The band has released three albums, 2006's "Broken Boy Soldiers", 2008's Consolers of the Lonely and 2019's Help Us Stranger.
Dean Fertita from The Waxwings did live keyboards for the band in 2006; he also played in Brendan Benson's band and is now touring with Queens Of The Stone Age, and is a member of White and Lawrence's band The Dead Weather.
The band had to change their name in Australia, since there already was a band named The Raconteurs there. The band is referred to as The Saboteurs in Australia.
Shine the Light on Me
The Raconteurs Lyrics
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(Ooh) what can you do?
(Ooh) what does it prove love?
New love comes so, what can you do?
When you're searching in the dark
It doesn't matter if you're blind does it?
Can't you see?
But it's so enlightening when you need to
Shine the light on me
(Ooh) what can you do love?
(Ooh) if only we knew?
(Ooh) what does it prove love?
New love comes so, what can you do?
My hands are colder when you're gone
It makes it hard to play the notes
I write to warm your mind
But nothing's colder than a song
That's never played in a pile of papers left behind
And only God can know
Why the stories told
Over, and over again
But we don't need to know
Why the flowers grow
Let's just be happy they can
When you're searching in the dark
It doesn't matter if you're blind does it?
Can't you see?
And even lightning's just a spark
But it's so enlightening when you need to
Shine the light on me
(Ooh) what can we do?
(Ooh) what can we do?
Shine the light on me
(Ooh) what can we do?
Shine the light on me
(Ooh) what can we do?
(Ooh) what can we do?
Shine the light on me
(Ooh) what can we do?
Shine the light on me
(Ooh) what can we do?
Shine the light on me
(Ooh) what can we do?
Yeah
The Raconteurs’ “Shine the Light on Me” is an emotive and philosophical song about searching for love, and how that pursuit often leads to a journey of self-discovery. The song begins with an introspective tone as the lead singer wonders what love can do and what it proves. He recognizes the futility of trying to control or predict the arrival of new love, which can be both exciting and disappointing.
The second verse moves towards a more melancholy mood as the singer talks about the pain of being separated from a loved one. He admits that he cannot create the same beauty in his art without the inspiration of love. The bridge touches on deeper questions of life, wondering why we repeat the same stories over and over, and why some things simply cannot be explained.
The chorus comes back with the central metaphor of the song, urging someone to shine a light on him, even if they’re both stumbling through the dark. Lightning is powerful, but it’s just a spark; it takes something deeper and more meaningful to truly illuminate the darkness.
Overall, “Shine the Light on Me” is a song about the interconnectedness of love, self-discovery, and the search for meaning in life. It’s a reminder that, even in our darkest moments, the light of love can guide us forward.
Line by Line Meaning
(Ooh) what can you do?
What actions can you take?
(Ooh) what does it prove love?
What is the point or purpose of love?
New love comes so, what can you do?
Love is inevitable, so what can you do about it?
When you're searching in the dark
When you are lost, confused, or uncertain
It doesn't matter if you're blind does it?
It doesn't make a difference if you lack insight or understanding
Can't you see?
Can't you comprehend or understand?
And even lightning's just a spark
Even something powerful or intense can start out insignificant
But it's so enlightening when you need to
But it can be illuminating and revealing when you need it
(Ooh) what can you do love?
What actions can love take?
(Ooh) if only we knew?
If only we had understanding or clarity
My hands are colder when you're gone
I feel empty, incomplete or unhappy without you
It makes it hard to play the notes
It makes it difficult to express my emotions or creativity
I write to warm your mind
I write to love, inspire, or comfort you
But nothing's colder than a song
But nothing is more disheartening, bleak or lifeless than an unshared creative work
That's never played in a pile of papers left behind
That's never given a chance, thrown away, abandoned or forgotten
And only God can know
And only a higher power can truly understand
Why the stories told
Why certain events or experiences happen to us
Over, and over again
Repeatedly, as in patterns or cycles
But we don't need to know
But we don't need to understand or know everything
Why the flowers grow
Why positive and beautiful things happen
Let's just be happy they can
Let's just embrace and appreciate the good things in life
Shine the light on me
Help me find my way, help me see clearly, help me understand
(Ooh) what can we do?
What actions can we take together?
Yeah
An exclamation of agreement or affirmation
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, BMG Rights Management
Written by: Brendan Benson, John Anthony White
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind