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Passive Manipulation
The White Stripes Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Women, listen to your mothers
Don't just succumb to the wishes of your brothers
Take a step back, take a look at one another
You need to know the difference...
Between a father and a lover (repeat)

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of The White Stripe's song Passive Manipulation contains a powerful message directed towards women. The first line encourages women to listen to their mothers, implying that their mothers hold valuable wisdom and advice which they ought to heed. The next line advises them not to be subjugated by the wishes of their brothers, implying that women should not be submissive in a patriarchal society.


The song's message emphasizes on the need for women to be able to distinguish between a father figure and a lover. This is an essential distinction that often goes unrecognized, leading to confusion over the relationship they have with men. The song's final line urges them to take a step back and take a look at one another, a call to action that encourages women to evaluate their relationships and gain clarity on what they are looking for in a partner.


Overall, The White Stripe's Passive Manipulation is a powerful song with a clear message that emphasizes the need for women to take control of their lives and relationships, rather than being manipulated and controlled by others.


Line by Line Meaning

Women, listen to your mothers
Hey ladies, it's time to pay heed to the advice of your mothers


Don't just succumb to the wishes of your brothers
You shouldn't blindly give in to the wants of your male siblings


Take a step back, take a look at one another
Pause for a moment, and examine your surroundings and relationships


You need to know the difference...
It is essential to understand the contrast between


Between a father and a lover (repeat)
the characteristics and boundaries of a paternal figure versus a romantic partner




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JACK WHITE

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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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..

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