Hammer
Katie Von Schleicher Lyrics


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you say that you'll do it once again
but you lie, you're not doing anything

working backwards
turn the hammer on myself
working harder

it's a myth: we tear it up just to build it smarter
on the other side the word is in,
it's demolished ardor

now he's coming
now he's one of us
careful, loving
let three words fly

all i know is we owe it back, all the slim advances
mid-america, old motel, i'm a thousand chances





you say that you'd do it all again
but you lie, you're not doing anything

Overall Meaning

In Katie Von Schleicher's song "Hammer," the lyrics explore themes of disillusionment, self-deception, and the cyclical nature of life. The opening lines, "you say that you'll do it once again, but you lie, you're not doing anything," suggest a sense of betrayal or disappointment. The singer is addressing someone who claims they will repeat a certain action or behavior, but in reality, they are not following through with their words.


The following lines, "working backwards, turn the hammer on myself, working harder," depict a self-destructive pattern. The singer seems to be engaging in self-sabotage, possibly as a result of the feelings of deceit and disappointment mentioned earlier. They are punishing themselves by intensifying their efforts, exacerbating their own pain.


The lyrics continue with the line, "it's a myth: we tear it up just to build it smarter, on the other side the word is in, it's demolished ardor." Here, the song addresses the idea that tearing things down and rebuilding them may seem like progress, but it can also lead to the loss of passion and enthusiasm. The word "ardor" refers to intense enthusiasm or passion, and the lyrics suggest that this enthusiasm has been destroyed in the process of rebuilding.


The chorus, "now he's coming, now he's one of us, careful, loving, let three words fly," introduces a new character or situation. It implies a change or transformation, with someone joining a group or community. The words "careful, loving" hint at the importance of approaching this situation with caution and compassion. The phrase "let three words fly" suggests the release of emotions or expressing something significant.


The final lines, "all i know is we owe it back, all the slim advances, mid-america, old motel, i'm a thousand chances, you say that you'd do it all again, but you lie, you're not doing anything," reinforce the theme of disappointment and deception. The singer acknowledges a sense of indebtedness but also highlights the seemingly fruitless and repetitive nature of their experiences. The repetition of the line about lying and not doing anything emphasizes the disconnect between words and actions.


Overall, "Hammer" portrays a narrative of disillusionment, self-deception, and the struggle to find fulfillment in a cycle of broken promises and unfulfilled potential.


Line by Line Meaning

you say that you'll do it once again
You claim that you will repeat the action


but you lie, you're not doing anything
However, your words are false as you are inactive


working backwards
Attempting to reverse the situation


turn the hammer on myself
Applying pressure or criticism to oneself


working harder
Striving with increased effort


it's a myth: we tear it up just to build it smarter
It is a misconception that we destroy things in order to reconstruct them with improved knowledge or techniques


on the other side the word is in, it's demolished ardor
However, the reality is that enthusiasm has been destroyed on the opposite side


now he's coming
Now he is approaching


now he's one of us
Now he belongs to our group


careful, loving
Proceeding with caution and affection


let three words fly
Expressing oneself using only three words


all i know is we owe it back, all the slim advances
All I understand is that we need to repay the modest progress we have made


mid-america, old motel, i'm a thousand chances
In the middle of America, at an outdated motel, I have encountered numerous opportunities


you say that you'd do it all again
You claim that you would repeat the entire process


but you lie, you're not doing anything
However, your words are false as you are inactive




Lyrics © ROUGH TRADE PUBLISHING
Written by: Katie Von Schleicher

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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