"I was thinking about a time in high school when I turned my books in to the math teacher and said, ‘I refuse to learn from you anymore.’ The song is about asking questions. A lot of people are taught just to regurgitate information. People don’t care if you learn anymore. Opinion gets trampled on."
- Jack White
Black Math
The White Stripes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Well, my fingers definitely turning to black now
Yeah, maybe I'll put my love on ice
And teach myself, and maybe that'll be nice, yeah
My books are sitting at the top of the stack now
Well, the longer words are really breaking my back now
Yeah, maybe I'll learn to understand
I'm drawing a square with a pencil in hand, yeah
Ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah
Mathematically turning the page
Unequivocally showing my age
I'm practically center stage
Undeniably earning your wage
Well, maybe I'll put my love on ice
Teach myself, maybe that'll be nice, yeah
Well, listen master, can you answer a question?
Is it the fingers or the brain that you're teaching the lesson?
Oh, I can't tell ya how proud I am
I'm writing down things that I don't understand
Well, maybe I'll put my love on ice
And teach myself, and maybe that'll be nice, yeah
Yeah, yeah, yeah
The White Stripes’ song Black Math seems to be about the singer’s desire to self-improve and learn new things. The lyrics suggest a sense of frustration and a need for change - “don't you think that I'm bound to react now?” The singer feels that they are turning black figuratively, as if their old ways are dying and they have to start anew. This might be a metaphor for addiction, or an unwillingness to venture out from their comfort zone.
The chorus is ambiguous, but it seems to convey a sense of taking control and ownership of one’s own life. There is an element of practicality in the lyrics as well, as the singer acknowledges the weight of studying and learning: “the longer words are really breaking my back now.” Despite this struggle, the singer still wants to persevere with their education and self-improvement: “maybe I'll learn to understand”.
In the third verse, the singer seems to challenge their teacher or someone who has been giving them advice. They are asking if it is the “fingers or the brain” that is being taught. The line “writing down things that I don't understand” is a powerful one that conveys a sense of earnestness and determination. Overall, Black Math’s lyrics are quite introspective and seem to express a desire for personal growth and improvement.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh, don't you think that I'm bound to react now?
I am about to react and take action.
Well, my fingers definitely turning to black now
I am working so hard that my fingers are becoming discolored
Yeah, maybe I'll put my love on ice
And teach myself, and maybe that'll be nice, yeah
Perhaps I should take a break from my love life, teach myself, and start loving and appreciating myself more.
My books are sitting at the top of the stack now
I am overwhelmed by too much work and too many obligations.
Well, the longer words are really breaking my back now
I am struggling with learning new concepts and terminologies.
Yeah, maybe I'll learn to understand
I'm drawing a square with a pencil in hand, yeah
I will try to understand this complex world, even if it means starting with something as simple as drawing a square.
Mathematically turning the page
Unequivocally showing my age
I'm practically center stage
Undeniably earning your wage
I am growing older, but I am still here and still working hard.
Well, listen master, can you answer a question?
Is it the fingers or the brain that you're teaching the lesson?
I'm asking a wise person a question about the best way to learn.
Oh, I can't tell ya how proud I am
I'm writing down things that I don't understand
I am proud of my willingness to learn and my commitment to understanding everything.
Well, maybe I'll put my love on ice
And teach myself, and maybe that'll be nice, yeah
Yeah, yeah, yeah
Once again, I realize that I need to step away from the things that distract me and focus on myself and my own learning.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Jack White
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@TrishGreene14
This makes my heart so happy. Thank you, Jack White, for keeping the White Stripes content coming. And thank you, Meg, for allowing it as well ❤️🤍🖤❤️🤍🖤
@malinois71
Jack had nothing to do with this and the video was so lame. This big wait for shitty visuals lol
@josiecameron3395
They are so so good!
@robertrutt5002
Jack's the Neo Jimmy Page. Love it !
@xx7secondsxx
Thanks for confirming Megs back n shes otays!!! 🤘🎸🤘🎸🤘🍻🍻😎
@henrysmith8209
You are a really pretty girl☺
@mordecaisymeski2
Been listening to this album for 20years now, here's to another 20
@Jimmy1982Playlists
Hear, hear! This us the album that got me into the brilliance of Jack & Meg... 🥰
@VAL3NTIN3
Dam dude. Shut up. You make me feel old! 😅😂
@s2sHoXXs2
Same here!! this was my girst album I ever bought when i was 8 years old ❤🍬