The Strokes

Released: October 28, 2003

Songwriter: Julian Casablancas

Producer: Gordon Raphael

[Verse 1]
I don't wanna waste your time
I don't wanna waste your time
I just wanna say
I've got to say

[Chorus]
We worked hard, darlin'
We don't have no control
We're under control

[Post-Chorus]
I don't wanna do it your way
I don't wanna do it your way
I don't wanna give it to you, your way
I don't wanna know

[Verse 2]
I don't wanna change your mind
I don't wanna change the world
I just wanna watch it go by
I just wanna watch you go by

[Chorus]
We were young, darlin'
We don’t have no control
We’re out of control

[Post-Chorus]
I don't wanna do it your way
I don't wanna do it your way
I don't wanna give it to you, your way
I don't wanna know

[Verse 3]
I don't wanna change your mind
I don't wanna waste your time
I just wanna know you're alright
I've got to know you're alright

[Chorus]
You are young, darlin'
For now, but not for long
Under control

The Strokes burst onto the scene at a time when rock fans were desperate for an alternative to the rap-rock that was dominating the airwaves. That the band lived up to expectations after being hailed ‘saviors of guitar rock’ solely based on the strength of a three song EP is a testament to the quality of their flawless debut, July 2001’s Is This It.

Ultimately, they are a band that truly relies on the strength of the entire lead singer Julian Casablancas, lead guitarist Nick Valensi, drummer Fabrizio Moretti, guitarist Albert Hammond Jr., and bassist Nikolai Fraiture. However, much of The Strokes' output has been influenced by the domineering vision of Casablancas' songwriting.

Before he took a small step back on their third album, January 2006’s First Impressions of Earth, and then isolated himself to record March 2011’s Angles, Casablancas was involved in almost every step of The Strokes' recording process. He wrote all of the lyrics and the music on their first two albums and was constantly involved in the mixing of the records.

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