Crap Hands
Beck Lyrics


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I'll clap my hands along and rattle on like a vagabond
I'll rip my uniform and bend the floor to the early mornin'
I'll shake your dollar bill and spend it all before the bombs will kill me
I'll save my best for last and after that don't even ask me

Clap hands, that's right
Clap hands, clap hands, that's right
Clap hands, clap, clap hands

I'll take my broken bell and make it ring like a million churches
I'll scratch that kind of itch, down in the ditch and switch my plates out
I'll drive to San Francisco, death to disco, take my shirt off
I'll swim to Mexico, don't tell the mermaids where I'm goin'

Clap hands, that's right
Clap hands, clap hands, that's right
Clap hands, clap hands, clap hands

I'll clap me hands along and rattle on like a vagabond
I'll rip my uniform and bend the floor to the early mornin'
I'll shake your dollar bill then spend it all before the bombs will kill me
I'll save my best for last and after that don't even ask me

Clap, clap hands, that's right, clap hands, clap hands, that's right




Clap hands, that's right, clap hands, clap hands, that's right
Clap hands, that's right,clap hands, that's right, clap hands

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Beck's song "Crap Hands" can be interpreted in a few different ways. On one level, the song seems to be about living life to the fullest and enjoying oneself while one still can. The lines "I'll shake your dollar bill and spend it all before the bombs will kill me" and "I'll swim to Mexico, don't tell the mermaids where I'm goin'" suggest a sense of urgency and a desire to experience as much as possible before it's too late.


The chorus of "clap hands" can also be interpreted as a call to action, urging listeners to join in and celebrate life. The repetition of the phrase reinforces the sense of communal celebration that the song seems to be trying to inspire.


Overall, "Crap Hands" is a catchy, upbeat song that encourages listeners to seize the day and revel in the joys of life while they still can.


Line by Line Meaning

I'll clap my hands along and rattle on like a vagabond
I'll cheerfully live my life like a wanderer, beating my hands together and making noise as I go.


I'll rip my uniform and bend the floor to the early mornin'
I'll dance so energetically, I'll tear my clothes and shake the ground until daybreak.


I'll shake your dollar bill and spend it all before the bombs will kill me
I'll live like there's no tomorrow, spending money freely and enjoying life before it's too late.


I'll save my best for last and after that don't even ask me
I'll keep my best moves hidden until the perfect moment and then I won't reveal any further tricks.


I'll take my broken bell and make it ring like a million churches
I'll turn something broken and useless into something amazing and powerful.


I'll scratch that kind of itch, down in the ditch and switch my plates out
I'll find satisfaction in unexpected places and make changes to my life that others wouldn't consider.


I'll drive to San Francisco, death to disco, take my shirt off
I'll embark on a wild and crazy adventure (even if it means abandoning popular trends), and take risks that others wouldn't dare.


I'll swim to Mexico, don't tell the mermaids where I'm goin'
I'll journey to a place far away and secret (even if it means swimming there), without disclosing my destination to anyone.


I'll clap me hands along and rattle on like a vagabond
I'll continue on my journey through life, remaining carefree and boisterous.


I'll rip my uniform and bend the floor to the early mornin'
I'll keep on dancing energetically, no matter the time of day or the consequences.


I'll shake your dollar bill then spend it all before the bombs will kill me
I'll keep living life to the fullest, indulging in the joys of the world.


I'll save my best for last and after that don't even ask me
I'll keep some secrets to myself, and won't reveal everything I'm capable of.


Clap hands, that's right, clap hands, clap hands, that's right
The repetitive clapping rhythm in the song serves as a call to join in and celebrate life.


Clap hands, clap hands, clap hands
The chorus repeats the call to clap hands, emphasizing the joy and celebration that Beck is urging us to embrace.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: KING, JOHN ROBERT / SIMPSON, MICHAEL S. / HANSEN, BECK DAVID

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@sandyc3994

I saw Beck in a theatre in Vancouver in like 2008. Midway through the show - which had already been awesome up to that point - he says he's going to do some acoustic numbers and let the band rest. They set up a table and the band sat at it while Beck played some songs solo in a spotlight, with the band eating at the table in the background. A waiter would show up occasionally to fill water glasses and serve food to the band as Beck played.

About 3 songs in, it starts to get obvious that there are taps and clinks on water glasses that play into the songs that Beck is playing. It was cool as hell. Then they go full-on into this Clap Hands routine, with Beck on guitar and vocals while the band is rocking at the dinner table behind him.

I've been to a LOT of shows. Like, a lot. This was just one of the coolest things I've ever seen. Even to this day, that Vancouver show is one of the best concerts I've ever attended.

@KaiGittens

San C I saw him do the same thing at his Jersey City gig. Awesome.

@dawnduffy2898

i saw them do this in nyc. absolutely the coolest thing ever!

@marik374

It's pretty hard to perfectly play a song live... It's pretty nerve wracking... But all in all, Beck is the most outstanding musician. Thanks for the upload :)

@nobbynoris

That must be why he looks like he's got a rod up his arse all the way through this performance then.

@Feeetzy

this is the best rendition of this song. I always find myself coming back to this

@aerialgymnast10

Very impressive. Beck never ceases to amaze me with his creativity. Simple and unique.

@fatyoshi9993

The live versions of Clap Hands are honestly better than the studio version imo

@carolinaelia2317

EL MEJOR MUSICO DE TODOS LOS TIEMPOS

@SingingInspires

the things beck comes up with are just so creative! i love this song!

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