Old Scratch Blues Lyrics Jack White : tell a story of frustration, deception, and a quest for freedom and truth. The song features a recurring character, Jackie, who seems to represent someone who has been aware of certain truths or dangers and has tried to warn the protagonist. The narrative unfolds with themes of feeling manipulated and exploited, but also showcases a strong desire to break free from these constraints. Let’s delve into a detailed analysis of the lyrics, exploring their possible meanings and the emotions they convey.
Old Scratch Blues Lyrics
Jackie said she warned you
So tell me how you’re gonna be
She’s acting like she owned you, dethroned you
But nothing in the world is free
I think I need a tailor
This happens to me all the time
I’m cursin’ like a drunken sailor
I’ll trade a nickel for a dime anytime
I’ll take you to the border
And show you how you’re gonna be free
This machine is out of order, it stole my quarter
And now there’s nothing left to take from me
A motorcycle rolling
And a percentage of thе profit too
Another holy psycho trolling
So tell me how to stop this fool
Up until you figurе it out
You never will be able to trust me
These suckers want to twist and shout, they’re fighting it out
Until they find the key to leave, they will not bust me
Jackie said she warned you
So tell me everything you know
I’m not trying to alarm you or harm you
But is there something that I need to know?
You’re gonna find out
You’re gonna find out
You’re gonna find out, you’re gonna find out
Everything you need to give for free to be a sellout
Jackie said she warned you
So tell me how it’s gonna be
She’s acting like she owned you, dethroned you
But nothing in this world is free, at least not for me
Old Scratch Blues Song Meaning
Verses 1 and 2:
“Jackie said she warned you / So tell me how you’re gonna be / She’s acting like she owned you, dethroned you / But nothing in the world is free”
These opening lines set the stage for a relationship where Jackie has attempted to alert the protagonist about something significant. Jackie’s actions suggest she feels possessive or authoritative, as though she has a stake in the protagonist’s decisions or well-being. The idea that “nothing in the world is free” hints at underlying costs or consequences associated with the protagonist’s choices.
“I think I need a tailor / This happens to me all the time / I’m cursin’ like a drunken sailor / I’ll trade a nickel for a dime anytime”
Here, the protagonist acknowledges a recurrent issue in their life, perhaps a series of poor decisions or betrayals. The need for a tailor could be metaphorical, suggesting a desire to mend or alter something about their situation or themselves. The simile of cursing like a drunken sailor conveys a sense of frustration and loss of control. Trading a nickel for a dime symbolizes seeking better value or outcomes, even in small increments.
Chorus:
“I’ll take you to the border / And show you how you’re gonna be free / This machine is out of order, it stole my quarter / And now there’s nothing left to take from me”
The chorus introduces the idea of escape or liberation (“I’ll take you to the border”). The protagonist wants to break free from constraints and shows someone else how to do the same. The “machine” symbolizes a broken system or relationship that takes but gives nothing in return, leaving the protagonist feeling empty and exploited.
Verses 3 and 4:
“A motorcycle rolling / And a percentage of the profit too / Another holy psycho trolling / So tell me how to stop this fool”
The imagery of a motorcycle suggests freedom and rebellion. However, the mention of “a percentage of the profit” indicates that even freedom comes at a cost or that there are people seeking to profit from the protagonist’s situation. The “holy psycho trolling” likely refers to someone pretending to be virtuous while causing harm or chaos. The protagonist seeks advice on how to deal with such a person.
“Up until you figure it out / You never will be able to trust me / These suckers want to twist and shout, they’re fighting it out / Until they find the key to leave, they will not bust me”
The protagonist acknowledges a lack of trust until the truth is uncovered. The “suckers” represent people who are easily deceived or manipulated, struggling to escape their situations. The “key to leave” symbolizes the solution or enlightenment needed to break free from these constraints.
Bridge and Final Verse:
“Jackie said she warned you / So tell me everything you know / I’m not trying to alarm you or harm you / But is there something that I need to know?”
The protagonist returns to Jackie’s warning, seeking complete transparency. They emphasize a desire to understand fully without causing alarm or harm, indicating the seriousness of the situation.
“You’re gonna find out / You’re gonna find out / You’re gonna find out, you’re gonna find out / Everything you need to give for free to be a sellout”
This repetition underscores the inevitability of discovery. The idea of giving “everything for free to be a sellout” suggests a critique of sacrificing personal integrity for the sake of acceptance or profit. It reflects the protagonist’s inner conflict about maintaining authenticity versus conforming to external pressures.
Conclusion:
The lyrics weave a complex narrative of distrust, exploitation, and the search for truth and freedom. The protagonist struggles with the realization that many relationships and systems are inherently transactional and often leave individuals feeling used or betrayed. Jackie serves as a symbol of forewarning and perhaps wisdom, urging the protagonist to remain vigilant and seek deeper understanding.
Overall, the song captures a raw emotional journey marked by frustration, disillusionment, and a relentless pursuit of liberation and self-knowledge. The recurring motifs of cost, deception, and the quest for freedom resonate throughout the lyrics, painting a vivid picture of the protagonist’s inner turmoil and resilience.
Old Scratch Blues (MV)
Old Scratch Blues Lyrics Jack White : This song sung by popular artist Jack White, is a new addition to the English Rock music scene, featured in the album “No Name”. Old Scratch Blues song was released on August 2, 2024 accompanied by a music video.
No Name (2024) Tracklist
1. Old Scratch Blues
2. Bless Yourself
3. That’s How I’m Feeling
4. It’s Rough On Rats (If You’re Asking)
5. Archbishop Harold Holmes
6. Bombing Out
7. What’s The Rumpus?
8. Tonight (Was A Long Time Ago)
9. Underground
10. Number One With A Bullet
11. Morning At Midnight
12. Missionary
13. Terminal Archenemy Endling
Old Scratch Blues Song Credits
Artist : Jack White
Album : NO NAME
Lyrics : Jack White
Music : Jack White
Old Scratch Blues Song: Q&A
Who sung the song “Old Scratch Blues” by Jack White?
Ans. Jack White
Who wrote the lyrics of “Old Scratch Blues” by Jack White?
Ans. Jack White
Who produced “Old Scratch Blues” by Jack White?
Ans. Jack White
When did Jack White release “Old Scratch Blues”?
Ans. August 2, 2024
When did Jack White release the album “NO NAME”?
Ans. August 2, 2024
Help Me Along Lyrics – Jack White
- Listen the song “Old Scratch Blues” by Jack White on Spotify
