Band members:
Andrew VanWyngarden (lead vocals, guitar, keyboards, drums)
Ben Goldwasser (keyboards, vocals, guitar)
Matthew Asti (bass, keyboards)
James Richardson (guitar, vocals)
Hank Sullivant (guitar, keyboards)
Will Berman (drums)
You can learn more about MGMT, browse photos, and see the tour schedule at the Official Website.
Hand It Over
MGMT Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And the rights that they abuse
Might just fuck us over
But the doors won't shut
Until they're sure there's nothing left to use
Someone's taking over
Threw it away, but now I say
It's time to hand it over
The joke's worn thin, the king stepped in
Now we'll see who is who
Look who's bending over
But the stars weren't wrong, the time felt right
We both knew it was true
The smart ones exit early
And the rest hope for a shoulder
If we lose our touch, it won't mean much
If everyone's confused
Which door do we open?
It's the same old trick
They played their hand
Now there's one thing to left to do
It's time (hand it over)
It's yours and it's mine (hand it over)
One thing on my mind (hand it over)
It's rightfully mine (hand it over)
In the dark (hand it over)
What's yours is mine (hand it over)
Mmm, make it right (hand it over)
And give me what's mine (hand it over)
Oh, this time (hand it over)
It's yours and mine (hand it over)
Hey, it's time to (hand it over)
Just give me what's mine (hand it over)
Mmm, anytime (hand it over)
It's yours and it's mine (hand it over)
Oh, I need time (hand it over)
No, no it's rightfully mine (hand it over)
Oh, anytime
The lyrics of MGMT's song Hand It Over portray a commentary on the corruption and greed within our society. The first verse alludes to deals made by those in power in order to disrupt the status quo, although the consequences of these deals may result in negative consequences for the people. The line "someone's taking over" suggests a shift in power, as those who have been oppressed take back control. The chorus emphasizes the notion of relinquishing control and giving what's rightfully owed to those who have been cheated or left behind.
The second verse speaks to the idea of those in power attempting to maintain their control, but ultimately being usurped by someone stronger. The line "the smart ones exit early" suggests that some individuals are able to recognize the impending danger and remove themselves from the situation before it escalates. The final two lines leave a sense of ambiguity, as the confusion and uncertainty of the situation leaves us questioning which path to take.
Overall, the song speaks to the need to recognize corruption and rising to the occasion to take back control. Its message is a call to action for society to be more adequately represented and valued by those in power.
Line by Line Meaning
The deals we made to shake things up
The agreements or arrangements we formulated to cause some novelty, disruption and changes
And the rights that they abuse
The power or authority they have which they misuse or exploit
Might just fuck us over
It may result in a disadvantageous or harmful outcome
But the doors won't shut
The opportunities or options are still available
Until they're sure there's nothing left to use
Until they are certain that all means have been exhausted or exploited
Someone's taking over
Someone is gaining control or authority over the situation
Threw it away, but now I say
Disposed of it previously, but now I am asserting
It's time to hand it over
It is time to surrender or relinquish ownership, control or power
The joke's worn thin, the king stepped in
The humorous or amusing aspect has become stale or obsolete, and an authoritative figure has intervened
Now we'll see who is who
A judgment or assessment will be made to ascertain people's characters or abilities
Look who's bending over
Take notice of who is yielding or submitting to a more dominant entity
But the stars weren't wrong, the time felt right
The predictions or expectations didn't prove erroneous, and the moment seemed apt or appropriate
We both knew it was true
Both parties recognized or acknowledged the verity or reality of the situation
The smart ones exit early
The intelligent or astute individuals leave before it is too late
And the rest hope for a shoulder
The remaining people rely on others for support or guidance
If we lose our touch, it won't mean much
In case we become inept or lose our competence, it won't have a significant impact
If everyone's confused
If all individuals are perplexed or uncertain
Which door do we open?
Which option or course of action should we pursue?
It's the same old trick
It is the identical or customary deception or tactic
They played their hand
They utilized their strategy or resources
Now there's one thing to left to do
Now, there exists only one option or action to take
It's time (hand it over)
Now, it is the appropriate moment to surrender or relinquish power or control (hand it over)
It's yours and it's mine (hand it over)
It belongs to both parties and hence, both parties should give it up or relinquish control (hand it over)
One thing on my mind (hand it over)
I am solely focused on the action of surrendering or relinquishing control (hand it over)
It's rightfully mine (hand it over)
I have a legitimate entitlement over it and should rightfully claim it (hand it over)
In the dark (hand it over)
In a state of uncertainty, vagueness or obscurity, it is time to take action (hand it over)
What's yours is mine (hand it over)
What belongs to you, should also be surrendered or relinquished in this scenario (hand it over)
Mmm, make it right (hand it over)
Emphasizing the need to rectify, restore or make things fair and just by surrendering or relinquishing power or control (hand it over)
And give me what's mine (hand it over)
Surrender or relinquish what is legally, ethically or rightfully mine(hand it over)
Oh, this time (hand it over)
Making a definitive statement about the need to act now, rather than later (hand it over)
Hey, it's time to (hand it over)
Calling attention to the necessity to take action(hand it over)
Mmm, anytime (hand it over)
Anytime or anywhere, it is time to surrender or relinquish power or control(hand it over)
It's yours and it's mine (hand it over)
Acknowledging that mutually, both parties own it and hence, the need for mutual action regarding surrendering or relinquishing power or control(hand it over)
Oh, I need time (hand it over)
Asking for some extra time to contemplate and assess before taking the steps to surrender or relinquish power or control (hand it over)
No, no it's rightfully mine (hand it over)
Asserting the legitimate and principled entitlement for the need to claim, surrender or relinquish power or control (hand it over)
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Andrew Vanwyngarden, Benjamin Goldwasser
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind