Lion Skin
Hands Like Houses Lyrics


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I wonder, can you daydream at night?
Lying awake, I've had too much time.
I'm watching picture shows in the shadows
Dance for the crowd tonight.
Imagination is such a vivid place to hide,
While stars watch over you.

Through silent homes
The lights are out but I walk these halls,
The way I've walked before,
Sleeping, with saints and apparitions between the walls.
The lights are out but I walk these halls,
I promised not to wake you, so I'll walk light, just so you can hear,

The rats in the roof and termites in the ceiling.
We'll hear everything except what we need to hear.
Sleeplessness is for the restless, and I'm just fine,
Left to wander, aimless in unconsciousness.

There's spiders crawling from the corners of my eyes.
Let them weave their little webs to snatch the sunlight from the lens.
I'm staring at the ceiling 'cause I'm fed up with the sight.
Weigh my eyelids back to sleep, sealed by silken silver threads,
While stars watch over you.

Through silent homes
The lights are out but I walk these halls,
The way I've walked before,
Sleeping, with saints and apparitions between the walls.
The lights are out but I walk these halls.
Cast the sheep out of your mind,
Count the wolves and we'll sleep tonight.

I stumble in and I stumble out of unfamiliar rooms in foreign houses,
But I'm at home, a ghost that has left behind his sheets,
Unrequited, until I wake up somewhere I know that I've never been.

I'll stay 'til sleep takes over you.
And I'll walk while stars watch over you.

Through silent homes
The lights are out but I walk these halls,
The way I've walked before,
Sleeping, with saints and apparitions between the walls.
The lights are out but I walk these halls,
The way I've walked before,
Sleeping, with saints and apparitions between the walls.
The lights are out but I walk these halls.




Cast the sheep out of your mind,
Count the wolves and we'll sleep tonight

Overall Meaning

The song "Lion Skin" by Hands Like Houses is a hauntingly beautiful and introspective exploration of the mind's hidden corners. The lyrics hint at a struggle with insomnia, where the singer is lying awake, with too much time to think. The opening line, "I wonder, can you daydream at night?" sets the tone for the rest of the song, which delves into the surreal and vivid imagery that can come from a mind running wild in the middle of the night.


The second verse adds even more depth to the story. The singer walks through silent homes, where the lights are out and the only sound comes from rats in the roof and termites in the ceiling. The haunting imagery of "saints and apparitions between the walls" suggests a spiritual or religious element to the story, but also adds to the otherworldly feel of the song.


The chorus, with its repeated phrase "through silent homes," creates a sense of wandering and searching, but also a feeling of familiarity. By walking these halls, with or without the company of saints and apparitions, the singer seems to feel more at home than anywhere else.


Overall, the lyrics to "Lion Skin" are a testament to the power of the mind, both in its ability to create beauty and in its tendency to spiral into darkness. The song is a haunting reminder of the power of our thoughts, and the ways in which they can both comfort and torment us.


Line by Line Meaning

I wonder, can you daydream at night?
Is it possible to be lost in thought while sleeping?


Lying awake, I've had too much time.
Unable to sleep, I have been consumed by my thoughts.


I'm watching picture shows in the shadows. Dance for the crowd tonight.
My imagination is running wild, with vivid images appearing in the dark.


Imagination is such a vivid place to hide. While stars watch over you.
The mind can be a sanctuary, offering escape from the troubles of reality.


Through silent homes, the lights are out but I walk these halls, the way I've walked before. Sleeping, with saints and apparitions between the walls.
Moving through unfamiliar places, I am haunted by the ghosts of my past.


I promised not to wake you, so I'll walk light, just so you can hear.
I am treading cautiously so as not to disturb those who are sleeping.


The rats in the roof and termites in the ceiling. We'll hear everything except what we need to hear.
Noises from the environment are a distraction from what truly matters.


Sleeplessness is for the restless, and I'm just fine. Left to wander, aimless in unconsciousness.
Lack of sleep is only a problem for those who are troubled - I am content to drift through my dreams.


There's spiders crawling from the corners of my eyes. Let them weave their little webs to snatch the sunlight from the lens.
The illusions in my head are becoming clearer, although they may be a source of discomfort.


I'm staring at the ceiling 'cause I'm fed up with the sight. Weigh my eyelids back to sleep, sealed by silken silver threads, while stars watch over you.
Displeased with my environment, I am surrendering myself to rest despite the distractions and the stars watch over those who slumber.


Cast the sheep out of your mind, count the wolves and we'll sleep tonight.
Let go of your worries and focus on what truly matters - sleep.


I stumble in and I stumble out of unfamiliar rooms in foreign houses, but I'm at home, a ghost that has left behind his sheets, unrequited, until I wake up somewhere I know that I've never been.
Despite my confusion and disorientation, I feel a sense of belonging, as if my true home lies beyond my comprehension.


I'll stay 'til sleep takes over you. And I'll walk while stars watch over you.
I will remain with you until you fall asleep, and continue to walk through the night as the stars provide their watchful gaze.




Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

A V B Ferreira

Hands like Houses has to be one of the most underrated band even by Australia's standards of under achieving 

Breeanna Mcanalley

I’ve been saying this for YEARS

Toni LaVey

8 years later this song still gives me the goosebumps 😂😭

Natalia

Tyler and Craig is the best combination ever. 💕

Gino S

This will always be the best song Hands Like Houses will ever make. I love all their stuff since, but nothing compares to this song.

Enrique Quiroga

+Gino Simplicio totally agree

Zeezo

Over 3 years since this comment, still true.

brandon byrd

I told all of my friends this band was going to be big, I have actually talked to them before they are some of the nicest people. I'm so happy they are big now, just wish it didn't delay their album.

Team NOAH

Wow. All of their voices are just perfect.

Tagen Garris

10 years later and this is still an absolute banger!

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