Following 3 albums on French indie record labels, Burning Heads (1992), Dive (1994), Super Modern World (1996) and two back-to-back albums on Epitaph Europe with some of the most memorable melodic punk hits, 1998's Be One With the Flames and 1999's Escape, les Burning – as they are referred to by their native fans – released their first dub album, Opposite (2001), finally putting to disc the musical bridge between two styles too many considered opposites, a bridge they'd been building live for 15 years.
2004 saw the release of the more introspective and excellent Taranto (Sony France / Yelen Musiques), followed by an electro-punk side project called Never Trust a Punk…, released in common with Alif Sound System under a shared name: BHASS Project, further proof if anyone needed it of their musical diversity.
Punk rock is never far with the Burning Heads, and Bad Time For Human Kind, and the band self-recorded and self-released their 2006 in a traditional DIY way, returning to full-throttle melodic punk rock with a firm hardcore backbone.
In 2007, they kept the dub fire going with Opposite 2, and in 2009 released Spread the Fire.
In 2009 the band dropped Hear This and in 2014 Choose Your Trap, all still self-released on their own label, Opposite Prod.
Absolute legends in the French punk scene, they have also toured with bands like NOFX, Propagandhi, Down By Law, Bad Religion and Ten Foot Pole all over the world, from Europe to North America.
The Burning Heads have an ability to get their melodic choruses stuck in your head while they pummel you with aggressive punk rock at the same time.
Mr. White
Burning Heads Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
hey mr right, mr "think he got the answer"
in anyplaces, in anycases and situations
why don't you shut up for a second
for a minute, for a year
one day i'll burn your house down
your contradictions
maybe i could help with your situation
but i won't take part in your ambitions
mr white trash, can you hear this?
you're sinking and you'll see that
that's the way it goes
and now i'll break your nose
what would you say if 3 times a day
walking in the streets you were arrested
just for your papers, because of your colour
just because your looks are different
The song "Mr. White" by Burning Heads is a politically charged piece that addresses issues of racism and prejudice. The lyrics directly address a "Mr. White," who is referred to as "your master race" and "Mr. right, Mr. 'think he got the answer.'" The lyrics are a biting criticism of the arrogance and self-righteousness of individuals who think they have all the answers but fail to acknowledge the complexity of social issues. The song urges Mr. White to "shut up for a second, for a minute, for a year," emphasizing the need for listening and understanding rather than talking over others.
The lyrics continue with a threatening tone, as the singer vows to "burn your house down," referencing both the physical structure and the metaphorical foundations of Mr. White's beliefs. The song also addresses the issue of police brutality and racial profiling, asking what the listener would say if they were "arrested just for your papers, because of your colour, just because your looks are different." The lyrics are a direct call to action against racism and prejudice and urge listeners to take a stand against these issues.
Overall, "Mr. White" is a powerful and impassioned song that uses strong language and imagery to criticize attitudes of racism and prejudice. The song emphasizes the need for listening, understanding, and action in addressing these issues.
Line by Line Meaning
hey mr white, your master race stinks
Hey, Mr. White, your ideology of the supremacy of your ethnicity is unbearable and disgusting.
hey mr right, mr "think he got the answer"
You, Mr. Right, who think you hold all the solutions with your ideology.
in anyplaces, in anycases and situations
Regardless of the context or situation.
why don't you shut up for a second
Can you please stop talking, even if it's just for a moment?
for a minute, for a year
Even if it takes a short or long time.
one day i'll burn your house down
One day, I will make you pay for your hypocrisy.
your contradictions
Your behavior or beliefs that conflict with one another.
i'm gonna burn your house down
I will not let you get away with your double standards, and I will act accordingly.
maybe i could help with your situation
I may have a solution to your issues, but I refuse to participate in your selfish agenda.
but i won't take part in your ambitions
I cannot support your aspirations because they lack morality.
mr white trash, can you hear this?
Listen up, Mr. White Trash.
you're sinking and you'll see that
Your actions will lead to your downfall, and you will soon realize it.
that's the way it goes
It's inevitable.
and now i'll break your nose
I will cause you physical harm for your prejudiced behavior.
what would you say if 3 times a day
Can you imagine if this happened to you daily.
walking in the streets you were arrested
Just for simply walking on the street, you are detained by the authorities.
just for your papers, because of your colour
Your documents and appearance are the sole reasons for your mistreatment.
just because your looks are different
Simply because you look different and don't fit the mold they've created.
Contributed by Julian L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.