Hands
Raconteurs Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Help me get in touch with what I feel
'Cause you understand and you sympathize
And you know me best it's not surprise
When you're with me there's a light and I can see my way
When you speak to me it's a song and I know what to say
Help me find the good that's inside me
'Cause you're the only one who really knows
How the feeling comes and why it goes
When you're with me there's a light and I can see my way
When you speak to me it's a song and I know what to say
[repeat]
When you listen there's a hope and I know I'm being hurt
When you smile at me and I know and we don't have to speak a word
When you're with me there's a light and I can see my way
When you speak to me it's a song and I know what to say
The Raconteurs' song "Hands" is a poignant tribute to the healing power of human connection. The lyrics speak to the transformative effect that being in the presence of someone who truly understands you can have. The song touches on the idea that real healing comes not from external solutions or quick fixes, but from personal growth and self-acceptance.
The first verse of the song addresses the power of touch, with the singer acknowledging that the hands of the person they're addressing have a special ability to comfort and heal. The second verse speaks to the importance of seeing one's own potential for good, and how having someone who can help bring that out can be immensely valuable. Throughout the song, the repeating refrain underscores the idea that being in the presence of this person makes everything clearer and easier to navigate.
One interesting interpretation of this song is that it could be about the power of therapy, or simply about the value of having someone who can truly listen and support you in a deep, non-judgmental way. The imagery of light is also a powerful one - it seems to suggest that this person is not only providing emotional support or empathy, but is almost acting as a beacon of clarity and direction for the singer.
Line by Line Meaning
Girl you got those hands that heal
You are skilled at comforting me and making me feel better
Help me get in touch with what I feel
Assist me in deciphering my emotions and making sense of them
'Cause you understand and you sympathize
You comprehend and empathize with my emotional state
And you know me best it's not surprise
You have a deep understanding of who I am and it's unsurprising
When you're with me there's a light and I can see my way
Your presence guides me and brings clarity to my thoughts and actions
When you speak to me it's a song and I know what to say
Your words have a calming effect on me and they provide me with direction
Girl you got those eyes that see
You possess a wisdom and insight that allows you to see things others can't
Help me find the good that's inside me
Assist me in recognizing the positive attributes and qualities I possess
'Cause you're the only one who really knows
You are the only person who truly understands my complexities
How the feeling comes and why it goes
You have knowledge of the ebb and flow of emotions and their causes
When you listen there's a hope and I know I'm being hurt
Your attentive ear gives me hope and helps me deal with my pain
When you smile at me and I know and we don't have to speak a word
Your smiling face is enough to let me know that you understand me without verbal communication
When you're with me there's a light and I can see my way
Your presence guides me and brings clarity to my thoughts and actions (repeated)
When you speak to me it's a song and I know what to say
Your words have a calming effect on me and they provide me with direction (repeated)
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JULIAN DE MARTINO, KATIE REBECCA WHITE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@magdau9576
Girl you got those hands that heal
Help me get in touch with what I feel
'Cause you understand and you sympathize
And you know me best it's not surprise
When you're with me there's a light and I can see my way
When you speak to me it's a song and I know what to say
Girl you got those eyes that see
Help me find the good that's inside me
'Cause you're the only one who really knows
How the feeling comes and why it goes
When you're with me there's a light and I can see my way
When you speak to me it's a song and I know what to say
[repeat]
When you listen there's a hope and I know I'm being hurt
When you smile at me and I know and we don't have to speak a word
When you're with me there's a light and I can see my way
When you speak to me it's a song and I know what to say
@captaingymshorts
I don't think Brendan gets enough credit in this band. Let's not forget he cowrote all of the songs with Jack and did a wicked job of singing lead vocals half the time. And also he's great at backing up when Jack sings lead.
@benderbendingrodriguez4360
captaingymshorts: I agree. Therefore, he gets plenty of credit from me! It's funny, though - Brendan and Jack sound eerily similar at times. The whole band is amazing, and wouldn't be the same with any one of the members removed. Also, Patrick Keeler is just ridiculously underrated as a drummer. He is outstanding!
@wlgj1341
captaintgymshorts what motivates you to think this ?
@spacedolphin6596
@Ron Belin common sense
@saulparkins9557
a totally underrated album
@brendonfraser2466
@Bender Bending Rodriguez I thought that Jack was the lead coming in from the white stripes lol
@dominicmahan4824
Does anybody else get goosebumps from this song?
@BrianCarnevaleB26
""Girl you got those eyes that see
Help me find the good that's inside me
'Cause you're the only one who really knows
How the feeling comes and why it goes"
@henriquemassaferro733
Everytime since I first heard that masterpiece
@wyliexc
i think this is one of the greatest love songs (lyrically). If you just listen to the metaphors they are amazing. This is also a very beautiful video.