“White Flag” is the lead single from Dido’s second album Life For Rent (2003). Lyrically, it’s about being unwilling to let go of a past relationship and refusing to give up on love. It features a multi-layered instrumental with chill beats, delicate piano and strings.
The song was a huge success a...
[Verse 1]
I know you think that I shouldn't still love you
Or tell you that
But if I didn't say it, well, I'd still have felt it
Where's the sense in that?
I promise I'm not trying to make your life harder
Or return to where we were
[Chorus]
But I will go down with this ship
And I won't put my hands up and surrender
There will be no white flag above my door
I'm in love and always will be
[Verse 2]
I know I left too much mess and destruction
To come back again
And I caused nothing but trouble
I understand if you can't talk to me again
And if you live by the rules of "it's over"
Then I'm sure that that makes sense
[Chorus]
But I will go down with this ship
And I won't put my hands up and surrender
There will be no white flag above my door
I'm in love and always will be
[Bridge]
And when we meet
Which I'm sure we will
All that was there
Will be there still
I'll let it pass
And hold my tongue
And you will think
That I've moved on
[Chorus]
I will go down with this ship
And I won't put my hands up and surrender
There will be no white flag above my door
I'm in love and always will be
I will go down with this ship
And I won't put my hands up and surrender
There will be no white flag above my door
I'm in love and always will be
[Outro]
I will go down with this ship
And I won't put my hands up and surrender
There will be no white flag above my door
I'm in love and always will be
White Flag was written by Dido & Rick Nowels & Rollo Armstrong.
White Flag was produced by Dido & Rollo Armstrong.
Dido released White Flag on Mon Sep 01 2003.
Dido explained the meaning behind the song in an interview with Huff Post Live on Mar 29, 2013: