What's The Use
Hand Habits Lyrics
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I've seen you start fires with your hands
You were a bruise on the back side of my ankle
I've seen you burn out and start again
What's the use?
Oh, what's the use?
Oh, what's the use if you're not trying to forgive?
You were a boulder destructive with your anger
I've seen you move mountains with your eyes
I was afraid when I lost my identity
Inside of you, I guess we were the same
What's the use?
Oh, what's the use?
Oh, what's the use?
Oh, what's the use when?
What's the use if you're not trying to forgive?
Oh, what's the use if you're not trying to forgive?
You were a dove so peaceful in the morning
But I've seen you take many different forms
And I was so sure that you had all the answers
Because of you I'm capable of more
I'm capable of more and
What's the use?
Oh, what's the use?
Oh, what's the use if you're not trying to forgive?
Oh, what's the use if you're not trying to forgive?
What's the use if you're not trying to forgive?
The lyrics to "What's the Use" by Hand Habits describe a relationship that is both chaotic and transformative. The singer describes their partner in various forms - as peaceful as a dove, destructive as a boulder, and capable of starting fires with their hands. Despite the turbulence, the singer acknowledges that they have learned and grown from the relationship, becoming capable of more than they thought possible. However, the central theme of the song is forgiveness, or lack thereof. The singer questions the point of the relationship if forgiveness is not being sought.
The song seems to be exploring the idea that relationships can be transformative, but it takes effort from both parties to make it work. The singer acknowledges the flaws of their partner, but also recognizes the good in them, which is why they stay. However, forgiveness is key to any relationship, and without it, the singer questions the use of staying in the relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
You were a dove so peaceful in the morning
At one point, you appeared to be gentle and calm like a dove during the morning time.
I've seen you start fires with your hands
However, I have witnessed you intentionally causing destruction and chaos with your actions.
You were a bruise on the back side of my ankle
You were a painful and uncomfortable reminder of your presence in my life.
I've seen you burn out and start again
But despite your destructive tendencies, I have also seen you make mistakes and then attempt to start over and improve yourself.
What's the use?
What is the point of all of this?
Oh, what's the use?
Why bother with it all?
Oh, what's the use if you're not trying to forgive?
What is the point of holding onto anger and resentment if there is no attempt at forgiveness?
You were a boulder destructive with your anger
At other times, you were like a massive and destructive boulder fueled by your intense anger.
I've seen you move mountains with your eyes
But I have also seen you accomplish what seemed impossible with a fierce and determined gaze.
I was afraid when I lost my identity
When I was in a relationship with you, I was scared of losing myself and becoming absorbed by your dominant presence.
Inside of you, I guess we were the same
However, I eventually realized that despite our differences, deep down we shared some similarities and commonalities.
What's the use when?
Why even bother when...?
What's the use if you're not trying to forgive?
What is the point of any of this if there is no effort to forgive and move forward?
Oh, what's the use if you're not trying to forgive?
What is the point of holding onto grudges and resentment if there is no attempt to let go and forgive?
You were a dove so peaceful in the morning
Despite your flaws and destructive tendencies, there were times when you still appeared to be peaceful and gentle like a dove in the morning.
But I've seen you take many different forms
However, I have also witnessed you reveal different aspects of yourself and transform into completely different versions of yourself.
And I was so sure that you had all the answers
I used to believe that you held all of the answers and solutions to everything in life.
Because of you I'm capable of more
However, despite our ups and downs, I ultimately learned and grew from my experiences with you and became more capable as a result.
What's the use if you're not trying to forgive?
Again, what is the point of holding onto anger and hurt if there is no effort to forgive and heal?
Lyrics © DOMINO PUBLISHING COMPANY
Written by: Maegan Duffy
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@chadwickmcfaggins9734
Listened to this when it first came out. It gets me in the feels every time I listen to it.
@kokiokokio
I love this song😭🖤
@elgringoperdido.
this album is so good
@SpudWil
Very beautiful.
@dancornelius4057
Heard this song on KALX in Berkeley. I Love it.
@sharpestknife347
[Verse 1]
You were a dove so peaceful in the morning
I've seen you start fires with your hands
You were a bruise on the back side of my ankle
I've seen you burn out and start again
[Chorus]
What's the use?
Oh, what's the use?
Oh, what's the use if you're not trying to forgive?
[Verse 2]
You were a boulder destructive with your anger
I've seen you move mountains with your eyes
I was afraid when I lost my identity
Inside of you, I guess we were the same
[Chorus]
What's the use?
Oh, what's the use?
Oh, what's the use?
Oh, what's the use when?
What's the use if you're not trying to forgive?
Oh, what's the use if you're not trying to forgive?
[Verse 3]
You were a dove so peaceful in the morning
But I've seen you take many different forms
And I was so sure that you had all the answers
Because of you I'm capable of more
I'm capable of more
[Chorus]
What's the use?
Oh, what's the use?
Oh, what's the use if you're not trying to forgive?
Oh, what's the use if you're not trying to forgive?
What's the use if you're not trying to forgive?