In regards to the meaning of this song:
Before a live performance on the EP Five Stories Falling, Geoff states “It’s about the last time I went to visit my grandmother in Columbus, and I saw that she was dying and it was the last time I was going to see her. It is about realizing how young you are, but how quickly you can go.”
That’s the thing about Geoff and his sublime poetry, you think it’s about one thing, but really it’s about something entirely different. But the lyrics are still universal and omnipresent, ubiquitous, even. So relatable. That’s one thing I love about this band. I also love their live performances, raw energy and Geoff’s beautiful, imperfectly perfect vocals. His voice soothes my aching soul.
In some respects, I suspect you've got a respectable side
When pushed and pulled and pressured, you still don't want to hide
But it's for someone else's benefit, not for what you wanna do
Until I realize that you've realized, I'm gonna say these words to you
Yeah, you don't know what love is, you do as you're told
Just as a child of ten might act, but you're far too old
You're not hopeless or helpless, and I hate to sound cold
But you don't know what love is, you just do as you're told
I can see a man can't help but win any problems that may arise
But in his mind there can be no sin if you never criticize
You just keep on repeating all those empty "I love you"s
Until you see you deserve better, I'm gonna lay right in to you
Yeah, you don't know what love is, you just do as you're told
Just as a child of ten might act, but you're far too old
You're not hopeless or helpless, and I hate to sound cold
But you don't know what love is
No, you don't know what love is
No, you don't know what love is, you just do as you're told
Yeah, do as you're told
When pushed and pulled and pressured, you still don't want to hide
But it's for someone else's benefit, not for what you wanna do
Until I realize that you've realized, I'm gonna say these words to you
Yeah, you don't know what love is, you do as you're told
Just as a child of ten might act, but you're far too old
You're not hopeless or helpless, and I hate to sound cold
But you don't know what love is, you just do as you're told
I can see a man can't help but win any problems that may arise
But in his mind there can be no sin if you never criticize
You just keep on repeating all those empty "I love you"s
Until you see you deserve better, I'm gonna lay right in to you
Yeah, you don't know what love is, you just do as you're told
Just as a child of ten might act, but you're far too old
You're not hopeless or helpless, and I hate to sound cold
But you don't know what love is
No, you don't know what love is
No, you don't know what love is, you just do as you're told
Yeah, do as you're told
Lyrics submitted by thisapparatus69
You Don't Know What Love Is (You Just Do As You're Told) Lyrics as written by Jack White
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
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You Don't Know What Love Is (You Just Do As You're Told) song meanings
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This is one of my favorite songs. https://fnfgo.io
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This song seemingly tackles the methods of deception those who manipulate others use to get victims to follow their demands, as well as diverting attention away from important issues. They'll also use it as a means to convince people to hate or kill others by pretending acts of terrorism were committed by the enemy when the acts themselves were done by the masters of control to promote discrimination and hate. It also reinforces the idea that these manipulative forces operate in various locations, infiltrating everyday life without detection, and propagate any and everywhere.
In general, it highlights the danger of hidden agendas, manipulation, and distraction, serving as a critique of those who exploit chaos and confusion to control and gain power, depicting a cautionary tale against falling into their traps. It encourages us to question the narratives presented to us and remain vigilant against manipulation in various parts of society.
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Ed Sheeran tells a story of unsuccessfully trying to feel “Amazing.” This track is about the being weighed down by emotional stress despite valiant attempts to find some positivity in the situation. This track was written by Ed Sheeran from the perspective of his friend. From the track, we see this person fall deeper into the negative thoughts and slide further down the path of mental torment with every lyric.
I think the meaning is fairly obvious. It reminds me a great deal of one of my friends. She jumps to every command that her man has for her. To me this isn't love because some of his demands are completely ridiculous or just plain out selfish. If she really loved him she'd help him see his faults and better himself, otherwise he thinks he is perfect the way he is. The same for him. He should help her be a better person. Instead they are gliding through, and accepting what they have. For the other its not so bad because he gets whatever he wants, and most likely doesn't appreciate it.
I'm with Jackieboy37. It's sounds like a good friend is showing his support for a women who is in a dead-end and perhaps abusive relationship where her opinions don't matter. He is going to continue to point out this obvious truth, no matter how harsh she may find it, until she advocates for herself.
i think this is about a macho guy who doesn't know what love is. he just knows how to act tough and intimidate. something along those lines. im too lazy to get into full analysis right now. but what i do want to say is THIS ALBUM IS AMAZING. jack white is a genius, the riffs, melodies, everything on this album is soo deliciously addicting.
its not about a guy, its about a girl that's a pushover. she just "loves" her man because she thinks she has to.
the line should be: "I can see your man" also, some of the "your"s should be "you're"
the first verse is clearly about forest gump.
jackieboy has it spot on, this song seems to show a greater ability by jack white to write charmingly catchy pop songs, not that he has never been capable, but this song just tops even 'my doorbell' as a hit .this song will be hit with mainstream audience
oh myyyy i cannot wait for the album to come out!! this song is great!
this might be my fav off the new album. IMO its directed to people who overuse the word love and Jack is telling them "Please you don't know what love is". I think its a great topic for a song
Great song, very Zeppelinish imo(As is alot of the album).