One More Cup of Coffee

The White Stripes

One More Cup of Coffee

In 1976, Bob Dylan sang One More Cup of Coffee as a song of regret and absolution, the ending of a love affair based on physical passion but marred by deep differences. Sung as a duet with Emmylou Harris, the lyrics hinted at forgiveness, both to Dylan’s female companion who he was leaving, and to himself for walking away from what was still good in their relationship.

The White Stripes covered the Dylan tune on their 1999 self-titled debut album. Carrying the weight of Jack White’s heavy, blues-influenced guitar and the deep, droning beat of Meg White’s drums, the same lyrics Dylan sang in 1976 no longer offer any forgiveness, but rather aim to ridicule and shame the singer’s lover. Dylan wrote of leaving a beautiful, sensual woman, whose family and background doomed any hope of a long-term relationship. Jack sings it as a scornful ex, who is using his lover’s insecurities – things like her lack of education and lack of money – as a weapon to leave her broken as he walks out the door.

Jack and Meg’s version, while more forceful, also lacks the depth of feeling that makes the Dylan version so haunting. Dylan is torn, and Harris’ back-up vocals make the song a conversation – two lovers parting ways agreeing that they will always remember each other. The Stripes bring a harder edge, but fail to capture the sadness that accompanies even the ending of even the most ill-fated relationship.