Black Math – English Lyrics

• By: The White Stripes
• Album: Elephant

Lyrics & Translation

Learning a new language is about more than just memorizing rules; it's about finding your own voice and daring to ask questions. The White Stripes' "Black Math" is a powerful anthem of educational rebellion that will inspire you to challenge norms. With its raw energy and straightforward lyrics, this song is a fantastic way to dive into the rebellious spirit of English rock and embrace the power of independent thought.

[English]

Oh, don't you think that I'm bound to react now

Well, my fingers definitely turning to black now

Yeah, maybe I'll put my love on ice and teach myself

Maybe that'll be nice, yeah

...

My books are sitting at the top of the stack now

Well, the longer words are really breaking my back now

Yeah, maybe I'll learn to understand

Drawing a square with a pencil in hand, yeah

...

Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-h, ah-ah

...

Mathematically turning the page

Unequivocally showing my age

I'm practically center stage

Undeniably earning your wage

Well, maybe I'll put my love on ice

Teach myself, maybe that'll be nice, yeah

...

Listen master, can you answer a question?

Is it the fingers or the brain that you're teaching the lesson?

Oh, I can't tell you how proud I am

Writing down things I don't understand

Well, maybe I'll put my love on ice

And teach myself, maybe that'll be nice, yeah

Yeah

Yeah

Yeah

...

Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary	Meanings
react /riˈækt/ B1	verb - to respond to something
turning /ˈtɜːrnɪŋ/ A2	verb - to change direction or position
black /blæk/ A1	adjective - the darkest color
ice /aɪs/ A1	noun - frozen water
teach /tiːtʃ/ A2	verb - to help someone learn
understand /ˌʌndərˈstænd/ A2	verb - to comprehend
drawing /ˈdrɔːɪŋ/ A2	noun - a picture made with a pencil or pen verb - to create a picture with a pencil or pen
mathematically /ˌmæθəˈmætɪkli/ C1	adverb - in a way that relates to mathematics
unequivocally /ˌʌnɪˈkwɪvəkəli/ C2	adverb - in a clear and unambiguous way
practically /ˈpræktɪkəli/ B2	adverb - almost or nearly
undeniably /ˌʌndəˈnaɪəbli/ C1	adverb - impossible to deny
master /ˈmɑːstər/ B1	noun - a person with high skill or knowledge
proud /praʊd/ A2	adjective - feeling deep pleasure or satisfaction
writing /ˈraɪtɪŋ/ A2	noun - the activity of using a pen or pencil to put words on paper verb - to use a pen or pencil to put words on paper