The Union Forever
Unveiling Unrequited Desires: The White Stripes' Sonic Reflection
Lyrics
It can't be love
Expressing doubt that the emotion is love.
For there is no true love
Stating that there is no genuine love.
It can't be love
Reiterating the skepticism about the emotion being love.
For there is no true love
Reiterating the idea that true love is absent.
Sure I'm C.F.K.
Identifying as C.F.K., possibly referencing Charles Foster Kane from "Citizen Kane."
But you gotta love me
Insisting on being loved despite potential flaws or controversies.
The cost no man can say
Emphasizing the unknown or immeasurable cost of love.
But you gotta love me
Reiterating the demand for love despite the uncertainty of its cost.
Well I'm sorry but I'm not
Expressing disinterest in traditional symbols of wealth.
Interested in gold mines,
Dismissing interest in gold mines.
Oil wells, shipping or real estate
Listing various materialistic pursuits with disinterest.
What would I liked to have been?
Pondering what the speaker would prefer to be.
Everything you hate
Choosing to be everything that is disliked.
'Cause it can't be love
Restating doubt about the presence of love.
For there is no true love
Reiterating the absence of genuine love.
It can't be love
Continuing skepticism regarding love.
For there is no true love
Reiterating the idea that true love is not present.
There is a man
Introducing a mysterious man.
A certain man
Describing the man as certain or specific.
And for the poor you may be sure
Implying the man's dedication to helping the poor.
That he'll do all he can
Highlighting the man's commitment to assistance.
Who is this one?
Pose a question about the man's identity.
Whose favorite son?
Asking about the man's favored child or son.
Just by his action has the traction
Describing the man's actions and influence.
Magnets on the run
Metaphorically referring to the man's impact as magnetic.
Who likes to smoke?
Asking about the man's personal habits like smoking.
Enjoys a joke?
Questioning the man's enjoyment of humor.
And wouldn't get a bit
Suggesting the man's indifference to financial troubles.
Upset if he were really broke?
Positing that the man wouldn't be bothered by financial difficulties.
With wealth and fame
Describing the man's consistent personality despite wealth and fame.
He's still the same
Affirming that the man remains unchanged despite success.
I'll bet you five you're not alive
Challenging the listener to a bet on their existence.
If you don't know his name
Asserting that knowing the man's name is vital for being alive.
You said the union forever
Recalling a commitment to union forever.
You said the union forever
Reiterating the promise of eternal union.
You cried the union forever
Expressing emotional commitment to the union.
But that was untrue girl
Revealing the falsehood or insincerity in the previous commitment.
'Cause it can't be love
Restating doubt about the presence of love.
For there is no true love
Reiterating the absence of genuine love.
It can't be love
Continuing skepticism regarding love.
For there is no true love
Reiterating the idea that true love is not present.
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