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Handstands
Bryde Lyrics
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Which way was down
Handstands and cartwheels on the bed
Just to ... us from running
You can try if you want to
Try holding your breath
But you deny what you want
And you're just fooling yourself
You watch the road
Trashed all the maps along the way
But I know the places you need to go
You cry if you want to
You can smile
You can lie
But you deny what you want
And it'll keep coming back
Glued to the floor
I'm not sure why I'm here
There's a sign on your door
Sayin' no nobody's in
But I'm in the mood for lovin' you
Like I used to
Cut glass and gravel underfoot
But we find our flow
Handstands and somersaults
Ahead as the feeling come and go
And you can try if you want to
Try and keep in all down
But you deny that it hurts
And it'll keep coming 'round
Glued to the floor
I'm not sure why I'm here
There's a sign on your door
Sayin' no nobody's in
But I'm in the mood for lovin' you
Like I used to
In "Handstands," Bryde sings about a relationship full of contradictions and confusion. The opening lines, "I didn't know which way was up / Which way was down," set the tone for the rest of the song as the singer struggles to understand the dynamics of her relationship. The imagery of handstands and cartwheels on the bed to distract from running away is a metaphor for trying to avoid confronting the problems in the relationship. The singer acknowledges that the partner can try to deny their feelings, but they are only fooling themselves.
The chorus of the song highlights the disconnect between the two partners as the singer takes control with "Both of my hands are on the wheel / You watch the road." The line "Trashed all the maps along the way / But I know the places you need to go" suggests that the singer has a better understanding of what the partner needs, despite their confusion.
The song's bridge describes the physical sensations of being in the moment with the partner, with "Cut glass and gravel underfoot / But we find our flow / Handstands and somersaults / Ahead as the feeling come and go." Despite the physical nature of the relationship, there is still an emotional distance that cannot be bridged.
Overall, "Handstands" is a complex portrayal of the push-and-pull dynamic of a relationship, with both partners struggling to understand each other's needs and feelings.
Line by Line Meaning
I didn't know which way was up
I was lost and confused, unsure about what direction to take
Which way was down
I felt disoriented and had no sense of gravity or stability
Handstands and cartwheels on the bed
We were playful and carefree, finding joy in simple physical activities
Just to ... us from running
We were trying to escape from something or someone, and needed a distraction or diversion
You can try if you want to
You have the option to attempt something, but with no guarantee of success
Try holding your breath
Attempt to hold in your emotions or reactions, but it may not be sustainable
But you deny what you want
You refuse to acknowledge your true desires or needs
And you're just fooling yourself
You are deceiving yourself and avoiding reality
Both of my hands are on the wheel
I am in control and focused on driving forward
You watch the road
You are aware of what is ahead and the journey we are on
Trashed all the maps along the way
We have abandoned plans or expectations and are improvising our route
But I know the places you need to go
I understand your wants and needs better than you do, and can guide you towards them
You cry if you want to
You can express your emotions, regardless of what others may think or say
You can smile
You have the ability to be happy and positive
You can lie
You have the option to be untruthful or deceptive
But you deny what you want
You are still suppressing your true wants and needs, despite possibly expressing other emotions
And it'll keep coming back
Your true desires and needs will continue to resurface until you acknowledge and address them
Glued to the floor
Feeling stuck, unable to move or progress
I'm not sure why I'm here
I am uncertain about my presence or purpose in this situation
There's a sign on your door
There is a message or indication that suggests you are unavailable
Sayin' no nobody's in
You are not physically or emotionally present for others
But I'm in the mood for lovin' you
I am still capable of feeling affection and love towards you, despite the challenges of the situation
Like I used to
My feelings for you have not diminished, and I still long for the way things used to be
Cut glass and gravel underfoot
The ground is rough and painful to walk on, creating obstacles and discomfort
But we find our flow
Despite the difficulties, we are able to find a rhythm and harmony in our interactions
Handstands and somersaults
We continue to find moments of joy and playfulness, even in challenging circumstances
Ahead as the feeling come and go
We are uncertain about what lies ahead, and our emotions are constantly shifting
Try and keep in all down
Suppress your feelings and emotions, hoping to avoid confrontation or discomfort
But you deny that it hurts
You refuse to acknowledge the pain or difficulty of the situation
And it'll keep coming 'round
The pain and challenges of the situation will continue to resurface until addressed and resolved
Contributed by William V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.