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.
Undertow
Dan Auerbach Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The tales we spin
Ain't always the way
Original sin
Would you die for me in the ICC?
Pry me free from this life I lead
Undertow
Here they come to drag me down below
Here they come the undertow
Solider of fortune
Who broke down doors
Sign of the scorpion or out of law
Would you die for me in the ICC?
Pry me from this life I lead
Undertow
Settle in there from so long ago
Here they come to drag me down below
Here they come the undertow
Undertow
Settle in there from so long ago
Here they come to drag me below
Here they come the undertow
The lyrics of Dan Auerbach's song "Undertow" paint a picture of someone who is struggling with the consequences of their actions and the influences that have shaped them into who they are. The opening lines "The games we play, the tales we spin" suggest that the singer is aware that they are not always truthful or forthcoming with the people around them. This theme is continued with the line "Ain't always the way, original sin", implying that the singer believes they have inherent flaws that lead them to make choices that may not always be the best.
The chorus is repeated twice, and it seems to be a plea for someone to rescue them from their troubles. The line "Would you die for me in the ICC?" suggests that the singer might be in some kind of trouble with the law, and they need someone to help them get out of it. The use of the word "undertow" gives the impression of being dragged down or overwhelmed by something beyond their control, as if they are caught up in a powerful current that they can't swim against.
The second verse introduces a new character, the soldier of fortune who has broken down doors. The line "Sign of the scorpion or out of law" suggests a shady figure who operates outside of the law. The repetition of the chorus implies that the singer is once again asking for help to escape the undertow that threatens to drag them down.
Overall, "Undertow" is a song about feeling trapped and drowning in the consequences of one's choices and actions. The singer seems to be searching for somebody to help them out of their current situation, and the use of the word "undertow" creates a strong visual image of being swept away by powerful forces.
Line by Line Meaning
The games we play
The manipulation and lies we indulge in
The tales we spin
The fanciful stories we fabricate
Ain't always the way
Rarely do we get what we want
Original sin
The inherent capacity to commit wrongdoing
Would you die for me in the ICC?
Are you willing to sacrifice for me in a situation of extreme danger?
Pry me free from this life I lead
Help me escape the burdensome existence I find myself in
Undertow
The force that pulls you into danger or negativity
Settle in there from so long ago
The feeling of being stuck in an old pattern or situation
Here they come to drag me down below
The presence of negative emotions or forces pulling you down
Here they come the undertow
The deep, underlying feelings or motivations that lead you into trouble
Solider of fortune
A person who takes advantage of dangerous or risky situations for potential personal gain
Who broke down doors
A person who takes action to get what they want, even if it goes against the rules
Sign of the scorpion or out of law
The possibility of danger or illegality in one's actions
Undertow
The force that can lead to one's downfall
Settle in there from so long ago
The feeling of being trapped in negative emotions or past experiences
Here they come to drag me below
The pull towards dangerous or negative situations
Here they come the undertow
The underlying forces that can lead one astray or into trouble
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Dan Auerbach
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
lena pas
The games we play
The tales we spin
It's always the way
Original sin
Would you dive for me
In the icy sea
Pry me free from this life I lead
Undertow, sad old memories from so long ago
Here they come to drag me down below
Here it comes, the undertow
Solider of fortune, or broke down dog
Sign of the scorpion, or a hollow log
Would you dive for me
In the icy sea
Pry me free from this life I lead
Undertow, sad old memories from so long ago
Here they come to drag me down below
Here it comes, the undertow
Undertow, sad old memories from so long
Here they come to drag me down below
Here it comes, the undertow
Alessandro FK
Dan Auerbach is a time traveller
Daniel Nettleton
Love it. Some solid tracks but the album as a while, meh. Thoughts?
lena pas
The games we play
The tales we spin
It's always the way
Original sin
Would you dive for me
In the icy sea
Pry me free from this life I lead
Undertow, sad old memories from so long ago
Here they come to drag me down below
Here it comes, the undertow
Solider of fortune, or broke down dog
Sign of the scorpion, or a hollow log
Would you dive for me
In the icy sea
Pry me free from this life I lead
Undertow, sad old memories from so long ago
Here they come to drag me down below
Here it comes, the undertow
Undertow, sad old memories from so long
Here they come to drag me down below
Here it comes, the undertow
macncheasy
Is it not "Here they come to drag me down below, to become the undertow"?
Doe Eyed Devil
lena pas thank you
Shenner
Dan, your music has never failed to move me for many years now
Loss Gamble
Political Sloth ??? The dude literally just said that Dan's music has NEVER failed to move him. Meaning he probably likes all of his music.
Wiz Urd
So funky so clean, I have this song on repeat and it has me closing my eyes thinking about the good times and current times in life. Well done
BMK
I think this is my favorite song off the album
Daniel Nettleton
For sure, I liked maybe half of the album. Thoughts youve had?