Wagner has been writing songs since the age of 16. Her self-titled debut album was released in February 2011 by the Finnish indie label Kioski. It was later released in United Kingdom and Europe by Bone Voyage Recordings and in North America by Friendly Fire Recordings. In August 2012 Time Magazine listed Wagner as one of the ″11 Great Bands You Don’t Know (But Should)″. Although her debut album was not a big success, it caused a lot of attention and in February 2014 Wagner was signed by the American record label Sub Pop.
Wagner's second album When the Cellar Children See the Light of Day was released in August 2014. The album peaked number one at the Finnish Album Chart. It was a nominee for the 2014 Nordic Music Prize which is an annual award for the Best Nordic Album Of The Year. She won the prize.
On 21 April 2015, Wagner performed on the music television show Later... with Jools Holland.
She also did the trailer song for Gore Verbinski's 2017 film A Cure for Wellness, which was a cover of The Ramones song "I Wanna Be Sedated".
No Hands
Mirel Wagner Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
all day long
up and down the old
dusty dirt road
look mother no hands
see the sun filter through the trees
I am happy
feel the wind and the speed
look mother no hands
The lyrics to Mirel Wagner's song No Hands depict a sense of carefree joy and adventure as the singer rides their bicycle along an old, dusty dirt road. The line "look mother no hands" refers to the singer's excitement in being able to ride without the use of their hands - a playful and daring feat. They describe the beauty of the sun filtering through the trees and the feeling of the wind rushing past them as they ride, completely immersed in the moment. Despite the danger that may be present on the road, the singer is too focused on the sensations of the ride to pay it any mind.
Overall, No Hands is a reflection on the simple pleasures of life, and the feeling of freedom that comes with letting go and allowing oneself to be fully present in the moment. The lack of hands on the handlebars also represents a sense of trust - in oneself, in the world, and in the journey ahead.
Line by Line Meaning
I've been riding my bicycle
I have been cycling on my own.
all day long
I have been cycling for a long time, throughout the day.
up and down the old
I have been cycling along the same path multiple times.
dusty dirt road
I have been cycling along an old, dirty path.
look mother no hands
I am confident in my cycling abilities and do not need to hold onto the handlebars.
see the sun filter through the trees
I am able to appreciate the natural beauty around me.
I am happy
I am content and enjoying myself.
feel the wind and the speed
I am experiencing the sensations of cycling quickly in the breeze.
can’t see the danger
I am not aware of any potential risks or hazards while cycling.
look mother no hands
I continue to show off my confidence in my abilities while cycling.
Contributed by Gianna L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.