Hand in Hand
Costello Elvis & The Attractions Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I won't ask you to forgive me
If I'm gonna go down, you're gonna come with me
You say, "Why don't you be a man about it
Like they do in the grown-up movies?"
But when it comes to the other way around, you say
You just want to use me
It's gonna be syndicated
You sit with your knees together
All the time your breath is bated
(Hand in hand) no, don't ask me to apologize
I won't ask you to forgive me
If I'm gonna go down, you're gonna come with me
Don't you know I got the bully boys out
Changing someone's facial design
Sitting with my toy room lout
Polishing my precious china
Don't you know I'm an animal?
But don't you know I can't stand up steady?
But you can't show me any kind of hell that I don't know already
(Hand in hand) no, don't ask me to apologize
I won't ask you to forgive me
If I'm gonna go down, you're gonna come with me
Hand in hand, hand in hand
Hand in hand
Hand in hand, hand in hand, hand in hand
Hand in hand, hand in hand, hand in hand
Hand in hand, hand in hand, hand in hand
Hand in hand, hand in hand, hand in hand
The lyrics to Costello Elvis & The Attractions' song "Hand in Hand" seem to depict a relationship that is equal parts toxic and mutually destructive. The opening lines of the song are a refusal to apologize or ask for forgiveness - suggesting that both parties are in the wrong, and neither is willing to take responsibility for their actions. The chorus, "If I'm gonna go down, you're gonna come with me," further underscores the idea that both are deeply intertwined and equally responsible for whatever negative consequences may arise.
The second verse intensifies this theme, with the singer accusing their partner of hypocrisy - suggesting that they hold the singer to a different standard than they hold themselves. The line "But you can't show me any kind of hell that I don't know already" implies that the relationship is already a living nightmare, and neither party is willing or able to change the dynamic.
Overall, the song paints a bleak picture of a relationship that is dysfunctional and unfixable. The repeated refrain of "Hand in hand" feels ironic - as though the two are holding onto each other as they hurtle towards an inevitable crash. It's a dark and unsettling song, but one that captures the destructive power of codependency in a vivid and memorable way.
Line by Line Meaning
No, don't ask me to apologize
I refuse to apologize for my actions
I won't ask you to forgive me
I'm not seeking forgiveness from you
If I'm gonna go down, you're gonna come with me
If I get in trouble, you'll be in trouble with me
You say, 'Why don't you be a man about it'
You're telling me to act mature
Like they do in the grown-up movies?'
To behave like in a movie meant for grown-ups?
But when it comes to the other way around, you say
However, when roles are reversed, you have a different opinion
You just want to use me
You want to take advantage of me
Oh, you and you wonder whether
You seem to be curious if
It's gonna be syndicated
Something will be publicly broadcasted
You sit with your knees together
You are nervous or uncomfortable
All the time your breath is bated
Your breathing is shallow and uneven
(Hand in hand) no, don't ask me to apologize
I won't say sorry
I won't ask you to forgive me
I won't seek your pardon
If I'm gonna go down, you're gonna come with me
We'll both bear the consequences of my actions
Don't you know I got the bully boys out
I have hired bullies to support me
Changing someone's facial design
The bullies are capable of physically harming someone
Sitting with my toy room lout
I am spending time playing with someone who is not well-regarded
Polishing my precious china
I am taking care of my valuable possessions
Don't you know I'm an animal?
I don't behave like a civilized person
But don't you know I can't stand up steady?
I am not able to remain composed
But you can't show me any kind of hell that I don't know already
I have already experienced the worst of things and nothing can scare me now
(Hand in hand) no, don't ask me to apologize
I won't apologize
I won't ask you to forgive me
I won't seek your absolution
If I'm gonna go down, you're gonna come with me
We'll both face the consequences of our actions
Hand in hand
Together
Hand in hand
Together
Hand in hand
Together
Hand in hand
Together
Hand in hand
Together
Hand in hand
Together
Hand in hand
Together
Hand in hand
Together
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ELVIS COSTELLO
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind