Prickly Thorn, But Sweetly Worn

Album: Icky Thump (2007)
Play Video
  • Singing, li-de-li-de-li-oh-oh
    Well, a-li-de-li-de-li-oh
    Li-de-li-de-li-oh-oh
    Well, a-li-de-li-de-li-oh

    Well, the hills are pretty and rollin'
    But the thorn is sharp and swollen
    And the man plays a beautiful whistle
    But he wears a prickly thistle

    Singing, li-de-li-de-li-oh-oh
    Well, a-li-de-li-de-li-oh
    Li-de-li-de-li-oh-oh
    Well, a-li-de-li-de-li-oh

    The silver birches pierce through an icy fog
    Which covers the ground most daily
    And the angels which carry St. Andrew high
    Are singing a tune most gaily

    Singing, li-de-li-de-li-oh-oh
    Well, a-li-de-li-de-li-oh
    Li-de-li-de-li-oh-oh
    Well, a-li-de-li-de-li-oh

    One sound can hold back a thousand hands
    When the pipe plays a tune forlorn
    And the thistle is a prickly flower, aye
    But how it is sweetly worn

    Singing, li-de-li-de-li-oh-oh
    Well, a-li-de-li-de-li-oh
    Li-de-li-de-li-oh-oh
    Well, a-li-de-li-de-li-oh
    Li-de-li-de-li-oh-oh
    Well, a-li-de-li-de-li-oh
    Li-de-li-de-li-oh-oh
    Well, a-li-de-li-de-li-oh Writer/s: Jack White
    Publisher: Universal Music Publishing Group
    Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind

Comments: 3

  • Tinachris from Morro Bay, CaThere has not been one time when this beautiful song does not make me instantly happy. Even if it is just for a moment. Sometimes I am deep in thought with this tune, others just doing my own version of a jig! :)
  • Maddie from Arlington, VaI love how this song is so different from other rock songs. Its my favorite song from the White Stripes. It also kind of reminds my of Led Zeppelin
  • Gloria from Fallbrook, CaPersonally, this is my favorite song off of the Icky Thump album. It can always cheer me up. :)
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Randy Newman

Randy NewmanSongwriting Legends

Newman makes it look easy these days, but in this 1974 interview, he reveals the paranoia and pressures that made him yearn for his old 9-5 job.

Laura Nyro

Laura NyroSongwriting Legends

Laura Nyro talks about her complex, emotionally rich songwriting and how she supports women's culture through her art.

Robert DeLeo of Stone Temple Pilots

Robert DeLeo of Stone Temple PilotsSongwriter Interviews

Stone Temple Pilots bass player Robert DeLeo names the songs that have most connected with fans and tells the stories behind tracks from their Tiny Music album.

John Doe of X

John Doe of XSongwriter Interviews

With his X-wife Exene, John fronts the band X and writes their songs.

Jon Anderson of Yes

Jon Anderson of YesSongwriter Interviews

From the lake in "Roundabout" to Sister Bluebird in "Starship Trooper," Jon Anderson talks about how nature and spirituality play into his lyrics for Yes.

JJ Burnel of The Stranglers

JJ Burnel of The StranglersSongwriter Interviews

JJ talks about The Stranglers' signature sound - keyboard and bass - which isn't your typical strain of punk rock.