Read Jack White's Poem "Music Is Sacred" Which Is Definitely Not About Tidal

Shortly after posting the poem on the Third Man Records website, White's team released a statement saying the poem's not about Tidal.

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Tidal has weathered its fair share of criticism since Jay Z bought and relaunched the streaming service earlier this year. Of course, some of that criticism — i.e what was with that ominous press conference? — is valid, while much of it — namely arguments of the 'rich get richer' variety — is not. Fellow music protector Jack White has been consistently vocal regarding his disgust with the current state of streaming music, throwing much of his weight behind Tidal in the form of exclusive streams and a decidedly candid Q & A this past Wednesday.

White appeared to take things a step further, though with more invention, on Friday night — posting the poem "music is sacred" to the Third Man Records site. The poem, composed by White, uses its brevity to seemingly readdress the debate surrounding Tidal and music streaming services, in general. However, White's representatives swiftly released a statement denouncing this interpretation, calling the poem "a standalone piece."

Read "music is sacred" below and reject / support that theory as you see fit:

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those of you who stand for the sanctity of music




so that its soul can breathe




and be heard




so that it blooms in graveyards




echoes in hotel hallways




awakens neighbors in the night




and fills peoples minds with fire




shout it out loud with whatever microphone you have




or these stones will shout for you.




jump in front of demons,




and stand over cowards and those who would intend




to rip out your lungs and dampen your desire




tell the living and the dead




what you know in your heart to be true




and what you know your ears




will forever hear




that the melody of the human race




is a song that never ends.




music is sacred.









jack white




III

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