In October 2005, rumours began spreading across the internet that the group was on the verge of disbanding. The band initially refuted such rumours, but added that they may not tour again due to their obligations with other projects. The band has been considered on hiatus since 2005.
White
The American Analog Set Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
There's someone looking for you
And everyone you know
In the house that you've come to
Tom and Elizabeth
And unbearable Steven
Diana thinks you'll stay
So think about what you leaving
The note you left behind
I hope it made you feel better
Diana sat and cried
Michael and I read your letter
"I saw you on the way
On the way to the White House
I'm sorry I can't stay
I said before I'm on my way"
The American Analog Set's "White" primarily revolves around the idea of leaving and the aftermath. The opening lines suggest a sense of being pursued, which could be interpreted as the singer feeling smothered or trapped. Meanwhile, the following lines introduce various characters who seem affected by the singer's departure. Tom, Elizabeth, and Steven are all unnamed acquaintances, but they're characterized as "unbearable," which could mean they're self-centered or high-maintenance. Diana, on the other hand, is someone who thinks the singer will stay and seems saddened by the idea of their leaving.
The chorus, "I saw you on the way to the White House / I'm sorry I can't stay / I said before I'm on my way" suggests an air of finality. The White House could be a symbolic reference to the desire for power or control, which the singer might be chasing after. Alternatively, it could be literal, as the song is titled "White," which is associated with purity and innocence. The singer's apology and acknowledgment of their inability to stay further underscores the sense of loss and regret.
The note left behind by the singer is something that Diana mourns over, while Michael and the singer both read it. The lyrics don't reveal the contents of the note, but it's clear that it had some impact, possibly negative. Overall, "White" is a song that grapples with leaving and the consequences of one's actions, with a somber and almost nostalgic tone.
Line by Line Meaning
Everywhere you go
No matter where you travel, people are watching and seeking you out.
There's someone looking for you
Someone is always searching for your presence, either physically or emotionally.
And everyone you know
All the people you have encountered are affected by your actions and decisions.
In the house that you've come to
Allude to a temporary place of residence where someone has come to.
Tom and Elizabeth
Two individuals who have a certain level of interaction or relationship with the artist.
And unbearable Steven
The name of a person who the singer has a disdain for.
Diana thinks you'll stay
Someone who is optimistic and hopes for the singer to remain present in their life.
So think about what you leaving
An encouragement to consider the effects of one's exit on people who will miss them.
The note you left behind
A message the artist has left before departing.
I hope it made you feel better
A wish or desire that the artist leaving a message was helpful in some way.
Diana sat and cried
A person was emotionally affected to the point of tears due the singer's departure.
Michael and I read your letter
Two people who read the note/message the artist left.
"I saw you on the way
The singer conveying a message that they encountered someone or something along their journey.
On the way to the White House
Allusion to a metaphorical place of power or symbolic location representing the governmental regime.
I'm sorry I can't stay
An expression of regret for not being able to remain in a particular location or situation.
I said before I'm on my way"
A reaffirmation that the artist is committed to moving forward from their current position.
Lyrics © ROUGH TRADE PUBLISHING, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Andrew Kenny
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind