White Rabbits came to New York from the midwest. For their first record, they managed to catch the attention of Say Hey Records and producer Chris Zane (Shy Child, Asobi Seksu, Les Savy Fav). Their second album, "It's Frightening," was produced by Britt Daniel (Spoon).
Lead by dual vocalists, Greg Roberts (Guitar / Vox) and Steve Patterson (Piano / Vox), the 6 piece is rounded out by Alex Even (Guitar / Vox), Brian Betancourt (Bass), Matt “The Duck” Clark (Drums) and Jamie Levinson (Drums). With a certain joie de vive, playfulness and charm White Rabbits thematically evoke the more decadent and bygone era of days spent on the green, old cinemas “Tourist Trap”, tragic mothers “Navy Wives”, and restrained, but no less awkward domestic disputes, with the first single, “The Plot.”
Added to their arsenal are 3 part vocal harmonies that texture the album throughout. White Rabbits even showcase the occasional group chant, best exampled on Fort Nightly’s opening track “Kid On My Shoulders”. White Rabbits’ penchant for more tropical excursions such as on “I Used To Complain Now I Don’t”, featuring the horns of Beirut’s (Jon Natchez), are, at times, reminiscent of The Specials or Madness.
Their sets have gained the band a large and growing audience and led them to share bills with Peter Bjorn & John, The Fiery Furnaces, The Walkmen, Richard Swift and others.
The Day You Won the War
White Rabbits Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Telling where to begin, giving attitude
Uhu every day you won the war
Did you feel in pain?
My head started to (?)
All that we've got
Got something they wanna hurt
Did you feel in pain?
Come on, let's (?)
Taking the time,
Taking the time, that's OK
Still like a child (?)
Can't even feel it
And all I want to do is searching
Does it make you feel (?)
How could you know?
Uhu, uhu
The lyrics to "The Day You Won the War" by White Rabbits are abstract and open to interpretation. The song seems to be about someone who gives without receiving anything in return and seems unaffected by the toll it takes on them. The line "He took anything that you offered him" implies that the person in question is willing to accept any offering or burden given to them. The line "Telling where to begin, giving attitude" suggests that they are confident in their ability to handle the task at hand.
The phrase "Uhu every day you won the war" could be symbolic for the individual's daily battles or experiences, where they come out victorious despite any struggles they may face. The question "Did you feel in pain?" seems to be directed towards this person, asking if they ever experience any emotional or physical pain from constantly giving. The last line "My head started to (?)" is possibly unfinished, but it could suggest that the person who is observing or speaking about the individual is starting to feel overwhelmed and confused by their actions.
Overall, "The Day You Won the War" is a complex song with lyrics that leave a lot of room for interpretation. It could be interpreted as an exploration of the human experience and how one's daily victories and struggles can shape their psyche.
Line by Line Meaning
He took anything that you offered him
He accepted whatever you gave him, without hesitation or choice
Telling where to begin, giving attitude
Directing and advising on where to start, while also displaying a confident and assertive demeanor
Uhu every day you won the war
A victorious feeling that encompasses each day
Did you feel in pain?
Asking if the pain of the war overshadowed the feeling of winning
My head started to (?)
The emotional weight of the war has taken a toll on one's headspace, causing exhaustion, confusion or both
All that we've got
Referring to everything that one has, which isn't much, as a result of the war
Got something they wanna hurt
Despite little possessions, those possessions still attract those who want to cause harm
Come on, let's (?)
Inviting someone else to help or join in overcoming the threats and challenges that come with a post-war life
Taking the time, taking the time, that's OK
It's understandable to need a break, or to need additional time for healing and progression
Still like a child (?)
Feelings of vulnerability, helplessness or dependency arise—similar to that of a child
Can't even feel it
The emotional numbness that accompanies an overwhelming trauma can make it hard to feel anything at all
And all I want to do is searching
Desperately seeking for answers, meaning, or purpose in the aftermath of conflict
Does it make you feel (?)
Questioning if certain actions or thoughts evoke the same emotions in others who have also experienced the trauma of war
How could you know?
The answer to whether or not someone can truly understand what it's like to go through war is not a known or obvious one
Uhu, uhu
A vocalization of the internal struggle and hardship faced due to the war, and wining the war is merely one step towards the path of recovery.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Alexander Even, Gregory Roberts, Jamie Levinson, Matthew Clark, Stephen Patterson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind