Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: emo
Song Meaning of “Hands” by The Swellers
The Swellers’ song ‘Hands’ is a powerful and emotive ballad that explores the struggles of losing a close friend. The lyrics exude loss and despair, as we hear the narrator’s innermost thoughts and feelings.
The narrator reflects on his connection with his friend and on all the times they have shared. He muses on the fact that the connection between them can never really die, it can only be replaced by something new. He clings to this idea to help him cope with the fact that his friend is no longer living in this world.
The narrator also reflects heavily on his friend’s death. He has regret at not saying his goodbyes and not appreciating what he had before it was snatched away. He sees the potential his friend had that will never be fully realized and he mourns all that could have been.
The chorus of ‘Hands’ brings us soul stirring intensity as the narrator interweaves his loss with powerful imagery. He talks of clinging to string of light, of clasping hands even though one has gone. He yearns for his friend to reach back to him, across the boundaries of life and death.
The narrator eventually acknowledges and faces his fear of losing someone close to him again and the decision to keep loving in spite of the sadness. He talks of wanting to fill the hole in his heart with many hands and embraces the vulnerability and joy that comes with loving with an open heart.
The Swellers’ ‘Hands’ ultimately reminds us of the importance of cherishing the ones we love, of coming to terms with the fact that loss is part of life, and of continuing to love and to live despite the sadness that comes with it.