Hand Me Down
Hales Corner Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But I've got to go and buy my own
I'm too old to grow into someone else's clothes but I'll wear it now for a while
If you ever find that place
Where you can go and be at peace
Could I tag along for a bit?
I'd like to leave my mind in a jar of formaldehyde and let my body roam until it dies
Forming the dreams that we're bound to give up on
I can see fate like rocks under pond scum
Plenty of days we just lay down and take it
Time to step up get something back for all the anguish
These lyrics in Hales Corner's song Hand Me Down portray a feeling of being lost, uncertain and trapped. The first verse talks about someone leaving their coat and how the singer has to buy their own instead of wearing someone else's. This symbolizes how the singer cannot rely on anyone else and has to find their own way in life. The second verse is more introspective and talks about the search for inner peace, a place where they can go and be themselves. The singer also asks if they can join someone who has already found that place, indicating a desire for companionship and guidance. The reference to leaving their mind in a jar and letting their body roam until it dies is a metaphor for the singer's need to escape their own thoughts and live in the moment.
The chorus talks about how we all have dreams that we eventually give up on and how fate is like rocks under pond scum - hidden but always present. The line about laying down and taking it is a reference to how we often resign ourselves to our circumstances instead of taking action to change them. The singer urges us to step up and get something back for all the anguish we've been through. Overall, the song is about the struggle to find our own way in life and the courage needed to take charge of our own destiny.
Line by Line Meaning
Someone left their coat on my floor
I received a gift that I appreciate, but ultimately I need to establish my own identity.
But I've got to go and buy my own
While the gift is appreciated, it is not sustainable for me to rely on the generosity of others.
I'm too old to grow into someone else's clothes but I'll wear it now for a while
Although I recognize that I need to establish my own identity, I will still appreciate and utilize the gifts of others in the meantime.
If you ever find that place
I am seeking a peaceful and fulfilling environment.
Where you can go and be at peace
A place to escape from the anxieties and stresses of everyday life.
Could I tag along for a bit?
I would be grateful to accompany someone to such a place.
I'd like to leave my mind in a jar of formaldehyde and let my body roam until it dies
I wish to escape my own thoughts and simply exist in a relaxed physical state for a time.
Forming the dreams that we're bound to give up on
Despite the difficulty, we must continue to pursue our goals and aspirations.
I can see fate like rocks under pond scum
Despite the challenges and obstacles, I can still see the path towards achieving my goals.
Plenty of days we just lay down and take it
There are times when we feel defeated and lack the motivation to continue pursuing our goals.
Time to step up get something back for all the anguish
Nevertheless, it is crucial to push through and work towards fulfilling our aspirations, as the rewards will be worth the struggles.
Contributed by Elliot F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.