Hammers
Alec Benjamin Lyrics

It's wholly subjective
The perception of things is completely relative and can differ from person to person.

The thing that you see
The objects or situations that you are observing.

So what's your objective?
What is the purpose or goal of what you are doing or seeing?

What will it be?
What is the ultimate outcome or result of your actions or observations?

With those nails and those wrenches
Referring to the tools used by the subject.

The tools in your hand
The objects that you have control over or are using to accomplish tasks.

I just have one question
The singer is about to pose a question to the subject.

If hammers can build, if hammers can take
Hammers are capable of constructing or deconstructing objects or structures.

If hammers can make things, if hammers can
Hammers have the potential to create or cause change.

Break the ground that you walk upon
Hammers are capable of destroying the very ground you stand on.

Break the ground that you're standin' on, standin' on
Reinforced statement that hammers can uproot and demolish the foundation upon which you stand.

If hammers can crush, if hammers can bend
The power of hammers can be used to demolish or mold objects to conform to the user's desire.

Then how do you plan to use your hammer, my friend?
The singer is inquiring about the intended use and outcome of the subject's actions/observations.

Wield your hammer like weapons drawn, or
The singer is presenting two options: use the hammer as a destructive weapon or yield power to make constructive changes.

Wield your hammer to right what's wrong, right what's wrong, hm
Instead of enacting destruction, use the hammer's power to rectify what has been wronged.

Only time will show
The outcome of actions or circumstances will only become evident as time passes.

We're not passin' judgment
The artist is not making negative assumptions about the subject's intentions or actions.

'Cause that would be cruel
The singer is empathizing with the subject and recognizing that harsh judgement would be inappropriate.

Use your words to bludgeon you
The subject could be attacked with scathing words or guilt-trips.

As if they were some tool
The artist is utilizing a metaphor to describe how words can be used to wound someone.

Only time will show
Similar to the earlier chorus, the subject won't immediately know the outcome of their actions and intentions.

Only time will show
Reinforcement that time will need to pass in order for the subject to see the outcome of their actions.

Only time will show
Final reminder of the importance of patient observation and restraint before determining the full results of one's actions.

Only time will show
Reiterated one more time for emphasis.