Black Keys Reconnect to Blue Collar Roots in ‘Wild Child’ Video, Announce New Album

Did the Black Keys just give up a lucrative music career just to take jobs as high school janitor and cook? Nah, but that's the premise of their new video for "Wild Child," as the duo of Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney attempt to "reconnect to their blue collar roots" by doing some hard time amongst the youth of today. "Wild Child" also marks the first taste of music we're getting from their next studio album, Dropout Boogie.

The Bryan Schlam-directed video finds the musicians initially turning up in the teachers lounge at a school, getting roasted by the burned out educators. But this ruse is all just part of a larger plan for the musical duo. "We're gonna reconnect with our blue collar roots then we're out," says Carney, before Auerbach assures, "For … the … album."

It doesn't take that long for the day to turn nightmarish for the pair, who eventually turn in their resignation, doff their work clothes for tuxes and leave the kiddies behind (with middle fingers extended) as they ride off in their luxury vehicles.

The humorous video is soundtracked by the swagger-filled new song "Wild Child," and there is actually some connection to the exaggerated video storyline for the band and the pair have recently reconnected with their love of music over the last few records.

After taking a hiatus, the band returned in 2019 with Let's Rock., but admittedly they didn't immediately feel they were back on track. “We had grown apart and we were reconnecting,” recalled Carney to Rolling Stone. “It was really good to get back into the studio, but we were still learning how to work with each other.”

Last year's Delta Kream covers album followed, with the duo once again starting to reclaim the mojo. “We recorded it in a day, no overdubs, and it’s one of my favorite records we’ve ever done,” says Auerbach of Delta Kream. “And that made us want to repeat the project, just getting in there and letting it roll and seeing whatever happens.”

“It ended up being a great reset of the band. It just showed us that the most important thing is that it’s fun,” said Carney.

So nearly immediately after Delta Kream arrived, the pair were back at it starting Dropout Boogie, which counts Reigning Sound's Greg Cartwright, Americana vocalist Sierra Farrell and ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons among their collaborations.

“I feel Pat and I are in a better place than we’ve ever been,” says Auerbach, with Carney telling Rolling Stone, “This one, we thought deeply about what we were doing but we never struggled with anything. No big disagreements.”

"Pat and I always wanted this,” Auerbach adds. “We still have the same drive. We want to create something good. We’ve never lost that, I don’t think. It’s our favorite thing to do, this passion for making records.”

Dropout Boogie is due May 13 via Nonesuch Records. The full artwork and track listing can be seen below. Pre-orders are available here, while "Wild Child" is now available via multiple platforms here.

The band previously announced a summer tour in support of the album. Get dates and details here.

The Black Keys, "Wild Child" Lyrics (Per AZLyrics)

I'm just a stranger
With a twisted smile and I'm wondering, ah
Your heart is in danger
Come close now, let me tell you a lie

Wild child
You got me running through the turnstile
Baby, come with and I'll make it worthwhile
You're gonna get my love today, yeah

You are a sweet dream
With a tender heart and beautiful smile
But things aren't what they seem
So I'll let you go and dream for a while

Wild child
You got me coming outta exile
Baby-girl you know I'm liking your style
You're gonna get my love today, yeah

I just wanna hold you at the end of every day
Girl, I wanna please you, oh, I'm needing you to stay
The sun is gonna shine if you would just come out and play
Baby, won't you show me your wild child ways

Wild child
You got me running through the turnstile
Baby, come with and I'll make it worthwhile
You're gonna get my love today, yeah

Wild child
You got me coming outta exile
Baby-girl you know I'm liking your style
You're gonna get my love today, yeah

The Black Keys, "Wild Child"

The Black Keys, Dropout Boogie Artwork + Track Listing

01. Wild Child
02. It Ain’t Over
03. For the Love of Money
04. Your Team Is Looking Good
05. Good Love
06. How Long
07. Burn the Damn Thing Down
08. Happiness
09. Baby I’m Coming Home
10. Didn’t I Love You