Auerbach grew up in a family with musical roots. His second cousin once removed was the late guitarist Robert Quine, an American guitarist known for his innovative guitar solos. Auerbach became infatuated with blues music during his childhood after being exposed to old records by his father. Auerbach often uses an index finger fingerpick along with his thumb to play chords, a technique similar to many earlier blues players.
Formerly of the three piece Akron band The Barnburners from 2000 until 2002, Auerbach formed The Black Keys with drummer Patrick Carney.
Auerbach released a solo album - Keep It Hid - in 2009. Auerbach played most of the instruments on the album, with his cousin James Quine contributing rhythm guitar on two songs and harmony vocals on two more.
Mean Monsoon
Dan Auerbach Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Playing tricks with my poor mind
You said you had another man
And I said I guess I didn't mind
What's he got that I ain't got
Besides stability
Can he drive all night and never stop
I heard a voice, call to me
Saying some day you're gonna be free
Put a dollar in the jukebox
But don't you play our favorite tune'
Cause seeing you dance to that
Is only gonna bring me to ruin
Someday sunny sounds will soothe me
But it won't happen soon'
Cause the cloud you left hanging over
Is raining like a mean monsoon
I heard a voice, call to me
Saying some day you're gonna be free
The lyrics to Dan Auerbach's "Mean Monsoon" speak of a man who is struggling to move on from a failed relationship. He is lost and confused, as the summer sun plays tricks on his mind. He had been informed that his lover had found someone new, but admits that he didn't mind. However, he questions the worth of this new man by asking, "What's he got that I ain't got besides stability?" He then proceeds to paint a vivid picture of his own strengths, stating that he can "drive all night and never stop."
The man hears a voice that guides him towards eventual freedom, but for now, he is still bound to the remnants of his past. He puts a dollar in the jukebox, but asks not to play their favorite song, as it would only bring back memories of their time together. The man craves for the day when he can finally find peace, but he knows that it won't happen anytime soon. The "mean monsoon" that represents his pain and heartache still lingers on, and reminds him of the storm that ravages within him.
Overall, "Mean Monsoon" is a poignant and heartfelt song that captures the universal experience of moving on from a failed relationship. Dan Auerbach has crafted a piece that is both introspective and emotive, as he contemplates the pain of heartbreak and the yearning for freedom.
Line by Line Meaning
The summer sun has got me crazy
The heat of summer is having a strong effect on me, making me feel anxious and unstable.
Playing tricks with my poor mind
The heat is causing psychological turmoil, leading me to question my own thoughts and feelings.
You said you had another man
You told me that you are seeing someone else.
And I said I guess I didn't mind
I tried to convince myself that I wasn't bothered by your news, but deep down I knew I was.
What's he got that I ain't got
I'm struggling to understand what attributes this other man has that I don't possess.
Besides stability
The only thing I've identified so far is his ability to provide a sense of safety and security.
Can he drive all night and never stop
I'm trying to come up with a way to prove that I'm still the better man. I suggest that I have a greater endurance than him.
Well I guess you'll have to wait and see
I'm challenging you to put me to the test, to see if I can outperform this other man.
Put a dollar in the jukebox
I am trying to distract myself from the pain I feel by putting on some music.
But don't you play our favorite tune
But I can't allow myself to hear the song that reminds me of us being happy together.
'Cause seeing you dance to that
The image of you dancing to that song would be too much for me to handle right now.
Is only gonna bring me to ruin
It will cause me to suffer emotionally and mentally.
Someday sunny sounds will soothe me
One day in the future I hope to be at peace with myself, and music will be able to comfort me once again.
But it won't happen soon
But for the time being, I know I will still be in pain.
'Cause the cloud you left hanging over
The lingering effects of our relationship still weigh heavily on me.
Is raining like a mean monsoon
The emotional pain and turmoil that I am experiencing are as relentless and overwhelming as a severe tropical storm.
I heard a voice, call to me
I have a feeling or intuition guiding me.
Saying some day you're gonna be free
This voice tells me that someday I will be able to break free from the emotional struggles that I currently face.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Josep J. F.
Brilliant sound, brilliant song, as always.
b b
That main guitar riff is simply hypnotic... & everything else is just the icing on this delicious majestic Italian Wedding Cake of a song...
Bravo 👏
Dan Auerbach!!!
NoShame Xavi
Dan is a genius, this Is basically "All I can do is cry" but he made it his own. love it.
Marios Psarianos
tottaly true :o
Rita Slotten
So underrated. Love love love
Drew
This deserves more views and likes.
Shaylon Segrest
Absolutely. Still Jammin this in 2021 almost 2022
Barbara White
Awesome and addictive song
calm999
I can't get enough of it. It's wierd that this man is not famus
casualtyarmy87
awesome song, love the psychobilly sound