The song shows a rare example of the Phrygian Half Cadence in popular music. It is also a rare example of a popular song with a wholly instrumental refrain.
According to White, "Seven Nation Army" was what he used to call the Salvation Army as a child.
In March 2005, Q magazine placed "Seven Nation Army" at number 8 in its list of the 100 Greatest Guitar Tracks. In September 2005, NME placed "Seven Nation Army" at number 5 in its list of the 50 Greatest Tracks Of The Decade. In May 2008, Rolling Stone placed this song at number 21 in its list of the 100 Greatest Guitar Songs of All Time.
A remix of the song was used in the trailer for Battlefield 1, which caused the song to spike up to the low 100's on Itunes charts.
7 Nation Army
White Stripes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A seven nation army couldn't hold me back
They're gonna rip it off
Takin' their time right behind my back
And I'm talkin' to myself at night
Because I can't forget
Back and forth through my mind
Behind a cigarette
And the message comin' from my eyes
Says, "Leave it alone"
Don't wanna hear about it
Every single one's got a story to tell
Everyone knows about it
From the Queen of England to the Hounds of Hell
And if I catch it comin' back my way
I'm gonna serve it to you
And that ain't what you want to hear
But that's what I'll do
And the feelin' comin' from my bones
Says, "Find a home"
I'm goin' to Wichita
Far from this opera forevermore
I'm gonna work the straw
Make the sweat drip out of every pore
And I'm bleedin', and I'm bleedin', and I'm bleedin'
Right before the Lord
All the words are gonna bleed from me
And I will think no more
And the stains comin' from my blood
Tell me, "Go back home"
The opening lines of "Seven Nation Army" set a defiant tone as the singer declares their resolve to overcome any challenges that come their way. The phrase "a seven nation army couldn't hold me back" reinforces the idea of inner strength; no external force can deter them from their path. However, the line "they're gonna rip it off, takin' their time right behind my back" hints at a lurking threat, suggesting that there are individuals or forces that may be trying to undermine the singer's stability or success. This sense of paranoia is further emphasized in the next lines, where the singer confesses to grappling with their own thoughts in solitude—“talkin' to myself at night” suggests introspection, while “Back and forth through my mind, behind a cigarette” conveys a sense of anxiety and perhaps even a coping mechanism. The imagery of a cigarette serves as a symbol of self-medication, portraying their struggle to manage thoughts that refuse to fade away, exacerbating feelings of confusion and conflict.
As the song progresses, the singer critiques the pervasive nature of gossip and societal narratives through the lines, “Don’t wanna hear about it / Every single one's got a story to tell.” The use of the phrase “from the Queen of England to the Hounds of Hell” illustrates the idea that tales of personal struggles are universal and span across all walks of life. This not only emphasizes the individual nature of suffering but also a shared humanity that connects disparate experiences. The singer’s defiant stance resurfaces as they express their intention to confront whatever returns to haunt them—“If I catch it comin' back my way, I'm gonna serve it to you.” This notion of serving it back signals a desire to take control, asserting that the truth will be revealed, even if it’s not what others want to hear. This empowerment belies a deeper understanding of their own narrative, navigating through external judgment while preparing to take action against it.
In the latter part of the song, the singer expresses a yearning for escape and redemption, stating, “I’m going to Wichita, far from this opera forevermore.” Wichita symbolizes a place of solace, a desired escape from the melodrama of life’s complexities—“this opera” serves as a metaphor for the chaotic nature of his current surroundings, filled with struggles and oppressive expectations. The commitment to work hard—“I’m gonna work the straw, make the sweat drip out of every pore”—signifies a return to simplicity and tangible labor, symbolizing a rejection of the dramatics and conflicts that burden them. The imagery of bleeding, both figuratively and literally, evokes themes of sacrifice and catharsis. The act of bleeding before a higher power—"Right before the Lord"—reinforces a sense of vulnerability while seeking forgiveness, understanding, or perhaps a deeper connection to spirituality. It implies that through physical and emotional exertion, the singer hopes to purge themselves of their pain and confusion.
The closing lines serve as a poignant reminder of the journey to self-discovery and the emotional turbulence involved in finding one’s way home. The “stains comin' from my blood” symbolize the marks left by struggle, offering both a badge of survival and a haunting reminder of the past. When the singer hears the voice that instructs them to “go back home,” it evokes a complex emotional response; this home can represent a return to one's roots, a place of comfort, or perhaps a place to confront unresolved feelings. Ultimately, the song transmits a powerful narrative about wrestling with internal demons, societal pressures, and the quest for authenticity, reminding the listener that amidst the chaos, moments of introspection, acknowledgment of pain, and a longing for peace could pave the way to healing and personal liberation. In summary, "Seven Nation Army" eloquently describes the tumult of the human experience, balancing a fierce desire for empowerment with the inevitable weight of existence.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm gonna fight 'em off
I am determined to resist and confront any challenges that come my way.
A seven nation army couldn't hold me back
No force, no matter how powerful, can deter my resolve or ambition.
They're gonna rip it off
Others intend to take away what is mine or undermine my efforts.
Takin' their time right behind my back
They are plotting against me discreetly, without me being aware of their actions.
And I'm talkin' to myself at night
In solitude, I engage in deep self-reflection and conversation to process my thoughts.
Because I can't forget
There are memories and thoughts that continue to haunt me, making it difficult to move on.
Back and forth through my mind
My thoughts oscillate and replay, creating an internal struggle and confusion.
Behind a cigarette
This constant contemplation is often accompanied by habits that signify stress or relief.
And the message comin' from my eyes
The expressions in my gaze reveal my inner truth and unspoken feelings.
Says, 'Leave it alone'
A silent plea for peace, urging myself to let go of burdens and disturbances.
Don't wanna hear about it
I am unwilling to engage with the repetitive discussions surrounding this turmoil.
Every single one's got a story to tell
Each person carries their own unique experiences and struggles that shape them.
Everyone knows about it
This situation is widely recognized and discussed, transcending social and cultural boundaries.
From the Queen of England to the Hounds of Hell
This issue impacts everyone, from the highest echelons of society to those on the fringes.
And if I catch it comin' back my way
Should this situation return or confront me again, I will be prepared.
I'm gonna serve it to you
I will confront you with the realities or challenges that arise, despite your desires.
And that ain't what you want to hear
I acknowledge that this confrontation might not be welcome or palatable.
But that's what I'll do
Nevertheless, I am resolute in my decision to face it head-on.
And the feelin' comin' from my bones
A deep, instinctual sensation is urging me to take a certain action.
Says, 'Find a home'
This feeling compels me to search for a place of belonging and stability.
I'm goin' to Wichita
I plan to journey to a distant location, signifying a fresh start or escape.
Far from this opera forevermore
I am seeking to distance myself permanently from the drama and chaos of my current life.
I'm gonna work the straw
I will engage in hard labor, suggesting dedication and effort toward rebuilding my life.
Make the sweat drip out of every pore
I am fully committed to exerting myself physically and mentally in pursuit of my goals.
And I'm bleedin', and I'm bleedin', and I'm bleedin'
I am experiencing intense emotional or physical pain, a metaphor for my struggles.
Right before the Lord
These trials and tribulations are laid bare before a higher power or my conscience.
All the words are gonna bleed from me
I will express everything I have held inside, revealing my vulnerabilities and truths.
And I will think no more
I aspire to release myself from overthinking and let my actions speak for themselves.
And the stains comin' from my blood
The marks of my struggles and sacrifices are evident and part of my identity.
Tell me, 'Go back home'
These remnants of my past urge me to return to my origins and reconnect with my roots.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: John Anthony White
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@marianareyes127
this song is one of those songs that just stays in your memory, forever.
@leonelrodriguez7822
fr
@aletrix_x
True first song learned on guitar
@stijngillis3888
Glad it does
@charityschwinn7152
Leonel
@charityschwinn7152
Yes.
@declanchampie
0% naked girls
0% drugs
0% cursing
100% triangles
@horatio1316
It's mesmerizing isn't it
@jahelthegamer6827
Yes
@siankdieno
2:00 circles