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


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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  • +4
    General Comment

    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.

    Swinneyon October 01, 2007   Link
  • +1
    General Comment

    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.

    artbeaton June 29, 2007   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    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.

    mcflyguy42on June 07, 2007   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    its not about a guy, its about a girl that's a pushover. she just "loves" her man because she thinks she has to.

    jackieboy37on June 08, 2007   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    the line should be: "I can see your man" also, some of the "your"s should be "you're"

    jackieboy37on June 08, 2007   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    the first verse is clearly about forest gump.

    eYeKeyon June 09, 2007   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    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

    kipperjoeon June 09, 2007   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    oh myyyy i cannot wait for the album to come out!! this song is great!

    dosedxbyyouon June 11, 2007   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    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

    dylanfan71on June 20, 2007   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    Great song, very Zeppelinish imo(As is alot of the album).

    Maple_Leafs_5_10_88on June 24, 2007   Link

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