The Hand
Doubledrive Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

I get a rise outta people who come
In walkin' sideways
I have to ask 'em nicely
What do I get from the hand
With an empty platter exactly
Proactive not reactive
Smiling teeth in a laughing mouth is
Sublety for two
Say you want a little
Say you want a little
'Cause now you think the world is mine
But is there anything for you
Say you want a little
Say you want a little
I realize your position is phony
While you try to guide me
There's something wrong with my way
Offer up the world to me
On an empty platter exactly
Proactive not reactive
All this muck and mire walking
All the black and blue
Say you want a little
Say you want a little
'Cause I've been taken for a ride and now it's
Comin' back to you
Say you want a little
Say you want a little
Proactive not reactive
Smiling teeth in a laughing mouth is
Sublety for two
Say you want a little
Say you want a little
All this muck and mire walking
All the black and blue
Say you want a little
Say you want a little




What do I get from the hand
With an empty platter exactly

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Doubledrive's song The Hand are quite enigmatic and interpretive. The song seems to be about someone who is tired of people who come into their life with no purpose or intention, expecting something they are not entitled to. The opening lines, "I get a rise outta people who come/In walkin' sideways/I have to ask 'em nicely/What do I get from the hand" suggest a sense of frustration with these people. The singer is essentially asking them to stop being fake or disingenuous and show their true intentions. The recurring line "Say you want a little" could be interpreted as the singer's challenge to these people to be honest and upfront about what they want.


The chorus, "Proactive not reactive/Smiling teeth in a laughing mouth is/Sublety for two/Say you want a little" emphasizes the need for people to be direct and proactive while highlighting the fact that a smile can often conceal the true nature of a person or situation. The lines "While you try to guide me/There's something wrong with my way" could suggest the singer's lack of respect for those who try to control or manipulate them.


The repeated reference to an empty platter in the lines "What do I get from the hand/With an empty platter exactly/Offer up the world to me/On an empty platter exactly" is perhaps the central metaphor of the song. The empty platter could represent the hollow promises or meaningless gestures of those who come into our lives with no real purpose or plan. The singer seems to be saying that they want something substantial and meaningful, not just empty words or actions.


Line by Line Meaning

I get a rise outta people who come
I enjoy provoking those who come in crookedly


In walkin' sideways
and behaving deviously


I have to ask 'em nicely
I politely inquire about their intentions


What do I get from the hand
What do you offer me


With an empty platter exactly
without any real offers


Proactive not reactive
I take initiative instead of waiting


Smiling teeth in a laughing mouth is
A fake grin can hide a lot


Sublety for two
and it takes two to tango


Say you want a little
If you're looking for a taste


Say you want a little
Just say it out loud


'Cause now you think the world is mine
You believe I have control


But is there anything for you
But is there anything in it for you?


I realize your position is phony
I know you're being disingenuous


While you try to guide me
As you attempt to lead


There's something wrong with my way
I don't fit into your agenda


Offer up the world to me
Promise me the world


On an empty platter exactly
But give me nothing concrete


Proactive not reactive
I won't wait for your lead


All this muck and mire walking
All this mess and confusion


All the black and blue
All the bruises and scars


'Cause I've been taken for a ride and now it's
I've been deceived and now it's your turn


Comin' back to you
to receive what you've given out


Say you want a little
Just tell me what you want


Say you want a little
I'm listening now


What do I get from the hand
What are you offering me


With an empty platter exactly
with no substance behind it




Lyrics Β© BMG Rights Management

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found

More Versions