Cool Hand Luke is an indie group from Nashville, Tennessee, and was initial… Read Full Bio ↴Cool Hand Luke is an indie group from Nashville, Tennessee, and was initially formed by Brandon Morgan and Jason Hammil in 1998 while they attended Middle Tennessee State University. A punk rock influence showed itself within the band's early music, although the range and scope of Cool Hand Luke's sound changed quickly after Mark Nicks joined the band. Their more underground early efforts put them in the punk/emocore category, but since signing to Floodgate records in 2003, their sound has mellowed and branched out. The band's current sound is more of a melodic art-rock that reminds some people of a less focused Radiohead or a more diverse Coldplay. Despite some mild critical success and their tendency towards worshipful lyrics, Cool Hand Luke remains fairly unknown. In 2008 they inked a deal with Lujo Records who released their new album, The Sleeping House, on October 14, 2008.

In 2011, Cool Hand Luke self-released their final album, "Of Man." The album features many contributing artists including Tim McTague of UnderOath, and Nathan Walter of Quiet Science.

I'm Not Ready
Cool Hand Luke Lyrics

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Every time I read that story again
I wanna run and take the nails out
You remind me that those nails are mine
Once and for all to the end

I'm not ready for this
I'm not ready yet
I'm not ready

For this ending
But it's not over yet

You were speaking to a group last night
You asked someone to lay their pride out
I turned to see who it could be
You were looking me dead in the eye

I'm not ready for this
I'm not ready yet
I'm not ready
For this ending
But it's not over yet

I'm not ready for this
I'm not ready yet
I'm not ready
For this ending
But it's not over yet
I've been fighting against myself
And I've torn myself to pieces
I hear You calling, God, I hear You calling
"Stand up, stand up
And spend yourself for Jesus"

Too long have I been chained
I'm ready Jesus set me free

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Cool Hand Luke's song "I'm Not Ready" are reflective of the internal struggle that many individuals face when confronted with their own sins and weaknesses. The song begins with a reference to a familiar story, likely the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The singer expresses a desire to "take the nails out", a symbolic act that would represent their own desire to remove the weight of their sins.

However, the singer is then reminded that these "nails" are their own, reflecting the reality that they are responsible for their own actions and must take ownership of them. The song goes on to describe the singer's reluctance to face the end of their journey, yet they are reminded that the story is not over yet.

The second half of the song is more directly religious, with references to Jesus and the singer's desire to "spend [themselves] for Jesus". While the struggle is ongoing and the singer has "been fighting against [themselves]", they acknowledge that they are ready to be set free. Ultimately, the song is a testament to the power of faith in navigating life's challenges and coming to terms with one's own shortcomings.

Line by Line Meaning

Every time I read that story again
Whenever I revisit that biblical story, it causes me to feel remorseful and want to undo the harm I've caused.

I wanna run and take the nails out
I feel the urgent need to undo my past misdeeds, even if it means enduring physical discomfort or pain.

You remind me that those nails are mine
You make me realize that I am responsible for my own actions and the consequences thereof.

Once and for all to the end
I am committed to reconciling my past mistakes and taking steps towards a better future.

You were speaking to a group last night
At a recent gathering, you were addressing a group of people.

You asked someone to lay their pride out
You encouraged someone to humbly acknowledge their faults and mistakes.

I turned to see who it could be
I looked around to see who was being called out for their pridefulness.

You were looking me dead in the eye
To my surprise, I realized that you were actually calling me out for my own pridefulness.

I've been fighting against myself
I have been struggling with my own shortcomings and bad habits.

And I've torn myself to pieces
The internal turmoil and conflict I've faced have left me feeling emotionally and mentally drained.

I hear You calling, God, I hear You calling
I am aware of your divine guidance and urging to make things right.

"Stand up, stand up
You are calling me to take action and face my mistakes head-on.

And spend yourself for Jesus"
You are urging me to devote my energies and efforts towards a life of service and devotion to Christ.

Too long have I been chained
I feel as though I have been held back and restricted by my own faults for too long.

I'm ready Jesus set me free
I am ready to seek forgiveness and move on from my past mistakes with the help of Christ.

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BRANDON MICHAEL MORGAN, CHRISTOPHER SUSI, MARK KRISTIN NICKS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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