MSWHITE was a post-hardcore band from Turin, Italy which formed in 2007. T… Read Full Bio ↴MSWHITE was a post-hardcore band from Turin, Italy which formed in 2007. The lineup by the time of their disbandment in 2011 was Andrea Arcari (vocals), Paolo Canetti (drums, vocals), Luca Cavaglià (guitar, vocals), Davide Cagliero (guitar), and Andrea Dell'Osa (bass).

By the year 2010 MSWHITE was a standout band in the Italian underground music scene, working hard to book gigs while also managing school and jobs. After recording a single to post online the world took notice. Gigs were booked around Italy and after two tours, the band headed to Fusix Studio to record 3 brand new tracks. Those songs attracted the attention of The Artery Foundation, a company that manages such genre-defining bands as Attack Attack!, Dance Gavin Dance, The Devil Wears Prada, and Emarosa.

For a year and a half The Artery Foundation kept close tabs on the band carefully watching to see how it developed. During that time the group toured Italy and Europe nonstop, even playing major European festival Horrorfest in Belgium. An LP was in the works when Dave Shapiro of The Agency Group contacted the band and made them an offer they couldn’t refuse, signing them to his new label Velocity Records, in conjunction with Rise Records. The band spent May and June 2010 working in the studio on new songs with producer Andrea Fusini.

Their debut full-length album Squares was released September 28, 2010, and the band relocated to Florida to further their career in America.

On May 31, 2011, MSWHITE posted a note on their Facebook page explaining their disbandment. During their first American tour with Enter Shikari and Haste the Day, the band was deported from the United States, and due to immigration issues they were blocked from playing abroad, which led to their breakup.

22 Dots 22 Stripes
MsWhite Lyrics

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Numbers on the track make me lose my balance.
I think and I see again the same nightmare repeated everywhere.

Saint Micheal archangel defend me in the battle
As I won't be defeated in the judgment.
Saint Micheal archangel defend me in the battle
As I won't be defeated in the judgment.

Mother, mother tell me what's happening inside of me,
I feel eleven time bigger than the highest highness.
And that voice and the voice inside of me is like hail on the teeth
And it make me scream the same words again.

Saint Micheal archangel defend me in the battle
As I won't be defeated in the judgment.

Tell me what, what should I do
With these words apart from repeating,
Cause I am losing mind and time
Dealing with such a divine matter.
I gotta rest, I gotta rest and hold my spirit.

Saint Micheal archangel defend me in the battle
As I won't be defeated in the judgment.

Repeat, repeat is all I can do
Until I won't find a meaning.
Repeat, repeat is all I can do
Until I won't find a meaning.
Repeat, repeat is all I can do
Until I won't find the meaning, the meaning, the meaning for this.

I'll stay away from what it's weak and not clear
And mark that number on my skin
As I won't lose how it makes me feel,

Pain is redemption and I'm still screaming
So once again I repeat.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "22 Dots 22 Stripes" by MsWhite delve into the singer's inner turmoil as she struggles to make sense of a divine message or calling that she feels is driving her insane. The opening lines describe how the numbers on the track make her lose her balance, indicating a sense of disorientation and uncertainty. The repetition of a nightmare further suggests this feeling of being stuck in a cycle of confusion and distress.

The singer then turns to Saint Michael the archangel, calling on him to defend her in battle and help her avoid defeat in the judgment. The archangel is a powerful symbol of protection and guidance, suggesting that the singer is seeking assistance from a higher power to navigate this difficult terrain. She also turns to her mother, seeking answers to what is happening inside of her. The feeling of being eleven times bigger than the highest highness suggests that the message she is receiving is overwhelming and difficult to contain.

As the singer repeats the same words and phrases over and over, she acknowledges that she is struggling to find meaning in what she is experiencing. She recognizes the importance of holding her spirit and resting, indicating that this process is taking a toll on her mental and physical health. However, the repetition also suggests a sense of perseverance and determination.

Overall, "22 Dots 22 Stripes" is a deeply introspective and emotional song that explores themes of spirituality, self-discovery, and the struggle to make sense of the mysteries of life.

Line by Line Meaning

Numbers on the track make me lose my balance.
I am overwhelmed by the repetition of this nightmare.

Saint Micheal archangel defend me in the battle As I won't be defeated in the judgment.
I pray for protection and strength to overcome any obstacles.

Tell me what, what should I do With these words apart from repeating, Cause I am losing mind and time Dealing with such a divine matter. I gotta rest, I gotta rest and hold my spirit.
I am exhausted from trying to make sense of this overwhelming experience.

Repeat, repeat is all I can do Until I won't find a meaning. Repeat, repeat is all I can do Until I won't find a meaning. Repeat, repeat is all I can do Until I won't find the meaning, the meaning, the meaning for this.
I am searching for understanding and will keep repeating until I do.

I'll stay away from what it's weak and not clear And mark that number on my skin As I won't lose how it makes me feel, Pain is redemption and I'm still screaming So once again I repeat.
I will avoid confusion and hold onto the strong emotions that give me purpose, even if it is painful.

Contributed by Lila Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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