“Little Black Submarines” by The Black Keys

Parts of “Little Black Submarines” are, as one analysis put it, “particularly cryptic”. In other words, what is being put forth specifically in the song requires some theorizing on the behalf of the listener to ascertain. But what is more generally understood or accepted is that the titular vehicles themselves, if you will, are not literal but rather symbolic of the singer suffering from depression.

It is not uncommon to come across songs based on such a topic nor ones where, as is apparently the case here, the primary addressee is akin to a romantic interest. But again, dissecting the intricacies of what Dan Auerbach is speaking to is more of a challenge. 

But one feasible theory is this. Just as submarines are designed to descend into the depths of the sea, these “little black” ones which plague the vocalist’s brain likewise are such that they tend to pull him deeper and deeper into a depressed state. Indeed when they really take effect, he is even compelled to separate himself from his sweetheart. 

Therefore, in the second verse we find Dan apologizing for ‘picking her up’ and then ‘letting her down’. Or put otherwise, he comes off as the type of romantic partner who, due to his mental issues, separates himself from his partner for indefinite amounts of time.  nd such inconsistency is also contributing to the singer being such that for instance he is not committed enough for him and the addressee to reach relationship goals.

A Victim of a Broken Heart

What is being further implied, in the chorus, is that he has become this way due to being the victim of “a broken heart”. And yes, keeping things in context, in that regard Dan may well be speaking having been dumped in the past. 

But notice that in the third verse, he also mentions “stolen friends and disease”. Or put differently, he extends his feelings outside of the realm of romance. Or explained alternatively yet again, the vocalist sounds a lot like someone who is more generally suffering from some type of social phobia. However, he wasn’t born this way but rather developed a rejection – for lack of a better word – of close friendships somewhere along the line, due to being involved in a few less-than-ideal relationships himself.

Well actually, it doesn’t sound like the vocalist is afraid of the addressee but is able to recognize when his mind is sinking into the black. And maybe some people, even under such a realization, will proceed to interact with others as if nothing is happening. But this particular vocalist doesn’t come off as that type of person. Rather, when things get really bad for him mentally, he apparently reverts to some type of introvert.

The Conclusion

Conclusively, it’s almost as if Dan is admitting to making a mistake by getting the addressee emotionally dependent on him under such circumstances. But at the same time he is seeking some sympathy from her, since having a broken heart, as inferred, is such that no one really knows how the symptoms will manifest.

The Black Keys

Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney, aka The Black Keys, are a pair of musicians from Akron who have been pretty-prolifically active since the turn of the century. That is to say that in between 2001 and now 2022, they have dropped 11 studio albums. 

And to note one of those projects, 2014’s “Turn Blue”, did top the Billboard 200. But “Little Black Submarines”, which itself was released on 8 October 2012, predates that project. It was featured on The Black Keys’ 2011 outing “El Camino”. The album in question, which peaked at number two on the Billboard 200, stands as their most-successful commercially.

Facts about “Little Black Submarines”

This song, which is one of the most notable in The Black Keys’ discography, contributed to that success. For instance, it is one of only four singles they have released thus far that has been certified platinum by the RIAA. 

“Little Black Submarines” also proved to be a certifiable hit up north. There, it achieved gold status via Music Canada in 2012. 

This song also topped Billboard’s Canada Rock chart. Stateside, it made it within the top 10 of the following of the organization’s rankings:

• Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles
• Hot Rock & Alternative Songs 
• Rock Airplay

Rolling Stone also held this song in high regard, as they placed it within the top 20 of their ranking of the “50 Best Singles of 2011”.

Interesting to note is that involved in both the writing and production of this song, alongside The Black Keys is Danger Mouse. Despite being a multi-genre artist, Danger Mouse is arguably better known in the hip-hop circuit. And in fact he has been a regular collaborator of The Black Keys from the late aughts and leading into the 2010s.

“Little Black Submarines” sounds like “Stairway to Heaven”?

It has been noted by some listeners that this piece shares similarities to a couple of older tracks. Notable among them is the Led Zeppelin classic “Stairway to Heaven” (1971). Another notable one is 1993’s “Mary Jane’s Last Dance” by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.