The Hands
Queensryche Lyrics


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All eyes were staring
You floated through the room
Armed with your razor smile Cutting to the bone
My voice fell useless
You flashed a quick "hello"
Feeling the fool,
Could you tell it showed?
But that was "sometime ago"
A memory vague and fading slow,
Of somewhere I'd been

Hand on heart
A promise, a word and a voice
Hand on heart
A rhythm of hope and choice, will keep us together

I don't know if I,
Can reach that high
It's a long way to fall
Hauntingly holding
My fate with a gaze
Like a child, mesmerized
By the candle's flame
Oh what lies behind those eyes
I could only guess
A certain way you stood apart from the rest

Now where is "sometime ago?"
When everything moved in slo-motion
Caught by my watering eye

Hand on heart
A promise, a word and a voice
Hand on heart
A rhythm of hope and a vision of choice
Hand on heart
Promising, I'll never go
Hand on heart
For reasons you'll never know

Together through thick and thin
Lose or win, I'll be there for you
Strange how the mind changes
Time and time again
Things once important, now pale in comparison

Hand on heart
A promise, a word and a voice
Hand on heart
A rhythm of hope and a vision of choice
Hand on heart
Promising, I'll never go
Hand on heart
For reasons you'll never know





I promise girl, hand on heart (hand on heart)
(Hand on heart)

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Queensryche's song "Hand on Heart" describe a past encounter with someone who, at the time, seemed to hold a great deal of power and influence. The singer recalls feeling like a fool in this person's presence, but also being drawn to them in a way that's reminiscent of being hypnotized by a flickering candle flame. Despite the distance that now separates the two, the singer promises to stay true and be there for this person through "thick and thin."


The chorus of the song, "Hand on heart / A promise, a word and a voice / Hand on heart / A rhythm of hope and choice, will keep us together," reinforces the singer's vow to remain steadfast and loyal. The phrase "hand on heart" itself is often used to signify a vow or promise made with sincerity and authenticity, adding to the weight and importance of the lyrics.


Overall, "Hand on Heart" is a song about promises and commitment, even in the face of uncertainty and changing circumstances. The singer is determined to honor their word and be a source of hope and strength for someone who once held great significance in their life.


Line by Line Meaning

All eyes were staring
Everyone in the room was looking at you


You floated through the room
You moved gracefully as though gliding through the air


Armed with your razor smile Cutting to the bone
Your smile was so sharp it was hurtful


My voice fell useless
I was unable to speak


You flashed a quick "hello"
You greeted me briefly


Feeling the fool, Could you tell it showed?
I felt embarrassed and wondered if it was obvious


But that was "sometime ago"
That was in the past


A memory vague and fading slow, Of somewhere I'd been
I can barely remember it now, but it was a place I had been


Hand on heart A promise, a word and a voice
I'm making a solemn promise, speaking from my heart


Hand on heart A rhythm of hope and choice, will keep us together
My heart beats with hope and the choices we make will keep us connected


I don't know if I, Can reach that high
I'm not sure if I'm capable of achieving what is being asked of me


It's a long way to fall Hauntingly holding My fate with a gaze
The consequences of my actions are looming and scary


Like a child, mesmerized By the candle's flame
I am hypnotized by something mesmerizing, like a child and a candle flame


Oh what lies behind those eyes I could only guess A certain way you stood apart from the rest
I can only guess what's really going on behind your eyes; you're different from others


Now where is "sometime ago?" When everything moved in slo-motion Caught by my watering eye
Where did the time go when things seemed slower and I was emotional about it


Promising, I'll never go For reasons you'll never know
I promise to never leave you because the reasons are personal and you wouldn't understand


Together through thick and thin Lose or win, I'll be there for you
We'll stick together no matter what, through good times and bad


Strange how the mind changes Time and time again Things once important, now pale in comparison
It's odd how our minds can change so much over time, and what was once important is now insignificant


I promise girl, hand on heart (hand on heart)
I'm making a promise to you, with my hand on my heart




Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: CHRISTOPHER DEGARMO, GEOFF TATE, GEOFFERY TATE, MICHAEL WILTON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@dibzydaddy

When I'm lost... I find a way,
I hear voices. I feel them surround me,
pull me from the edge
I close my eyes and... .
and my luck keeps holding strong,
even when that boot comes down
Waiting for the revolution but there's no one around,
except the hands out of nowhere, saving me again
There's always something there watching out for me,
if I'm suffocating, it gives me air, it gives me air
it gives me air, it gives me air, it gives me air
Now, I remember,
But where I'm going, now I'm not sure
Only one thing matters much to me, anymore
I'm looking for you, can you imagine?
You can't think, can you imagine?
You won't find a way this time to frighten me, yeah.
You're running scared, can you imagine?
Always looking over your shoulder,
for a place where you don't see my face
But my luck keeps holding so strong,
even with the state I'm in.
I'm like a revolution of one, even when I stumble I win,
except the hands out of nowhere, saving me again
There's always something there, watching out for me,
if I'm suffocating, it gives me air.
I'm like a cat with only a few lives left,
and I'm running from the shadows
Watching my back waiting for the attack,
that I know is coming... I feel it's near, so near
There's hands out of nowhere, saving me again
There's always something there watching out for me,
if I'm suffocating, it gives me air
I'm like a cat with only a few lives left
and I'm running from the shadows
Watching my back, waiting for the attack,
that I know is coming,
it's near, I feel it's near,
so near



All comments from YouTube:

@charlesp6642

Anyone...QR fan or not...that says this EP is not good...well...not a real fan..or a hater...cuz this EP has some damn good tunes on it! PERIOD!

@EastCoastRycher

Thanks to Queensryche for all of the incredible music!! Happy 30th Anniversary!!

@screamingindigital1980

Happy 40th if your still seeing this

@IzzySmith1969

I love how Pamela Moore does the ghost version of Mary on the lines "can you imagine?"... chills. I'm friends with her on MySpace, she's got such an awesome voice and she's really great to her fans. Spent one evening just chatting with her. She's the best. Geoff and the boys really did good by her, love Queensryche. Operation Mindcrime 3 maybe, if things in this country get worse? Who knows.

@comawhite5913

The time is ripe.
And if it doesn't feel like we are being controlled at every step yet..........you're part of the operation.

@TheDarkEternalKnight07

I know I'm late, but Operation: Mindcrime III is the same situation with a possible Metropolis Pt.3 by Dream Theater. Never gonna happen

@antccccc

Just saw this video for the first time..... You guys will always be one of the most powerful bands out there.

@stevesullivan8963

Wow!!  Been a Ryche believer since the 80's "Warning" era. This was my first listen to anything beyond the "Right Side Of My Mind" era.  Great stuff!!

@heavendreamful

Album in my collection, best regards!

@tonyfoster7427

Such an underrated song! Legendary Reich!

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