Song meaning of Rag and Bone by The White Stripes

The lyrics of "Rag and Bone" by The White Stripes convey a message about the value of discarded and forgotten objects. The term "rag and bone" refers to scrap dealers who collect and resell unwanted items. The song presents a narrative of Jack and Meg searching for discarded items in an abandoned place. They express their enthusiasm for finding these objects and provide them a new home. 

The lyrics emphasize the idea that one person's trash can be another person's treasure. Jack and Meg encourage people to give them their unwanted items, claiming they can make use of them, turning them into something valuable or even profitable. This highlights the transformative power of creativity and resourcefulness.

The song also conveys a sense of community and the desire to help others. They mention places like halfway homes and homes for unwed mothers, indicating that they not only collect objects for themselves but also for those in need. By asking people to "give up" and "give it to me," the lyrics suggest that sharing one's possessions can benefit others and create a sense of unity.

Overall, "Rag and Bone" presents a positive and resourceful perspective on discarded objects, promoting the idea of finding value in what others consider worthless and helping those in need. It encourages listeners to think differently about possessions and to be more open to sharing and repurposing unwanted items.