Red Rolling Ball Ruth
The White Stripes Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Well, pay attention
Attention to my words
I love ya
I don't know what you heard
And this fire
Has got to go for sure

Red bowling ball
Red bowling ball Ruth
Well that's somethin'
Then I should know the truth
I said, you roll it
And then it breaks your tooth

Well Peter
Are you in the wrong town?
Well, I love this girl
So hell shall come around




And you leavin'
Will be the only sound

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to "Red Rolling Ball Ruth" by The White Stripes can be interpreted in different ways depending on who is listening to it. However, one possible interpretation is that the singer is trying to express his love for someone who might have misunderstood his feelings. He urges the listener to pay attention to his words and reassures them that he loves them, despite what they might have heard. The "fire" mentioned in the lyrics could be a metaphor for any issues or misunderstandings that might have been causing trouble in their relationship, and the singer is indicating that these issues have to be resolved in order for them to move forward.


The chorus of the song introduces the character of "Red Bowling Ball Ruth" who could be a real person or another metaphorical element within the song. The singer mentions that this is something that he should know the truth about, perhaps indicating that he is questioning the reliability of his own perceptions. He talks about rolling the red bowling ball, which could represent taking action or making a change, but also warns that it could break one's teeth, suggesting that taking risks can have consequences.


The final lines of the song seem to address someone named Peter, who might be in the wrong town or situation. The singer declares his love for the girl and warns Peter that leaving her will be the only sound he hears. Overall, "Red Rolling Ball Ruth" sounds like a love song with themes of miscommunication, risk-taking, and loyalty.


Line by Line Meaning

Well, pay attention
Listen up, focus on what I'm saying


Attention to my words
Take heed of the words that are coming out of my mouth


I love ya
I have feelings of affection for you


I don't know what you heard
I'm not aware of any rumors or gossip that may have reached you


And this fire
The passion or intensity of my emotions


Has got to go for sure
It needs to be extinguished or resolved


Red bowling ball
A specific type of bowling ball, colored red


Red bowling ball Ruth
The name given to this specific red bowling ball


Well that's somethin'
That's worth noting or interesting


Then I should know the truth
I ought to have a accurate understanding of the situation


I said, you roll it
I instructed you to roll the red bowling ball


And then it breaks your tooth
It causes physical harm by breaking your tooth upon impact


Well Peter
A name used to address someone else


Are you in the wrong town?
Are you lost or don't belong here?


Well, I love this girl
I have deep affection for this woman


So hell shall come around
I am fully prepared to deal with any negative consequences that may arise as a result of my actions


And you leavin'
The sound of you departing


Will be the only sound
There won't be any other sounds or noise afterwards




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

NordrvagDavo KINO

I feel like I'll never stop finding more sick ass gems by my favorite band :]

Newcastle

NordrvagDavo KINO same here đź‘Ś

alroy michales

I don't think it's possible for a song to rock harder than this, so much detroit blues garage rock in your face it's just incredible, it just digs into the grit of my soul and puts than grin on my face, you know that really good grin..

Riley Wilkins

will someone please tell me how this is not on the white stripes album? This is fucking awesome!!!

III1236

this really could be the best WS song ever.

Robert Lehne

BRUTAL

theInsaneDoctor

An amazing track, more amazing it's a B-Side.

Riley Wilkins

I know i just added it to my 7'' collection

PussyPumper2012

AC/DC anyone? Angus Young style riff right there. Love it!

Seasuns

oh jesus. <3

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