Ball And Biscuit

Album: Elephant (2003)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • There is a lot of sexual innuendo in this song, but according to Jack White, the "Ball And Biscuit" is a kind of vintage microphone. White is a big fan of American Blues, and he crafted the song in the style of Willie Dixon's "The Seventh Son," coming up with somewhat random lyrics shortly before recording the song. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Bertrand - Paris, France
  • The microphone that provided the title for this song is a STC 4021, which they had in Toe-Rag Studios in London, England, where this song was recorded.
  • Clocking in at 7:18, this is the longest White Stripes song ever recorded. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    DJ - Toms River, NJ, for above 2
  • Jack White performed this song as part of a medley when he was the musical guest on the October 10, 2020 episode of Saturday Night Live. White began by playing the riff to his Beyoncé collaboration "Don't Hurt Yourself." He transitioned into a reworked version of "Ball And Biscuit," incorporating lyrics from Blind Willie Johnson's gospel blues song about the 1918 flu pandemic, "Jesus Is Coming Soon."

Comments: 8

  • Maryann from Liverpool NyAwesome song
  • Josh from Houston, TxYou can Youtube "Jack White Interviews" and actually take a tour of the studio and see the very microphone he was talking about.
  • Alden from Asheville, NcFor a number of years now, if asked my favorite song or music, it has been invariably The White Stripes or one of their songs. I've said for just as long that Jack is the new Bob. I'm consistently astounded by the raw talent, and creativity of this duo. Thank you Jack, for the gift of your music.
  • Mike from Bloomington, IlThere are few modern guitarists on a level with White (Morello and Homme being a couple). His blues influenced style is so different than the same old formula music being put out today.
  • Tadi from Mitrovica, Ali listen 60's and 70's rock music, and the white stripes is the only band of these days that i enjoy listening. ball and biscuit is one of my favorite song, and my favorite of all is catch hell blues
  • Keri from Dahlonega , GaI absolutely love Jack's more blues influenced songs. My favorite is catch hell blues, it has awesome riffs.
  • Ziggy from HellThis is like the Blues for a new generation. I applaud Jack White for this song, it's brilliant.
  • Michelle from Elkridge, MdJack White somewhat recently performed the song with Bob Dylan on stage and this fact can be cited in the Bob Dylan song guide book "Keys to the Rain".
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Which Songs are About Drugs?

Which Songs are About Drugs?Fact or Fiction

"25 or 6 to 4" to "Semi-Charmed Life" - see if you can spot the songs that are really about drugs.

Justin Timberlake

Justin TimberlakeFact or Fiction

Was Justin the first to be Punk'd by Ashton Kutcher? Did Britney really blame him for her meltdown? Did his bandmates think he was gay?

90s Music Quiz 1

90s Music Quiz 1Music Quiz

First question: Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson appeared in videos for what artist?

Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull

Ian Anderson of Jethro TullSongwriter Interviews

The flautist frontman talks about touring with Led Zeppelin, his contribution to "Hotel California", and how he may have done the first MTV Unplugged.

Chris Frantz of Talking Heads

Chris Frantz of Talking HeadsSongwriter Interviews

Talking Heads drummer Chris Frantz on where the term "new wave" originated, the story of "Naive Melody," and why they never recorded another cover song after "Take Me To The River."

Macabre Mother Goose: The Dark Side of Children's Songs

Macabre Mother Goose: The Dark Side of Children's SongsSong Writing

"London Bridge," "Ring Around the Rosie" and "It's Raining, It's Pouring" are just a few examples of shockingly morbid children's songs.