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
Offend in Every Way
The White Stripes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
As humble as I can
I'll wait another day
Before I turn away
But know this much is true
No matter what I do
Offend in every way
I don't know what to say
I'm coming through the door
But they're expecting more
Of an interesting man
Sometimes I think I can
But how much can I fake
I'll speak until I break
With every word I say
Offend in every way
You tell me to relax
And listen to these facts
That everyone's my friend
And will be till the end
But know this much is true
No matter what I do
No matter what I say
Offend in every way
In The White Stripes' song Offend in Every Way, the singer expresses his frustration with himself, particularly with his inability to fit in and create meaningful connections with those around him. He is, as he says, "patient of this plan" and is doing his best to be "humble." However, he can't escape his own nature, which seems to be to "offend in every way." Despite his efforts, he feels like he can't be the "interesting man" that others expect him to be, and he worries that every time he opens his mouth, he will say something that will cause offense.
The lyrics are particularly interesting in their ambiguity. On the one hand, the singer might be significantly socially anxious or struggle with anxiety-related issues. On the other hand, he might simply be tired of trying to impress others who don't see him for who he truly is. Either way, the weight of expectation and the fear of offending loom large in his mind.
Overall, Offend in Every Way is a beautifully crafted and relatable song about the anxiety and pressure that many people feel when trying to navigate social situations. The White Stripes' raw, soulful music helps to underscore the emotions present in the lyrics, making the song one that is both deeply personal and universally resonant.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm patient of this plan
I am tolerant and accommodating of this formula or strategy.
As humble as I can
As unpretentious and down to earth as I can be.
I'll wait another day
I will give it one more day before giving up hope.
Before I turn away
Before I abandon or dismiss it altogether.
But know this much is true
But be aware that this statement is an undeniable fact.
No matter what I do
Regardless of my efforts and actions.
Offend in every way
I will inevitably cause displeasure or irritation to others.
I don't know what to say
I am at a loss for words or how to handle the situation.
I'm coming through the door
I am arriving or entering the scene.
But they're expecting more
But they are anticipating a higher level of performance or exceptional qualities from me.
Of an interesting man
Equivalent to those of a fascinating and captivating man.
Sometimes I think I can
At times I believe I am capable of doing so.
But how much can I fake
However, how much can I deceive and pretend?
I'll speak until I break
I will keep talking until I cannot take it anymore.
With every word I say
With each utterance or statement that comes out of my mouth.
Offend in every way
I will inevitably cause displeasure or irritation to others.
You tell me to relax
You advise me to calm down and take it easy.
And listen to these facts
And pay attention to these truths or realities.
That everyone's my friend
That everyone is on my side and are supportive of me.
And will be till the end
And they will continue to be there for me through thick and thin.
But know this much is true
But be aware that this statement is an undeniable fact.
No matter what I do
Regardless of my efforts and actions.
No matter what I say
Regardless of my words or statements.
Offend in every way
I will inevitably cause displeasure or irritation to others.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JOHN ANTHONY WHITE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Robyn
on Candy Cane Children
The meaning of this song is basically saying the older you get, the less fun Christmas becomes usually do to adulthood. The lines "don't you know your name?...", probably refers to the adults telling kids to grow up as if they're saying "Do you know how old you are? You're getting too old for this stuff." Probably why he put the lines "nobody knows how to talk to children". Also, he puts the lines "think again" after a thought of one of the kids thinking of wishing to participate in Christmas activities. As if they're thinking "Yeah I probably AM too old for this.." "364 more tears girl" the sadness of getting older. Not participating feels like a missed opportunity and causes even more sadness..