Song meaning of Do by The White Stripes

The song "Do" by The White Stripes explores the confusion and uncertainty that can arise in social interactions and the struggle to find one's own identity amidst external influences. The lyrics depict a sense of being lost and unsure of how to navigate through various situations.

In the first verse, the narrator expresses their hesitation and lack of confidence in their words, fearing that they may be misunderstood or misinterpreted. This is evident in the lines, "Because I think that my words could get twisted so I bend my back over take a gulp be funny cause I know there's nothing I can do." The narrator feels trapped and unable to express themselves authentically, resorting to humor as a defense mechanism.

The second verse delves into the narrator's struggle with societal expectations and the pressure to conform. The mention of the mother trying to pick them up from the ground suggests a metaphorical attempt to lift them out of their state of confusion. However, the narrator's eyes are unable to perceive the truth, as they state, "It doesn't matter cause my eyes are lying and they don't have emotion." This highlights the disconnect between the external world and the narrator's internal perception.

The bridge of the song delves deeper into the narrator's frustration and the feeling of having their thoughts and feelings taken away from them. They express a sense of being misunderstood and invalidated by others, as seen in the lines, "There's somebody there who doesn't think they are true, so think of something new." This suggests a constant struggle to conform to societal expectations and the pressure to adopt a new perspective.

In the final verse, the narrator reflects on the influence of their idols and how their own sense of self is diminished in comparison. The line, "It's a destruction of a mystery, the more I listen to what they say," suggests that the more the narrator listens to others, the more they lose their own sense of identity and individuality. They question whether there is any room for personal agency or independent thought, asking, "So does that mean that there's no more doing and there's no more thinking and there's no more feeling? Can you tell me what I'm supposed to do?"

Overall, "Do" by The White Stripes delves into the complexities of social interactions, the struggle to maintain authenticity, and the pressure to conform to societal expectations. It highlights the confusion and uncertainty that can arise when one's own thoughts and feelings are overshadowed by external influences.