Hands
Mouth Lyrics


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Light is like water
Cool and clear
A distant river
A voice I cannot hear
When I felt weak
I dreamt that you were found
And though you didn't speak
You touched my hand
I want to stand in your light
The rain is falling
Nobody's talking
The sunlight's grey
Today
It's not asking much
For you to save from the cold




These hands that touch
But cannot hold

Overall Meaning

The first stanza sets the scene with the imagery of light being compared to water - something refreshing and pure. The mention of a distant river and a voice that cannot be heard creates a sense of longing and yearning. The singer then reveals a vulnerable moment when they felt weak, and in that moment, they had a dream where the person they hold dear was found. Although this person doesn't speak, they offer comfort and support by simply touching the singer's hand. This physical connection symbolizes emotional intimacy and reassurance.


In the second stanza, the singer expresses a desire to be in the presence of this person's light. However, the mood shifts as the rain starts falling and nobody is communicating. The line "The sunlight's grey" suggests a contrast between the hopeful light mentioned in the first stanza and the gloominess of the present moment. This could imply a metaphorical darkness or sadness surrounding them.


The third stanza highlights the singer's plea for help and warmth. They acknowledge that it may not be asking for much, but they long for this person to save them from the cold. The phrase "hands that touch but cannot hold" conveys a profound sense of longing and frustration. It suggests that although there is physical contact, it lacks the ability to provide lasting emotional connection or fulfillment. The hands symbolize a desperate attempt to grasp onto something that continuously slips away.


Overall, the lyrics of "Hands" reveal a sense of longing, vulnerability, and a yearning for emotional connection. The metaphor of light and water evokes a desire for something refreshing and pure. The dream sequence represents a temporary relief from the singer's weakness, while the rain and lack of communication create a somber atmosphere. The song's closing lines emphasize the singer's plea for warmth and touch that goes beyond the physical, echoing a deep longing for emotional intimacy and connection.


Line by Line Meaning

Light is like water
Brightness and hopefulness are similar to nourishing and purifying water


Cool and clear
Refreshing and transparent


A distant river
An unreachable source of solace and comfort


A voice I cannot hear
A message or guidance that remains unheard


When I felt weak
During moments of vulnerability and powerlessness


I dreamt that you were found
Imagining discovering someone who brings strength and support


And though you didn't speak
Despite not uttering any words


You touched my hand
You offered a comforting physical connection


I want to stand in your light
Yearning to be surrounded by your positivity and guidance


The rain is falling
Precipitation descending from the sky


Nobody's talking
No one is engaging in conversation


The sunlight's grey
The brightness of the day lacks vibrancy and joy


Today
In the present moment


It's not asking much
It doesn't require a significant effort or favor


For you to save from the cold
To protect from loneliness and despair


These hands that touch
My hands which have the ability to make contact


But cannot hold
Yet cannot retain or grasp tightly




Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: Alex Adams

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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