don't think she's trying to be Keith Moon or anything. But I don't think she should ever be allowed to sing. This is a good disk, by the way. Really growing on me.
Please tell me you are going to take these dribbles off the playlist!
when they first hit \"the scene\" I appreciated that they were doing something different, though I didn\'t care much for any of the actual songs. Now, I don\'t appreciate anything about them at all. whew, the song is over.
wookie wrote:
a different drummer,singer guitar player and it might be a good band.
QQ
a different drummer,singer guitar player and it might be a good band.
Hey! I heard some old Savoy Brown on KPIG this morning and it reminded me of the White Stripes. Anyone else detect a similarity?
You don't know what good music is. This makes my head hurt.
deepwoodskev wrote:
I simply don't understand the public interest in this band. All of their songs sound the same to me, which use the same, basic drum beat and crashing cymbal. Boring.
This set makes it easy to go to the porcelain throne for a bit and miss nothing...
Daniel Merriweather did an acoustic r&b cover of this. it was pretty good. there's streaming audio of it here: https://audioclash.blogspot.com/2007/07/covers-daniel-merriweather-covers-white.html
rachlan wrote:
keep thinking mighty quinn
jbtidwell wrote:
I hear "And it Stoned Me"
For the first 10 seconds or so of the intro, I was POSITIVE that someone was covering Tom Petty! (but, as usual, I drew a blank on the TP tune's name...)
deepwoodskev wrote:
I simply don't understand the public interest in this band. All of their songs sound the same to me, which use the same, basic drum beat and crashing cymbal. Boring.
Man, you can say that again! Maybe wearing goofy clothes + bad hair = talent.
The more I hear of this album the less I like it. Icky indeed, clunky too.
Whiny, screechy guitar solo makes my head throb...
littleRoom wrote:
This song is AWESOME! It's got to be one of the most accessible songs the Stripes have done, and it could be a huge single if marketed right and accompanied by a strong video. About the album, my first thought was ho-hum, but the more I listen the more and more I like it, especially the songs '300 M.P.H. Torrential Outpour Blues' and 'Effect and Cause'. Give the album some more spins and see if your view doesn't change.
Nah.
This song is AWESOME! It's got to be one of the most accessible songs the Stripes have done, and it could be a huge single if marketed right and accompanied by a strong video. About the album, my first thought was ho-hum, but the more I listen the more and more I like it, especially the songs '300 M.P.H. Torrential Outpour Blues' and 'Effect and Cause'. Give the album some more spins and see if your view doesn't change.
I simply don't understand the public interest in this band. All of their songs sound the same to me, which use the same, basic drum beat and crashing cymbal. Boring.
Cacophonous.
people like these guys, right? Can someone tell me why?
Ack. This is banal and boring.
electronicthroat wrote:
I was actually being sarcastic. She's probably the worst drummer in rock music.
Agreed. I do like the White Stripes but it is a bit shocking that they just played in Madison Square Garden. Jack White needs decent bass player & drummer!
rachlan wrote:
keep thinking mighty quinn
I knew this sounded familiar to me. Thanks!
Wizzuvv_oz wrote:
absolutely agree Meg rocks an icky thump (that I dig heavily)
I was actually being sarcastic. She's probably the worst drummer in rock music.
themotion wrote:
thanks ... we get the point next time how bout, 'hey, this sounds like that shooting star song ...' actually, next time don't say anything ... i'm tired of all these song associations.
I like that phrase--'acrobatic nonsense'--did you make that up? I'm going to try to use that in a conversation, even if only a conversation with myself.
thatslongformud wrote:
Johnny was a schoolboy When he heard his first Beatles song Love Me Do, I think it was And from then it didn't take him long Got himself a guitar Used to play every night Now he's in a rock 'n' roll outfit And everything's alright Don't you know? Johnny told his Mama, "Hey, Mama, I'm goin' away Gonna hit the big time Gonna be a big star someday" Mama came to the door With a teardrop in her eye Johnny said, "Don't cry, Mama Smile and wave goodbye" Don't you know? Yeah...... (Chorus) Don't you know that you are a shooting star Don't you know Don't you know Don't you know that you are a shooting star And all the world will love you just as long As long as you are Johnny made a record Went straight up to number one Suddenly everyone loved To hear him sing HIS song Watchin' the world go by Surprisin' it goes so fast Johnny looked around him and said, "Well, I made the big-time at last" Don't you know? Don't you know? (Chorus) A shooting star Don't you know that You are a shooting star Don't you know? Don't you know that You are a shooting star And all the world will love you just as long as long as you are Johnny died one night, died in his bed Bottle of whisky, sleeping tablets by his head Johnny's life passed him by like a warm summer day If you listen to the wind you can still hear him play (chorus) Don't you know that You are a shooting star Don't you know? Don't you know that you are a shooting star Dont you dont you dont you dont you dont you know Don't you know that you are a shooting star
Frisco
Thanks Bill!
Zweiblumen wrote:
This is a solid song, but the rest of the CD is just awful for me. I picked it up yesterday and will give it a few more listens, but....
I have the same feeling about the previous album, even a few more listens still didnt do it for me.
electronicthroat wrote:
she's such a great drummer! /sarcasm off
absolutely agree Meg rocks an icky thump (that I dig heavily)
rachlan wrote:
keep thinking mighty quinn
Ah, yes! That's what I was thinking of, too.
Alpine wrote:
Easy on the drums there!
she's such a great drummer! /sarcasm off
This is a solid song, but the rest of the CD is just awful for me. I picked it up yesterday and will give it a few more listens, but....
Beanie wrote:
I agree with you -- I would have bet this was a 25 or 30-year old tune. The only thing that sets it off is that you can hear Jack White's signature in the guitar work. Still a pretty good song, IMHO, but I don't think it's signalling the future of anything but Jack and Meg's bank account.
....also a way to see it, I have to confess....anyway, the followers of the WS still are a minority, as you can tell from the comments in this very forum, so their money will be earned working hard....and that's also r&r....the real one, I mean. - By the way, Bill: when will we hear some Loretta Lynn tune supported by Jack's guitar?
thatslongformud wrote:
Johnny was a schoolboy ...
thanks ... we get the point next time how bout, 'hey, this sounds like that shooting star song ...' actually, next time don't say anything ... i'm tired of all these song associations.
Icky Thump ...
rachlan wrote:
keep thinking mighty quinn
I hear "And it Stoned Me"
Johnny was a schoolboy When he heard his first Beatles song Love Me Do, I think it was And from then it didn't take him long Got himself a guitar Used to play every night Now he's in a rock 'n' roll outfit And everything's alright Don't you know? Johnny told his Mama, "Hey, Mama, I'm goin' away Gonna hit the big time Gonna be a big star someday" Mama came to the door With a teardrop in her eye Johnny said, "Don't cry, Mama Smile and wave goodbye" Don't you know? Yeah...... (Chorus) Don't you know that you are a shooting star Don't you know Don't you know Don't you know that you are a shooting star And all the world will love you just as long As long as you are Johnny made a record Went straight up to number one Suddenly everyone loved To hear him sing HIS song Watchin' the world go by Surprisin' it goes so fast Johnny looked around him and said, "Well, I made the big-time at last" Don't you know? Don't you know? (Chorus) A shooting star Don't you know that You are a shooting star Don't you know? Don't you know that You are a shooting star And all the world will love you just as long as long as you are Johnny died one night, died in his bed Bottle of whisky, sleeping tablets by his head Johnny's life passed him by like a warm summer day If you listen to the wind you can still hear him play (chorus) Don't you know that You are a shooting star Don't you know? Don't you know that you are a shooting star Dont you dont you dont you dont you dont you know Don't you know that you are a shooting star