Walking With a Ghost
The White Stripes Lyrics


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No matter which way you go
No matter which way you stay
You're out of my mind, out of my mind
Out of my mind, out of my mind

I was walking with a ghost
I said please, please don't insist
I was walking with a ghost
I said please, please don't insist





Overall Meaning

The lyrics to The White Stripes's song "Walking With a Ghost" convey a deep sense of longing and desire for someone who is out of reach. The repetition of the phrase "out of my mind" emphasizes the singer's inability to let go of this person, despite knowing that they are unavailable. The second half of the song, where the singer pleads with the ghost to leave them alone, suggests that this relationship is a painful one that the singer needs to end.


The use of the metaphorical "ghost" also adds to the song's sense of melancholy. Ghosts are often associated with lost love or past regrets, and the fact that the singer cannot let go of this ghost implies a deep sense of heartache. In this way, the song provides a poignant commentary on the human experience of love and loss, and the struggle we often face in trying to move on from those who have left us behind.


Overall, "Walking With a Ghost" is a haunting, emotionally resonant song that speaks to the universal human experience of heartbreak and longing. Its lyrics capture the essence of what it means to carry someone with us long after they have gone, and to struggle with the pain of that loss.


Line by Line Meaning

No matter which way you go
Regardless of the direction you choose to take


No matter which way you stay
Whether you decide to stay or leave


You're out of my mind, out of my mind
I have let go of any thoughts or feelings towards you


Out of my mind, out of my mind
I've completely moved on from you


I was walking with a ghost
I was reminiscing about memories of you, but you're not actually physically present


I said please, please don't insist
I realized that holding onto these memories is not healthy and I'm asking for it to stop




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Sara Keirsten Quin, Tegan Rain Quin

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Zackary Eggleston

I remember listening to this as a kid with my dad. Show yalls father some love for putting yall on good music and the right path.

Matthew Kreischer

haha right? thanks dad

Patrick Sharp

Wish I had that.

GLOSEPH

Literally same

Johnny Repine

@John Briggs very Cat's in the Cradle moment there. Offers you a handshake and a half hug

John Briggs

my dad showed me some good music, but he was always shit faced when he did, otherwise he wouldn’t talk to me/anyone. he died in 2019 at 52, but hey at least he wasn’t a violent drunk, just said/told everyone pretty much the worst thing he could think of. always told me i’d be an awful father if i became one, just like him i suppose lol

7 More Replies...

Mother of Bones

I love it! I love that they covered Tegan and Sara... They've been one of my favorite artists for about a decade, so the White Stripes having acknowledged them at this point in their career is awesome.  Sounds great :)

Samuel K.

I’m a huge ass stripes fan, but I did go and listen to the original, and the sound is definitely better on acoustic, but this cover is great. We don’t need to fight in the comments about which is better, both are great!

Z-Reality

Songs like this are the reason I am learning how to play the guitar.

Captain Freedom

This is a Tegan and Sara cover.

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