“It Ain’t Over” by The Black Keys
What “It Ain’t Over” is about seems pretty clear, even if relayed metaphorically. But as for the thesis sentiment, that’s a bit more challenging to ascertain. Or perhaps we can say that conclusion-wise, this song is somewhat unorthodox.
Concerning the storyline, you know how a dude may find himself smitten and resultantly end up spraying lots of cash on the new apple of his eye? That seems to be the overall concept that Dan Auerbach is speaking to. And as most blatantly put forth during the onset of the chorus, he appears to be more or less mocking guys who conduct themselves in this way, particularly those who end up lavishing a romantic interest in vain. So it’s almost as if he is saying, most simply put, that such individuals are dumbing out.
But there also seems to be a sympathetic tone to this piece, which is theoretically where we get the title from. In other words, “play(ing) that losing game” can prove to be a discouraging experience. But what the vocalist is saying is that, even though one should man up and take responsibility for letting themselves be victimized so, still “it ain’t over”. That is to say that being used by a woman, if you will, is not the end of the world. To the contrary, “dreams come true from time to time”.
So it reads as if the vocalist is further putting forth that such guys, despite sorta being saps, should not stop being who they are. And that’s because eventually their investments, if you will, are bound to pay off.
The Black Keys
The Black Keys are a pair of rockers from Akron, a major city located in the Midwestern US state of Ohio. The act consists of vocalist/multi-instrumentalist Dan Auerbach backed by drummer/percussionist Patrick Carney. And this track, which was made public on 27 April 2022, is the second single from their 11th studio album, “Dropout Boogie”, which is a product of Nonesuch Records and Easy Eye Sound.
Now being professionally active for over 20 years, Auerbach credits The Black Keys’ longevity to the fact that ‘it’s just two of them’.
Credits for “It Ain’t Over”
In addition to Auerbach and Carney, the other author of this song is Greg Cartwright, himself being the member of a band known as Reigning Sound. The Black Keys are collectively credited with producing “It Ain’t Over”.
