Dead Leaves And The Dirty Ground

Album: White Blood Cells (2001)
Charted: 25
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This song explores the mysteries of love. It is about a guy who fears that his life will be empty without his lover.
  • Jack White is a big fan of the blues, and in this song, he included some lyrics from a Son House song called "Death Letter":

    I didn't feel so bad 'til the good old sun went down
    I didn't have a soul to throw my arms around
    >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Bertrand - Paris, France, for above 2
  • In the music video, directed by Academy Award-winning Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind director Michel Gondry, Jack comes home to find his apartment in shambles and we're shown the events that caused the destruction. Gondry is responsible for several White Stripes videos, including the innovative Lego-themed Fell In Love With A Girl.
  • Along with "We're Going To Be Friends," The White Stripes performed this song on their lone Saturday Night Live appearance, October 19, 2002. Both songs were released as singles from their third album, White Blood Cells, their last released on an indie label.

Comments: 4

  • Matias from CkdHow do you read the meaning of the lines below?
    (...)
    Well any man with a microphone
    Can tell you what he loves the most
    And you know why you love at all
    If you're thinking of the Holy Ghost
  • Aubrae\ from Ewa Beach, HiI believe the documentary you are referring to is called "It Might Get Loud"
  • Eb from Fl Keys, FlThis song is sublime poetry about real passionate love and longing - missing someone real bad when you have to be apart.
  • Bay from Weaverville, CaGreat song, i love it. I suggest everybody watches the documentary called 'Lets get loud'
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Bryan Adams

Bryan AdamsSongwriter Interviews

What's the deal with "Summer of '69"? Bryan explains what the song is really about, and shares more of his songwriting insights.

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.

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: Tarantino Edition

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: Tarantino EditionMusic Quiz

Whether he's splitting ears or burning Nazis, Quentin Tarantino uses memorable music in his films. See if you can match the song to the scene.

Eagles Lyrics Quiz

Eagles Lyrics QuizMusic Quiz

Lots of life lessons in these Eagles lyrics - can you match them to the correct song?

Carol Kaye

Carol KayeSongwriter Interviews

A top session musician, Carol played on hundreds of hits by The Beach Boys, The Monkees, Frank Sinatra and many others.

Creedence Clearwater Revival

Creedence Clearwater RevivalFact or Fiction

Is "Have You Ever Seen the Rain" about Vietnam? Was John Fogerty really born on a Bayou? It's the CCR edition of Fact or Fiction.