The band has released three albums, 2006's "Broken Boy Soldiers", 2008's Consolers of the Lonely and 2019's Help Us Stranger.
Dean Fertita from The Waxwings did live keyboards for the band in 2006; he also played in Brendan Benson's band and is now touring with Queens Of The Stone Age, and is a member of White and Lawrence's band The Dead Weather.
The band had to change their name in Australia, since there already was a band named The Raconteurs there. The band is referred to as The Saboteurs in Australia.
HANDS
The 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 love song that speaks to the power of understanding and empathy in a relationship. The lyrics are specific to the singer's experiences of being understood by their partner, who is described as having healing hands and eyes that can see the good inside. The song is structured around the repeated refrain of "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," which serves to anchor the narrative of the song.
The first verse highlights the physicality of the partner's healing presence, as their hands are described as having the ability to connect the singer with their emotions. This intimacy is further emphasized in the second verse, where the partner's eyes are said to hold the key to unlocking the singer's inner goodness. The chorus reinforces the idea that the partner provides guidance and clarity to the singer, helping them find their way when they feel lost.
The bridge of the song takes on a more optimistic tone, describing the hope and joy that the partner's presence brings to the singer. This joy is nonverbal, as signaled by the line "we don't have to speak a word," suggesting a deep level of comfort and understanding between the two.
Overall, "Hands" is a heartfelt ode to the role that empathy and understanding play in a healthy and loving relationship. The song values emotional intelligence and communication as key components of a successful partnership.
Line by Line Meaning
Girl you got those hands that heal
You have an ability to help me through my struggles and heal me.
Help me get in touch with what I feel
Assist me in identifying and connecting with my emotions.
'Cause you understand and you sympathize
You comprehend and support my feelings.
And you know me best it's not surprise
You know me well, which is not unexpected.
When you're with me there's a light and I can see my way
Your presence illuminates the path for me.
When you speak to me it's a song and I know what to say
Your words resonate with me and guide me in what to say.
Girl you got those eyes that see
You possess a special insight and perception.
Help me find the good that's inside me
Assist me in discovering the positive qualities within myself.
'Cause you're the only one who really knows
You are the sole person who truly understands.
How the feeling comes and why it goes
You comprehend the origin and change of my emotions.
When you listen there's a hope and I know I'm being hurt
Knowing that you're listening to me instills hope, even when I'm in pain.
When you smile at me and I know and we don't have to speak a word
Your smile communicates more than words ever could.
When you're with me there's a light and I can see my way
Your presence illuminates the path for me.
When you speak to me it's a song and I know what to say
Your words resonate with me and guide me in what to say.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, 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.