Open Hand quickly built a massive buzz in the underground scene. A band’s band from the beginning, Open Hand was offered tours with the likes of Glassjaw, The Juliana Theory and Thursday. Those early tours and two acclaimed EP releases on its own American Propaganda label, Radio Days (1999) and Evolutions (2000), helped spread the buzz. Both EPs quickly sold out and soon the band was the talk of major label A&R reps – though perhaps too soon. After a couple of false starts with the majors, Open Hand opted to sign with the highly regarded indie Trustkill Records in 2002.
The following year, Trustkill issued The Dream, a collection of the band’s long out of print EPs with a couple of new bonus tracks. In spite of the material being a few years old, The Dream quickly became a favorite of fans, artists and critics around the world – topping countless Best Albums of 2003 lists.
In 2005, Trustkill issued the follow-up, You and Me, which met with rave reviews and was rated "album of the month" by Rock Sound in the UK. The stylistic departure from The Dream was huge: with most of the original members departed in favour of other projects, lead singer Justin Isham began working on a sound more akin to the Queens of the Stone Age, among others. The original concept for the album was a military story, traces of which are still evident in songs like Trench Warfare and The Ambush, but was quickly discarded on the advice of Isham's friends and bandmates.
Open Hand's third album, Honey, was released April 20, 2010 on Anodyne Records. The band expanded on the layered, guitar-heavy Queens of the Stone Age sound they forged with You and Me, but Honey also saw the band experimenting with other styles and directions, such as on the hip-hop infused "The Valley" (featuring Christopher "Kid" Reid from Kid n' Play) or the trashy riot grrl number "The Angels." Matt Talbot of Hum and Brodie Rush of Be/Non also contributed vocals for the record.
The Ambush
Open Hand Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
She's been left out and she can't relate,
It doesn't matter what we say.
'Cause I know we may fall down,
It's safe to lay down or run away,
She said for now that she will remain my if I stay.
She's losing out and I'm feeling so down and out with myself,
We may fall down,
It's safe to lay down or run away,
She said for now that she will remain my if I stay.
You let me down but it's all right,
There is nothing left of what I used to be,
You let me down but it's all right,
I feel all right now,
You let me down but it's all right.
The lyrics of Open Hand's song "The Ambush" present a narrative about a relationship that is falling apart due to a communication breakdown. The first verse starts by setting the scene, where the couple has been found out, and the woman is feeling left out and unable to connect with her partner. The lyrics suggest that communication is no longer effective, and it doesn't matter what they say because there is no understanding between them.
The chorus of the song repeats the idea that they may fall down, but it's safe to lay down or run away. Their relationship is in turmoil, and they are unsure about what the future holds. However, the woman still wants to remain with her partner for now, as long as he chooses to stay. The second verse reveals that the man is also feeling down and out with himself because his partner is losing out. However, they both believe they can still change the world together, and that glimmer of hope is what keeps them going.
The final statement in the chorus is an interesting one, "You let me down, but it's alright." It's a self-assuring statement that they can cope with whatever is thrown their way. Despite the miscommunication, the relationship is still holding on by a thread. The lyrics are open to interpretation and may resonate with anyone going through a tough time in their relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
We've been found out
Our secret has been discovered
She's been left out and she can't relate
She feels excluded and cannot connect with us
It doesn't matter what we say
Our words no longer have an effect
'Cause I know we may fall down
I am aware that failure is a possibility
It's safe to lay down or run away
Retreating is a viable option
She said for now that she will remain my if I stay
She wants me to stay, and promises to stay with me if I do
She's losing out and I'm feeling so down and out with myself
She is missing out and I am disappointed in myself
It doesn't matter we will change our world
We will still make a difference despite the setback
You let me down but it's all right
You disappointed me, but I am okay
There is nothing left of what I used to be
I have changed significantly from my past self
I feel all right now
I have come to terms with the disappointment
You let me down but it's all right
Once again acknowledging the disappointment, but also accepting it
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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