Formerly known as Shaky Hands, the band decided to change their name due to a threat of legal action from a similarly-named American band (The Shaky Hands). As their EP was intended to be titled "Cut Off Your Hands", they simply decided to switch their artist name with the EP title.
February 2009 saw the departure of original guitarist Michael Ramirez. February also saw Brent Harris depart, due to continuing hearing problems. He will rejoin the band in 12 months.
by your side
Cut Off Your Hands Lyrics
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And when the sunlight breaks your slumber
And offers no such consolation
But leaves you bare, leaves you open up against your will
And keeps you here, with a stillness that you've known and always feared
And if you wake up with that loneliest lonely
I'm by your side, at your call, when you call
I wait alone by your side
And when the sunlight breaks your slumber
But you don't dare open your eye
Cause when you try, it's like all these things you best forget
Won't let you by, just like all these things you've known and always feared
And if you wake up with that loneliest lonely
And though you greet each day so numb
I'm by your side, at your call, when you call
I wait alone by your side
I'm by your side, at your call, when you call
I wait alone by your side.
The lyrics in "By Your Side" by Cut Off Your Hands speak to the pain and loneliness that comes with struggling to find oneself. The first verse talks about waking up to sunlight that does not bring comfort, but instead leaves one feeling vulnerable and exposed against their will. The stillness that the singer has always feared is now a constant presence in their life. The second verse reiterates this feeling of vulnerability and fear, with the singer being unable to open their eyes and face the day. The things they try to forget hold them back and keep them from moving forward.
The chorus is about the singer's loneliness and numbness, but there is hope in the form of someone who is always by their side, waiting for their call. This reinforces the idea that while they may feel alone, there is always someone there who cares for them and is there to support them. The repeating lines "I wait alone by your side" show the devotion and commitment of this person who will never leave the singer's side, even when they feel like they are struggling alone.
Overall, the lyrics in "By Your Side" are powerful and emotional, exploring themes of loneliness, fear, and the struggle to find oneself. The song serves as a reminder that no matter how difficult things may seem, there is always someone out there who cares and wants to help.
Line by Line Meaning
And when the sunlight breaks your slumber
When morning comes and you wake up
And offers no such consolation
But you feel no comfort or solace
But leaves you bare, leaves you open up against your will
You feel exposed and vulnerable, even though you didn't choose to
And keeps you here, with a stillness that you've known and always feared
You're stuck in a stagnant place that you're familiar with, but scared of
And if you wake up with that loneliest lonely
If you feel the deepest kind of loneliness upon waking up
And if you greet each day so numb
If you go through each day feeling emotionally detached
I'm by your side, at your call, when you call
I'm there for you when you need me, just a phone call away
I wait alone by your side
I'll be there patiently waiting for you
But you don't dare open your eye
But you're afraid to open your eyes
Cause when you try, it's like all these things you best forget
Because when you do, you remember things you'd rather forget
Won't let you by, just like all these things you've known and always feared
Those memories and fears hold you back from moving on
I'm by your side, at your call, when you call
I'm still here for you, whenever you need me
I wait alone by your side
I'll always be there for you, even if it feels like I'm the only one
Contributed by Dominic G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.