St. Andrew
The White Stripes Lyrics
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I'm looking upwards
Where are the angels?
I'm not in my home
St. Andrew, don't forsake me
St. Andrew, don't forsake me
Who is here to greet me?
The children are crying
I'm not in my home
I travel backwards in ecstasy
Where are the angels?
Don't forget me
St. Andrew, I've been true
What do I need to say?
What do I need to say?
The White Stripes’ ballad ‘St. Andrew’ is a hauntingly beautiful song that leaves the listener with goosebumps, both from the music and the lyrics. As Jack White sings “This battle is in the air”, one can’t help but think of a struggle or a conflict that pervades the singer’s mind. The question he poses, “Where are the angels?” seems to suggest that he is looking for a higher power or divine intervention, yet he is not finding answers.
The chorus of the song is directed at St. Andrew, who the singer is pleading with to not forsake him. It’s unclear whether the singer is referring to the biblical St. Andrew, or someone else entirely, but what’s clear is that he is seeking comfort or guidance from the figure. The repetition of the chorus adds to the desperation and vulnerability of the singer, making the song all the more poignant.
The final section of the song sees the singer in a state of ecstasy, traveling backwards and once again seeking the angels. But before he does, he makes one final plea to St. Andrew, assuring him that he has been true. It’s unclear what the singer wants to say otherwise, but perhaps it’s a way of gaining solace or forgiveness for his actions. Overall, ‘St. Andrew’ is a beautifully written and performed song that leaves a haunting impression on the listener.
Line by Line Meaning
This battle is in the air
There is a sense of conflict and tension in the atmosphere
I'm looking upwards
I'm searching for guidance from a higher power
Where are the angels?
I'm questioning the presence of divine beings and their help
I'm not in my home
I feel a sense of displacement or not belonging
St. Andrew, don't forsake me
I'm calling upon Saint Andrew for help and support
Who is here to greet me?
I'm unsure of who or what to expect in this situation
The children are crying
There is a sense of sadness and despair around me
I travel backwards in ecstasy
I retreat to a state of blissful nostalgia or memories
Where are the angels?
I'm still seeking the presence of divine beings and their help
Don't forget me
I'm pleading not to be abandoned or left behind
St. Andrew, I've been true
I'm reminding Saint Andrew of my loyalty and faithfulness
What do I need to say?
I'm questioning what needs to be done or communicated to resolve the situation
What do I need to say?
I'm again questioning what needs to be done or communicated to find a solution
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: JACK WHITE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@roiybenkel682
This battle is in the air
I'm looking upwards
Where are the angels?
I'm not in my home
St. andrew don't forsake me
St. andrew
Don't forsake me
Who is here to greet me?
The children are kind
I'm not in my home
I travel backwards in ecstacy
Where ar ethe angels?
Don't forget me
St. andrew
I've been true
What do I need to say?
What do I need to say?
@supermulder123
that song, short and manic as it is, refers to the battle of athelstaneford, a battle between the scots and the angles. The Scottish king saw the saltire in the sky and saw it a sign of victory. the scots won, and the saltire has been scotlands flag ever since. Jack white is obviously an intelligent and well read guy.
@ramonawells9453
He is also a Scott. (Paternal Scottish/Maternal Polish) Plus, he is brilliant! I mean...WHeeeeeeeeeeeew! Ooooooooow <3
@jakelamotta2387
@Iain Crichton. The cross was originally silver/grey aswell not many Scots know theyr history unfortunately. Great story!
@timshanemelton
👊
@Laumincey
Jack's dad died on St Andrews day. So someone told me that this song was a tribute to his father.
@EdTheDragonSlayer
I was listening to this and when I look outside it suddenly got so windy and dark, this tree outside starts to shake really violently and leaves get blown with the wind. It's just this brief intensity...surreal
@bubblebubbleblip
That’s amazing, I love weird stuff like that, thank you for sharing!
@chriskoking
it's like a big frigging salad of sounds, and meg white's voice is the dressing
@connorpowell6338
the way i look at it it's a song about going to hell. The character has died in battle, she is "looking upwards", offering herself to the heavens. The guitars first solo part is played in a major scale, played in an "upwards" manner (going upwards to heaven). But there are no angels. Jack guitar modulates to a minor scale, and the drums grow frantic and out of time. A phaser is added to Megs cymbals, which sounds like falling (into hell). Jacks guitar is now Atonal (it is played without a certain key), and he makes use of the tritone, which has been banned in churches as it is said to be the music of the devil. The character askes "what do i need to say?", begging for a chance to be spared from hell. oh i do love a nice geek out
@arnaudmeert1527
Nope, as said above it refers to an historic event.