He came from Toronto; she, from Seattle.
He came from Toronto; she, from Seattle.
His parents started a radio station; hers were music teachers.
Both had music in their blood, instruments in their hands, and a mind to create.
The mountains led him to the west; a star led her to the north.
In Vancouver they met and schooled—studying music and life.
They found promise.
They found love.
In less than a year they put school on hold, got married, and lived.
With music and purpose guiding them, school called again and to Nashville they went.
He became an audio engineer; she became a songwriter; music stayed central and they continued to create.
Entering the Nashville music scene in 2009, Handsome and Gretyl released their debut EP, Hold On Tight Love, February 2011.
Handsome and Gretyl have created an earthy folk feel crossed with an imaginative jaunt of pop, a sweet and tangy piece of wild berry pie. This duo draws from real life, delivering optimistic though realistic lyrics, seasoned with the chill of snow, the sea breeze, and the hope of tomorrow’s sunrise.
Come Back
Handsome and Gretyl Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
All of the world there in our reach
Then you gave your heart, I gave my wings
Set out in pioneering
Our land
Claiming our land
I'm wanting this, you're wanting that
Once breathed the highest mountain air
Now I can't seem to get there
My wings
Where went my wings
And your heart
Finding your heart
Love can die de die de die
If we live as two not one we'll die de die de die
So won't you help me fly
Now you know that I'll come back
Always come back to your hands, darling
Your loving hands
The lyrics to Handsome and Gretyl's song "Come Back" describe a relationship that started out free and adventurous but has now become strained. The first verse describes how the two lovers once felt on top of the world with endless possibilities, but things have changed. The second verse talks about how the two are struggling to compromise and work together. The lines "How can two lives stay on one map / I'm wanting this, you're wanting that" depict the difficulty of reconciling individual desires with the needs of a partnership. The chorus warns that if they don't work together, their love will die, but if they can come together, they can fly.
The song explores the theme of compromise in relationships, reminding listeners that it takes effort and sacrifice to make a partnership work. The use of the metaphor of wings and a map suggests the sense of freedom and excitement that the lovers felt at the beginning of their relationship that has been lost. However, the final lines of the song offer hope - that the two can come back together and find their way to happiness.
Line by Line Meaning
We were so young and running free
In our youth, we had the freedom to explore and enjoy the world.
All of the world there in our reach
We felt like we could have anything we wanted in life.
Then you gave your heart, I gave my wings
We committed to each other and supported each other's dreams and desires.
Set out in pioneering
We embarked on a journey of discovery and exploration together.
Our land
Together, we claimed our rightful place in the world.
Claiming our land
We worked together to secure our place in the world and establish a home.
How can two lives stay on one map
It's difficult for two individuals with different goals and aspirations to stay on the same path.
I'm wanting this, you're wanting that
We have distinct desires and dreams that may not always align.
Once breathed the highest mountain air
We used to feel unstoppable and invigorated like we could conquer anything.
Now I can't seem to get there
We're feeling stuck and unsure of how to move forward.
My wings
My ability to soar and reach new heights.
Where went my wings
I seem to have lost my ambition and drive to pursue what I once wanted.
And your heart
Your capacity for love and devotion.
Finding your heart
I want to reconnect with your love and support to help me find my way again.
Love can die de die de die
Without mutual love and support, a relationship can perish.
If we live as two not one we'll die de die de die
If we don't work together as a united front, our relationship may not survive.
So won't you help me fly
I need your support to help me regain my passion and purpose in life.
Now you know that I'll come back
You can always count on me to return to you and our love.
Always come back to your hands, darling
I will always seek comfort and love in your embrace.
Lyrics © DistroKid
Written by: Gretyl Baird
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Robert Mealing
So glad to hear about the new album, love you guys!
Jamie Sartori
What a beautiful version and amazing to hear you both again
Handsome and Gretyl
Thank you!
Buhos y lechuzas
Spanish fan say..Me gusta mucho lo que hacen,me llenan de paz (peace) y alegría (joy)...also improve my english..I think. :) .XXX OOO
Alison harden
Just beautiful! Hi from Australia!
Handsome and Gretyl
Hello!