Hands Are Law
Hands Are Law
Rusted Root Lyrics
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With concrete women
They like their coca-colas plasticine
These witches of the rocky shores
Cast their spells by whipping stones
Against my skull
Makes my days roll like thunder
But when all I was,
Now I might be thinking it's over
Looking around the theatre
For a girl and you might be
Drifting upon these same waves
Your hands are law Your hands are law
And so I've weeped many webs
'Cause in my hands my heart is shakin'
Yeah 'cause on your velvet throne
All my babies scream so
Tenderly back to the womb they cry for
Now I might be thinking it's over
Looking around the theatre for a girl
And you might be drifting upon these same waves
Your hands are law Your hands are law
The lyrics of Rusted Root's "Hands Are Law" are cryptic and open to interpretation. The song tells the story of the singer's encounter with a group of women who are "concrete" and like "plasticine" Coca-Colas. These women are characterized as witches and they cast spells on the singer by whipping stones against his skull. This experience makes his days "roll like thunder" and causes him to reflect on his life. At first, he was just bored, but now he realizes that his fate is in the hands of these women.
The singer seems to be entranced by these women and their power over him. He weeps many webs, suggesting that he is tangled up in their spell. He feels a deep connection to them and imagines that all of his babies are crying for them. The line "on your velvet throne" suggests that the singer is worshipping these women as if they were queens.
However, the chorus reminds us that "your hands are law." This suggests that while the women may have power over the singer, they are not necessarily benevolent or kind. The singer is at their mercy and must follow their commands, even if it leads to his undoing.
Line by Line Meaning
Rode in a boat
I traveled in a boat.
With concrete women
Accompanied by women who seem hard and emotionless.
They like their coca-colas plasticine
These women prefer artificial things, like plastic in their Coca-Colas.
These witches of the rocky shores
Metaphorical term used for the women on the shore.
Cast their spells by whipping stones
These women can cast spells by throwing stones.
Against my skull
The stones hit my head.
Makes my days roll like thunder
Their spells make my days seem loud and tumultuous.
But when all I was,
When I was just.
Was really bored
I was incredibly bored.
Now I might be thinking it's over
I may be feeling that things have ended.
Looking around the theatre
Scanning the surroundings, probably at a show or concert.
For a girl and you might be
Searching for a girl and you could be.
Drifting upon these same waves
Going through similar experiences.
Your hands are law Your hands are law
You have complete control over me.
And so I've weeped many webs
I've cried a lot.
'Cause in my hands my heart is shakin'
My heart is beating fast in my hands.
Yeah 'cause on your velvet throne
You're in a position of power.
All my babies scream so
All of my emotions and thoughts become intense.
Tenderly back to the womb they cry for
These emotions and thoughts are seeking comfort and safety.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JENN WERTZ, JIM DONOVAN, JOHN BUYNAK, LIZ BERLIN, MICHAEL GLABICKI, PATRICK NORMAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind