Jack the Ripper
The White Stripes (Live Bootleg) Lyrics

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Maybe Jasper does the astro
Maybe Jasper does the astro
Maybe Jasper does the astro, astro

(Yeah)

Maybe Lily does the astro
Maybe Lily does the astro

Maybe Lily does the astro, 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.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to "Jack the Ripper" by The White Stripes seem to be a mix of different references and ideas. The repeated lines stating "Maybe Jasper/Lily/Jackson/Tesla does the astro" appear to be a nod to astrology and potentially the idea that these individuals have some sort of astrological influence. The mention of Edison being "AC/DC" could be a reference to the famous inventor's contributions to both direct and alternating current electricity.

The rest of the lyrics seem to describe a late-night walk haunted by the infamous Jack the Ripper, with the lines "Fools little gold and suffer a little here" potentially alluding to the danger and uncertainty of life in the presence of such a notorious killer. The final lines about being nearly caught by Jack the Ripper add to the tension and fear in the lyrical narrative.

Overall, "Jack the Ripper" seems to be a song that incorporates various ideas and references, with a focus on the sense of danger and uncertainty that can come with walking alone at night.

Line by Line Meaning

Maybe Jasper does the astro
Perhaps Jasper dabbles in astrology

Maybe Lily does the astro
Perhaps Lily dabbles in astrology

Maybe Jackson does the astro
Perhaps Jackson dabbles in astrology

Maybe Tesla does the astro
Perhaps Tesla dabbles in astrology

Maybe Edison is AC/DC
Perhaps Edison is versatile, like the electrical current AC/DC

I'm walking down the street, late at night.
I am strolling on a dark street at a late hour

Jack the ripper
A reference to the infamous serial killer

Fools little gold and suffer a little here.
Those who pursue wealth may experience pain and hardship

Hey…peck and lonely
Direct address to someone who is timid and isolated

I said "let go o' me"
I asked to be released

Got by me, back and forth and almost got me.
An individual narrowly escaped danger by moving back and forth unpredictably

Jack the ripper…Jack the ripper.
Repeated reference to the infamous serial killer

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: DAVID COOPER, GRAHAM BILBOROUGH, KEITH ATACK, MICHAEL DEVERE, TIM ATACK

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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