Drum Sheet – The White Stripes – Seven Nation Army

“Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes is one of the most iconic rock songs of the 21st century, instantly recognizable for its pounding rhythm and hypnotic riff. Released in 2003 as the lead single from their album Elephant, the song became an anthem across music, sports, and pop culture. For fans of the drums, Meg White’s minimalist yet powerful drumming is key to its relentless energy.

Jack White composed “Seven Nation Army” while on tour in Australia. He initially wrote the song’s famous riff as something he thought could be a James Bond theme. However, the idea sat unused until the Elephant sessions, recorded in London at Toe Rag Studios. The recording process was entirely analog, reflecting the band’s raw and vintage aesthetic. The now-legendary main riff, which many mistake for a bass line, was played on a semi-acoustic guitar with an octave pedal to deepen its tone.

Meg White’s drumming in this track is deceptively simple but absolutely essential. She keeps the beat steady and primal, allowing the riff to shine while adding explosive fills at key moments. Her playing is deliberate and heavy, with a marching-band-like precision that intensifies as the song progresses. The tom-heavy beats give the song a tribal, anthemic quality, making it feel both relentless and infectious. The contrast between her sparse drumming in the verses and the thunderous hits in the chorus creates an immense dynamic shift, amplifying the song’s tension and release.

The song was first performed live in 2002, before its official release, and quickly became a staple in The White Stripes‘ setlists. One of its most famous performances was at Glastonbury 2005, where Jack and Meg delivered a blistering rendition to a massive crowd. The song also became a worldwide stadium chant, particularly in European football, after AS Roma fans spontaneously sang the riff during a 2006 Champions League match. This unexpected adoption propelled the song into sports culture, cementing its status as a modern anthem.

For drum enthusiasts, “Seven Nation Army” is a testament to how simplicity, when executed with power and precision, can create something truly legendary. Meg White’s approach proves that drumming doesn’t always have to be flashy to be impactful—it just needs to serve the song with the right energy and attitude.