Hands
Great North Lyrics

These lyrics from Great North's song "Hands" tell a poignant story of a journey, sacrifice, and the complexities of love.

The opening lines, "Ran straight cross the river / Into the Promised Land," suggest a brave and determined move towards a better future. However, the next line introduces a contrast between the hopeful expectations and the harsh reality: "Where the wise men came bearing bullets / And medicine in their outstretched hands." This juxtaposition suggests that alongside the potential for help and healing, there is also the presence of danger and violence in this new land.

The following line, "On the wings of a plane you ascended / Sold your last breath to the western wind," adds a sense of sacrifice and desperation. It implies that the person in focus has made a significant sacrifice to pursue their dreams or ambitions. It could also suggest that this person has abandoned their previous life and connection with the singer.

In the next verse, the singer appears restless and troubled. "In the height of the evening / You were talking in your sleep / Fires taking hold in the valley beneath / They were rising angrily." This imagery evokes a sense of chaos, turmoil, and perhaps even a hint of danger in the world around them. It implies that their journey has not brought them the peace and stability they had hoped for.

The lyrics continue, "Every road you ran took you further from me / You said 'that's the way I am and that's the way I'm going to be.'" Here, the singer expresses a sense of distance and emotional disconnection from the person they are addressing. The person in question seems to prioritize their own path, even if it means leaving their relationship behind. They claim that their behavior is unchangeable, emphasizing a sense of self-determination or self-acceptance.

The chorus provides a powerful central metaphor: "But it's not blood that's coursing in your veins / And it's not water that's pouring down my face / Darling, it's the rain / And it's come to wash both of us away." In these lines, the rain serves as a symbol of cleansing, both physically and emotionally. It suggests that their relationship is troubled, and the rain will wash away their shared history. It also hints at the idea that the challenges they face are beyond their control, overwhelming them both.

The final lines, "So what was once hidden will be held in the light of day / Hold me in your hands / Now you're calling like wolves in the water," introduce a sense of vulnerability and longing. They imply that the truth, which was previously concealed, will be revealed. The plea to be held in the hands signifies a desire for connection and closeness. The imagery of calling like wolves in the water speaks to the primal and desperate nature of their longing for each other.

Overall, these lyrics portray a narrative of a challenging journey into a new land, the sacrifice of personal well-being, and the emotional distance that emerges as a result. It encompasses themes of struggle, sacrifice, self-acceptance, longing, and the inevitable washing away of their shared experiences.