White Noise
Gaz Coombes Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

I’m walking over shaky ground
I’m going to stay behind you
But I’m sinking in the quicksand from the start
We’re the kings of dead ends, we are the ones
Always descending
Just trading water after dark
I’m always trying to tell you
I’ve got problems
That I can’t work out
I’m always trying to tell you
I get lonely
And you’re all I’ve got
The morning sun is waking me in waves
A two fingered gesture
I won’t second guess her anymore
And all the broken pieces washed up on the beach
Somehow remind me
Are those days still out of reach?
I’m always trying to tell you
I’ve got problems
That I can’t work out
I’m always trying to tell you




I get lonely
And you’re all I’ve got (x3)

Overall Meaning

The opening lines of "White Noise" set the tone for a rather dark and pensive song, as the singer feels unsteady and uncertain, walking over shaky ground. Despite feeling vulnerable, they cling to a friend or partner who they hope will lead the way. At the same time, they feel themselves sinking into quicksand – a metaphorical representation of their own struggles and issues that they can't seem to shake. The song then moves into a chorus where the singer admits to their problems and loneliness, and how this person they're with is all they've got.


The second verse brings in more imagery of broken pieces washed up on a beach, presumably representing past hurts or relationships gone awry. Despite the fact that the singer has moved on and doesn't want to dwell on the past, these remnants still somehow haunt them. The repeated chorus emphasizes the idea that this person they're with is a lifeline, someone who they hope will stick around and provide support as they navigate their own struggles.


Line by Line Meaning

I’m walking over shaky ground
I am currently in an uncertain and unstable situation.


I’m going to stay behind you
I will follow your lead and rely on you during this time of instability.


But I’m sinking in the quicksand from the start
Despite my effort to keep pace with you, I am struggling and overwhelmed by the situation.


We’re the kings of dead ends, we are the ones
We repeatedly find ourselves in hopeless situations and have no clear way out.


Always descending
Our situations only seem to be getting worse and more bleak over time.


Just trading water after dark
We are barely managing to stay afloat and are making no progress in improving our situation.


I’m always trying to tell you
I am continually attempting to communicate to you something important.


I’ve got problems
I am struggling with personal issues that are affecting my life in a negative way.


That I can’t work out
I am unable to solve or alleviate these issues on my own.


I get lonely
I feel isolated and unsupported during these difficult times.


And you’re all I’ve got
You are the only source of comfort and support that I have in this situation.


The morning sun is waking me in waves
The sun is rising in a way that is causing me to feel a variety of emotions.


A two fingered gesture
Someone is making an obscene hand gesture towards me.


I won’t second guess her anymore
I will not question her decisions or actions any longer.


And all the broken pieces washed up on the beach
The remnants of past events are now visible and present on the shore.


Somehow remind me
These remanants invoke memories or emotions within me.


Are those days still out of reach?
I am wondering if I will ever be able to return to a happier, more stable time in my life.


I’m always trying to tell you
I continue to struggle and endeavor to communicate my experiences to you.


I’ve got problems
I am dealing with personal struggles in my life.


That I can’t work out
I am unable to solve or alleviate these problems alone.


I get lonely
I feel isolated and unsupported while navigating these difficult situations.


And you’re all I’ve got (x3)
You are my sole source of comfort and support in this time of need.




Contributed by Hannah I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

@fede7289

I adore this song❤️

@drdj2626

we all do, my dear

@marcimvieira

Recorded in Brasilia! Porao do Rock. Great times...

@stefanssmellsvictory105

Whilst a lot of the songs from this album have their own distinct style, this track can't escape the quintessential Supergrass sound. This song could easy be sneakily placed somewhere in either Life on Other Planets or Road to Rouen, and none would be the wiser! His voice is VERY reminiscent of 'Roxy' from the latter album.

@pedrocardoso2675

this videoclip was recorded in Brasília, Brazil's capital. I went to this show and was amazing

@SheilaZeke

white noise into fanfare. That's why I'm here. Great album, Gaz.

@samaranch09

Благодарю за песню! Зацепило за душу!

@saintandrew5655

Beautiful.can play this all day

@amyhurst6177

Heart beats as one on this..

@valentinamoraes2619

Oh god, i love this song.
And the video was recorded in brasília, that's  amazing! :)

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