Open Your Heart
The Stripes Lyrics


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I want to be the boy to warm your mother's heart
I'm so scared to take you away
I tried to win her over right from the start
But something always got in the way
We've been sitting in your backyard for hours
But she won't even come out and say hi
While my mother baked a little cake for you
And even dreaded when you said goodbye

What kind of cartwheels do I have to pull?
What kind of joke should I lay on her now?
I'm inclined to go finish high school
Just to make her notice that I'm around

Well nothing I come up with seems to work
It feels like everything I say is a lie
And never have I felt like such a jerk
I'm afraid to even open my eyes
Because I really don't want her to judge me
I want her to really know who I am
And the, and only then will she love me
Well at least that was the plan

If ever a boy needed a holiday
If ever a girl needed someone to hold
I just hope I don't act the same way
By the time that I get that old

I never said I was the heir to a fortune
I never claimed to have any looks
But these kind of things must be important
Because somebody ripped out my page
In your telephone book





I want to warm her heart

Overall Meaning

The song "Open Your Heart" by The White Stripes is a poignant ballad that tells the story of a boy who is trying to win the approval of the girl's mother. He confesses his feelings and desire to be with her daughter, but is constantly met with obstacles. He expresses his frustration at the situation but also conveys his determination to make it work.


The opening line of the song, "I want to be the boy to warm your mother's heart," sets the tone for the rest of the song. The singer is aware that the girl's mother may not approve of him, and he is desperate to prove himself worthy of her love. Despite his efforts, he is constantly thwarted by something or the other, which makes him feel like a liar and a failure.


The chorus of the song also highlights the insecurity of the singer, as he wonders what he needs to do to win over the mother. He agonizes over the fact that he may not be good enough, and that she may never accept him for who he is. At the same time, he acknowledges that he cannot give up and that he needs to keep trying.


Overall, "Open Your Heart" is a touching and emotional song about the struggles of love and the lengths people will go to win over a loved one's family. It is a plea for acceptance, and a reminder that sometimes, even the best intentions can be misunderstood.


Line by Line Meaning

I want to be the boy to warm your mother's heart
I want to be the person who makes your mother feel happy and loved.


I'm so scared to take you away
I'm afraid to take you from your mother's care.


I tried to win her over right from the start
I attempted to gain her approval immediately.


But something always got in the way
Something always prevented me from succeeding.


We've been sitting in your backyard for hours
We've been spending time outside for a long period.


But she won't even come out and say hi
She refuses to greet us.


While my mother baked a little cake for you
Meanwhile, my mother prepared a small dessert for you.


And even dreaded when you said goodbye
She felt sad when you left.


What kind of cartwheels do I have to pull?
What kind of exceptional performances must I do to impress her?


What kind of joke should I lay on her now?
What kind of humorous remark should I tell her now?


I'm inclined to go finish high school
I'm thinking about returning to school to show her that I am dedicated and responsible.


Just to make her notice that I'm around
Just so that she can be aware of my presence.


Well nothing I come up with seems to work
No matter what I try, nothing seems to be successful.


It feels like everything I say is a lie
I feel like everything I say is insincere.


And never have I felt like such a jerk
I've never felt so foolish before.


I'm afraid to even open my eyes
I'm scared to face the reality of the situation in case it's not favorable.


Because I really don't want her to judge me
Because I don't want her to form an unfavorable opinion of me.


I want her to really know who I am
I desire for her to understand my true self.


And the, and only then will she love me
Only after that happens, will she genuinely love me.


Well at least that was the plan
That was my intention, at least.


If ever a boy needed a holiday
If ever a young man required a break.


If ever a girl needed someone to hold
If ever a young woman needed someone to embrace.


I just hope I don't act the same way
I hope I don't behave in this same manner.


By the time that I get that old
When I reach that age.


I never said I was the heir to a fortune
I never claimed to be wealthy.


I never claimed to have any looks
I never said that I was good-looking.


But these kind of things must be important
But these factors must be crucial.


Because somebody ripped out my page in your telephone book
Because someone removed my contact information from your phone book.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JACK WHITE

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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