Blood On My Hands
The Start Lyrics

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I am cocked and loaded
Only shooting blanks
Nothing that would put a hole in
You or your precious heart

That's right, I'm yours for the taking
I'll put up a front
They won't even know I'm faking

It's not just my bones
It's my heart that you're breaking

Or so you seem to be tonight...

Last dance, second chance
Even when there's blood on my hands
Last chance left to dance
Even when there's blood on my hands

My idea of romance
My lack of innocence
Really makes no difference
Here and now

I am ripe for the plucking
Ready to take a dive
Throw the fight, you'll be so lucky
It's not just my heart
It's my soul that you're sucking

Or so you seem to be tonight...

Last dance, second chance
Even when there's blood on my hands
Last chance left to dance
Even when there's blood on my hands
Even when there's blood on my hands

Or so you seem to be tonight...

Last dance, second chance
Last chance left to dance
Last dance, second chance
Last chance left to dance
Even when there's blood on my hands
Even when there's blood on my hands
Even when there's blood on my hands
Last dance, second chance
Last chance left to dance

Last dance, second chance
Last chance left to dance

Overall Meaning

The Start's song Blood On My Hands is a poignant yet enigmatic take on a love story that seems to be at the end of its road. As the artist confesses to being "cocked and loaded," he emphasizes that his intention is not to harm the other person but merely to indicate his readiness to fight for their love. He admits that he is "only shooting blanks," signifying that his threats of walking away or ending the relationship are hollow and inconsequential. He is, in essence, declaring his love and commitment to stay through thick and thin, even if it means enduring the pain of having "blood on his hands."

The artist's vulnerability is palpable when he talks about the heartbreak and betrayal he has received at the hands of their lover. At one point, he wonders aloud whether his lack of innocence or his interpretation of romance has played a role in the turmoil that his heart and soul are now facing. Despite being ripe for the picking and ready to be taken away, he is determined to fight for their love and willingly take a dive if it means saving their relationship. The repetitiveness of the last dance and second chance emphasizes that he is not ready to give up until he has exhausted every last option available to him. Blood on My Hands is an ode to a love story that is worth fighting for, even when the odds seem stacked against it.

Line by Line Meaning

I am cocked and loaded
I am armed and ready

Only shooting blanks
Not actually causing any harm

Nothing that would put a hole in
No action that would cause any damage to

You or your precious heart
You or your emotional well-being

That's right, I'm yours for the taking
I'm fully available and willing

I'll put up a front
I'll hide my true feelings

They won't even know I'm faking
Others will not realize that I'm being insincere

It's not just my bones
It's not just a physical pain

It's my heart that you're breaking
You're hurting me emotionally

Or so you seem to be tonight...
At least that's how it appears for now

Last dance, second chance
This might be our last opportunity to make things right