They released one album, Fix Me Up in 2013. The single Clouds was released as a video to youtube, and was met with great popularity.
Sobiech died in May 2013 from cancer.
Star Hopping
A Firm Handshake Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Make my nights lighter
As we sit upon this roof,
Looking for Mars and
The Truth.
I take out my telescope hoping
It would maybe help me cope with
The misaligning stars in my life.
As I stand here waiting, wishing, wanting
To take off and go star hopping.
Start the count down: three, two, one. Let's go!
I spy a lightning bug, not a very frightening one.
(At least, not especially.)
Just flies up in the sky doesn't ask who, what, when, or why.
Why can't I be more like that?
And I feel bad for Pluto;
He doesn't get much kudos for his size,
Being a little guy.
Sometimes I feel like that inside.
As I stand here waiting, wishing, wanting
To take off and go star hopping.
Start the count down: three, two, one. Let's go!
You get the pencil and I will get the paper we'll sketch us up a plan and we'll make it out together. You get the pencil and I will get the paper we'll sketch us up a plan and we'll make it out together.
But for now we'll stand here waiting, wishing, wanting
To take off and go star hopping.
Start the count down: three, two, one. Let's go.
The song "Star Hopping" by A Firm Handshake is a beautiful tribute to the night sky and the contemplation it can inspire. The lyrics describe a moment of reflection as the singer sits on a roof with a friend, looking at the stars and trying to find meaning in their alignment. The stars, which "make my nights lighter," offer a sense of hope and possibility in the midst of the singer's struggles. The telescope that the singer takes out becomes a tool for coping with the "misaligning stars" in their life, as if the act of observing something larger and more cosmic can help put their problems in perspective.
The second verse of the song takes on a more whimsical tone, as the singer observes a lightning bug and reflects on their own shortcomings. They feel a kinship with Pluto, the dwarf planet that has been the subject of scientific debate and controversy – just as Pluto is often overlooked and underestimated, the singer feels small and insignificant in the grand scheme of things. But despite these feelings of self-doubt, they are determined to take action and make a plan. The repeated refrain of "You get the pencil and I will get the paper we'll sketch us up a plan and we'll make it out together" echoes this sense of collaboration and hope.
Overall, "Star Hopping" is a song that celebrates the beauty of the night sky and the sense of wonder and possibility it can inspire. It is a reminder that even in moments of hardship and uncertainty, there is always something larger to contemplate and aspire to.
Line by Line Meaning
Stars are nice they
Stars make the night lighter.
Make my nights lighter
Stars brighten up the night.
As we sit upon this roof,
We are sitting on the roof of a building or house.
Looking for Mars and
Searching for planet Mars and
The Truth.
the truth about life.
I take out my telescope hoping
I bring out my telescope and hope that
It would maybe help me cope with
it could help me deal with
The misaligning stars in my life.
my own problems and challenges.
As I stand here waiting, wishing, wanting
I stand here desiring, yearning to
To take off and go star hopping.
explore the stars and outer space.
Start the count down: three, two, one. Let's go!
Count down to take off into space.
I spy a lightning bug, not a very frightening one.
I see a small, harmless lightning bug.
(At least, not especially.)
(At least, it doesn't seem that way.)
Just flies up in the sky doesn't ask who, what, when, or why.
It just flies around without questioning anything.
Why can't I be more like that?
Why can't I be carefree and spontaneous like the bug?
And I feel bad for Pluto;
I feel sympathy for planet Pluto;
He doesn't get much kudos for his size,
it is not celebrated for its small size.
Being a little guy.
It is considered small and insignificant.
Sometimes I feel like that inside.
Sometimes, I feel small and insignificant on the inside.
You get the pencil and I will get the paper we'll sketch us up a plan and we'll make it out together.
We will make a plan together and overcome obstacles.
But for now we'll stand here waiting, wishing, wanting
For now, we wait and hope to
To take off and go star hopping.
explore space and the stars.
Start the count down: three, two, one. Let's go.
Count down to take off and get excited to venture into outer space.
Writer(s): Zach Sobiech, Samantha Brown
Contributed by Avery J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
justdina
Oh wow, this is absolutely beautiful. Rest in perfect peace Zach 🥺❤️
Ara Alfaro
Hope there would be a cure already for osteosarcoma and other forms of cancer.
SouthernSpearow
Seeing what that dude could do with his short life is truly inspiring. It gives me hope and inspires me to try and be the best. As crazy as this sounds I might just be posting this for me, but if Zach can truly see this I would hope he would see how he has touched my life. What an inspiring guy. Even though his outcome was grim and he was having to leave everything he loved, he still kept smiling and helping others. I hope this guy is at peace and enjoying his new life. His friends, family, and girlfriend are all very lucky to have known him.
You guys are amazing!
AFirmHandshakeBand
Thanks for your comment. And, yes, we were very lucky to have known and loved him. Still are.
Shani Reis
"We'll sit here waiting, wishing, wanting..." I love this song, Sammy youre voice is absolutely amazing and unique and beautiful. Zach has become my inspiration through all the rough times, i just come and watch these videos. The songs you write seem to put all of lifes meanings and hopes and dreams n an amazing way and i cant thank you enough for sharing your beautiful talents.
AFirmHandshakeBand
Thank you!
theonlybaldock
You guys are phenomenal. I love your sound and lyrical style. You and Zach are an inspiration to a generation. God gave the world a bright light when he made Zach. I watched his documentary and it was truly one of the more moving stories I have ever heard. I can only say I wish I could have had the pleasure of meeting him. Sammy, you have an avid fan. I hope you keep making music, because I will keep listening as long as you do. You and Zach's family are in my prayers.
Jon Berry
Sammy, you have an amazing voice. So much depth and soul. Please, keep making music.
Tierra Nauman
My dance teacher knew Zach's gf and told my class about him so I looked him up the next day. He's such an inspiration! I live with a rare skin disease and there are days that I just want to lay down and die because it can be so painful, but I try to live life happy like Zach.
Count Litmogaphil
I hope you are still holding up well