After releasing several singles and three albums within the Detroit independent music underground, The White Stripes rose to prominence in 2002, as part of the garage rock revival scene. Their successful albums White Blood Cells and Elephant drew them attention from a large variety of media outlets in the United States and the United Kingdom.
The White Stripes used a low-fidelity, do-it-yourself approach to writing and recording. Their music features a melding of punk and blues influences and a raw simplicity of composition, arrangement, and performance. The duo is also noted for their fashion and design aesthetic which features a simple color scheme of red, white, and black.
The White Stripes' discography consists of six studio albums, two extended plays (EP), one video album, 26 singles and fourteen music videos. The band has sold approximately 12 million albums worldwide, 2 million in the US alone, and their latest three albums have each won a Grammy Award for Best Alternative Music Album.
On February 2, 2011, the band announced on their website that they had disbanded.
Official band website: www.whitestripes.com
Jack the Ripper
The White Stripes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Maybe Jasper does the astro
Maybe Jasper does the astro, astro
(Yeah)
Maybe Lily does the astro
Maybe Lily does the astro
Maybe Jackson does the astro
Maybe Jackson does the astro
Maybe Jackson does the astro, astro
Maybe Tesla does the astro
Maybe Tesla does the astro
Maybe Edison is AC/DC
I'm walking down the street, late at night.
Jack the ripper
Jack the ripper.
Fools little gold and suffer a little here.
Jack the ripper
Jack the ripper.
Hey…peck and lonely
I said "let go o' me"
Got by me, back and forth and almost got me.
Jack the ripper…Jack the ripper.
The lyrics to The White Stripes' song "Jack the Ripper" consist of a few different parts. The first part involves repeating the names of different people (Jasper, Lily, Jackson, and Tesla) and wondering whether they might be involved in astrology. This then transitions to a reference to Edison and AC/DC, suggesting that the mention of Tesla and Edison is a nod to the battle between alternating and direct current power.
The second part of the song involves the mysterious and ominous figure of Jack the Ripper. The singer describes walking down the street at night and feeling a sense of fear associated with the infamous serial killer. There is a suggestion that the singer may have had a close encounter with Jack the Ripper, as he mentions being pursued by him and almost being caught. The repeated refrain of "Jack the ripper" creates a haunting and spooky tone, building tension throughout the song.
Overall, the song seems to be a reflection on the darkness and uncertainty of the world, both in terms of the potential influence of astrology and the threat of violence from someone like Jack the Ripper. The repeated names and phrases create a sense of unease and tension, which is amplified by the eerie melody and raw, intense vocals.
Line by Line Meaning
Maybe Jasper does the astro
Possibly Jasper is knowledgeable in astrology
Maybe Lily does the astro
Potentially, Lily has expertise in astrology
Maybe Jackson does the astro
It is possible that Jackson has knowledge of astrology
Maybe Tesla does the astro
Perhaps Tesla has an understanding of astrology
Maybe Edison is AC/DC
It is uncertain whether Edison's ideas align with AC/DC's
I'm walking down the street, late at night.
I am strolling through the streets, it is nighttime
Jack the ripper
The infamous murderer Jack the Ripper
Fools little gold and suffer a little here.
Be foolish and face consequences
Jack the ripper
The notorious killer Jack the Ripper
Hey…peck and lonely
Calling out to someone possibly in distress and isolated
I said "let go o' me"
Expressing a desire to be released or freed from someone or something
Got by me, back and forth and almost got me.
Eluding or evading danger but coming close to being caught or harmed
Jack the ripper…Jack the ripper.
Repeating the name of the infamous killer Jack the Ripper
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: DAVID COOPER, GRAHAM BILBOROUGH, KEITH ATACK, MICHAEL DEVERE, TIM ATACK
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
NathanHershey2016
I’m walking down the street, late at night
Jack the ripper, Jack the ripper
Fools little gold and suffer a little here
Jack the ripper, Jack the ripper
Hey, peck and lonely
I said, "Let go of me"
Got by me, back and forth and almost got me
Jack the ripper, Jack the ripper
Jason Bailey
I'm going to sound like a hippy Woodstock wanker but "I was there maaaaan" front row. This gig will forever be stamped in my memory, I remember the ballroom floor literally bouncing under my feet.. What an amazing night!
John Gallacher
Yes 👌🏻
Tess Connellan
I’m so jealous!!!
Stig
I would do anything in the entire world to live that experience. Whenever I get asked a question about if I had a time machine what would be the first thing I would do, well without hesitation I always say be at these 2 shows. There isn't a cooler thing in all of history in my opinion.
The Sage
@Jason Bailey I saw him live in a concert in the rain at Pittsburgh and he took a bow out Jimmy Page Style and I was in. Seeing Jack the Ripper though is a whole different level. He rips it so organically.
Jason Bailey
@The Sage It was the first time I'd heard it tbh. I was blown away, by far my standout moment of the gig and easily one of Jacks best performances.
Jen Writer
Why is Meg completely ON FIRE this entire concert. Seriously, she is awesome!
Mike Lindsey
It really is It leaves you breathless after the first 45 minutes.....As soon as he hits the stage he start rocking and doesnt really stop. He really is the best musician live out there right now I think!
Mike Lindsey
I just got this DVD Under Blackpool Lights and it doesnt stop rocking, Jack is a GOD and this song sets London on Fire
iluvjackwhitemost
WOW. Jack sure knows how to work a guitar. This was probaly my favorite performance on the BPL dvd