Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found

Blue Orchid
The White Stripes Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

You got a reaction
You got a reaction didn't, you?
You took a white orchid
You took a white orchid turned it blue

Something better than nothing
Something better than nothing, it's giving up
We all need to do something
Try and keep the truth from showing up

How dare you
How old are you now, anyway?
How dare you
How old are you now, anyway?

How dare you
How old are you now, anyway?

You're given a flower
But I guess that there's just no pleasing you
Your lips tastes sour
But you think that it's just me teasing you

You got a reaction
You got a reaction, didn't you?
You took a white orchid
You took a white orchid turned it blue

Get behind me
Get behind me now, anyway
Get behind me
Get behind me now, anyway

Get behind me
Get behind me now, anyway

You got a reaction
You got a reaction, didn't you?
You took a white orchid
You took a white orchid turned it blue

Overall Meaning

The lyrics in "Blue Orchid" by The White Stripes seem to be about the complexities of relationships and the struggle to communicate effectively. The opening lines suggest that someone has received a strong emotional response, possibly from someone they care about. The second verse speaks of something better than nothing, possibly suggesting that even if the communication wasn't perfect, it's still better than nothing. The line "Try to keep the truth from showing up" suggests that the person is struggling to express themselves honestly.


The chorus is the most confrontational part of the song, with the lyrics "How dare you, how old are you now, anyway?" implying that some kind of betrayal has taken place. The idea of the white orchid turning blue speaks to the idea of something pure (white orchid) being altered or corrupted (turned blue). The final lines of the chorus, "You're given a flower, but I guess that there's just no pleasing you" suggests that despite the effort of one party, the other remains ungrateful or unsatisfied.


The final verse seems to be a plea for physical distance, with the lines "Get behind me now, anyway" repeating multiple times. It's possible that the singer is trying to put some distance between themselves and the other person in order to gain clarity and perspective on the situation.


Overall, "Blue Orchid" seems to be a song about the difficulties of communication and the frustration that can arise in relationships when one party feels as though their efforts are not appreciated or reciprocated.


Line by Line Meaning

You got a reaction
You provoked a response


You got a reaction didn't, you?
You intended to elicit a reaction, and you succeeded


You took a white orchid
You possessed a pure and delicate thing


You took a white orchid turned it blue
You corrupted something that was once beautiful


Something better than nothing
Anything is better than nothing


Something better than nothing, it's giving up
Sometimes, settling for less is a form of surrender


We all need to do something
Everyone needs to take action


Try and keep the truth from showing up
Keeping secrets may be necessary to avoid unpleasant outcomes


How dare you
You are being disrespectful or insolent


How old are you now, anyway?
Your behavior suggests immaturity, so how old are you really?


You're given a flower
You received a gift or opportunity


But I guess that there's just no pleasing you
Even with blessings, you remain unsatisfied


Your lips tastes sour
Your words or actions are unpleasant


But you think that it's just me teasing you
You are oblivious to the effect you have on others


Get behind me
Stay out of my way


Get behind me now, anyway
Your presence is unwelcome, so leave


You got a reaction
Your actions prompted a response


You got a reaction, didn't you?
You achieved your goal of eliciting a reaction


You took a white orchid
You possessed something pure and unspoiled


You took a white orchid turned it blue
You defiled something that was once beautiful




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Reservoir Media Management, Inc.
Written by: John Anthony White

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@muratcelik5928

You got a reaction
You got a reaction didn't, you?
You took a white orchid
You took a white orchid turned it blue
Something better than nothing
Something better than nothing, it's giving up
We all need to do something
Try keep the truth from showing up
How dare you
How old are you now, anyway?
How dare you
How old are you now, anyway?
You're given a flower
But I guess there's just no pleasing you
Your lips tastes sour
But you think that it's just me teasing you
You got a reaction
You got a reaction, didn't you?
You took a white orchid
You took a white orchid turned it blue
Get behind me
Get behind me now, anyway
Get behind me
Get behind me now, anyway
You got a reaction
You got a reaction, didn't you?
You took a white orchid
You took a white orchid turned it blue



@Pride317

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
You got a reaction
You got a reaction, didn't you?
You took a white orchid
You took a white orchid turned it blue

[Verse 2]
Something better than nothing
Something better than nothing, it's giving up
We all need to do something
Try to keep the truth from showing up

[Chorus 1]
How dare you
How old are you now, anyway?
How dare you
How old are you now, anyway?
How dare you
How old are you now, anyway?

[Verse 3]
You're given a flower
But I guess that there's just no pleasing you
Your lip tastes sour
But you think that it's just me teasing you

[Verse 1]
You got a reaction
You got a reaction, didn't you?
You took a white orchid
You took a white orchid turned it blue

[Chorus 2]
Get behind me
Get behind me now, anyway
Get behind me
Get behind me now, anyway
Get behind me
Get behind me now, anyway

[Verse 1]
You got a reaction
You got a reaction, didn't you?
You took a white orchid
You took a white orchid turned it blue



All comments from YouTube:

@OdysseusLightning

Been listening to this band since 1870. They never get old.

@mmedlen1

Since 04 but I’d love to hear the rsmconteurs 🥸🤠👀😄

@jimjams8688

Ah yes

1870

@jessharriman3254

Vampirism

@briandelgado4985

Saw them open up for Beethoven on the "playing the plaque" tour what a sick show!! 😫 😆 🤣

@pleasure_deelayer_not7768

😂🤣🤘🏽💯

10 More Replies...

@racingmonkey199

This guy has Some of the best guitar riffs ever

@pancon5

He really does.

@johnbelcher6282

Swiftt I literally just liked it because of your profile picture it's so cute

@DavidsRandomPlanet

Swiftt true

More Comments

More Versions