Red Hands
Walk Off the Earth Lyrics


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Oh yeah, oh yeah-ah, that gun is loaded

I know that I messed up a few times or watcha wanna call it
I know if I fell down, you'd change the way that I saw it
I put it on the line for this time only
(Is that what you really want?)

I can't see that I got red hands, I'm colorblind singing (day-oh)
Don't put the blame on me, child, the damn thing gone wild (day-oh)
Never wanted to be fooling you, can't believe I was wounding you-oo
(Is that what you really want?)

Oh yeah, oh yeah-ah, that gun is loaded

That gun is loaded, but it's not in my hand
That gun is loaded, but it's not in my hand
The fire burns, I'm not the one with the match, man
That gun is loaded, but it's not in my hand

Oh yeah, oh yeah-ah, that gun is loaded

I've seen it all before, you back out, and everything's changing
I needed something more, you stepped down, so what are you chasing?
I put it on rewind for this time only
(Is that what you really want?)

I realize that I got red hands, I wanna change this (day-oh)
Don't ask me why I choose to lie, I stay blind, oh (day-oh)
It's clear to me that you are human too, your accusations are burning through-oo
(Is that what you really want?)

Oh yeah, oh yeah-ah, that gun is loaded

That gun is loaded, but it's not in my hand
That gun is loaded, but it's not in my hand
The fire burns, I'm not the one with the match, man
That gun is loaded, but it's not in my hand

Oh yeah, oh yeah-ah, that gun is loaded





Oh yeah, oh yeah-ah, that gun is loaded

Overall Meaning

The song "Red Hands" by Walk Off the Earth is a poetic depiction of a person's sense of guilt and regret for their actions which have hurt another person. The chorus repeats the phrase "that gun is loaded" which suggests that the weight of the person's misdeeds is heavy and that they are ready to face the consequences for their actions. The first verse of the song acknowledges the person's mistakes and the fact that they hurt somebody else. However, they feel that if they fell down the other person would not see it as an honest mistake but as a sign of their inherent personality flaws. Despite the risk of facing consequences for their actions, the person still puts themselves on the line to make amends.


In the second verse, the person reflects on the pain they caused and acknowledges their regret for lying. They express a wish to change the past and the accusations that are "burning through" suggest that the thing they wish to undo may be very significant. Throughout the song, there is a poignant undertone of someone who wishes to take responsibility for their actions, even if it is too late. The repeated phrase "that gun is loaded" becomes a mantra that signifies acceptance and accountability of one's actions.


Line by Line Meaning

Oh yeah, oh yeah-ah, that gun is loaded
Reinforcing the idea that this situation is dangerous and volatile.


I know that I messed up a few times or watcha wanna call it
Admitting to past mistakes and acknowledging that there may be differing opinions on what those mistakes were.


I know if I fell down, you'd change the way that I saw it
Feeling like the other person is quick to judge and not understanding your perspective.


I put it on the line for this time only
Taking a risk and being vulnerable in this moment, despite past experiences.


(Is that what you really want?)
Questioning if the other person truly wants to move forward and resolve the issues at hand.


I can't see that I got red hands, I'm colorblind singing (day-oh)
Feeling unable to see the harm that has been caused, despite the visible evidence.


Don't put the blame on me, child, the damn thing gone wild (day-oh)
Asserting that there were other factors at play in the situation, and that it wasn't solely your fault.


Never wanted to be fooling you, can't believe I was wounding you-oo
Expressing regret and surprise at how their actions have affected the other person.


That gun is loaded, but it's not in my hand
Acknowledging that there is potential danger in the situation, but that you are not the one directly responsible for it.


The fire burns, I'm not the one with the match, man
Feeling like you are being blamed for something that you didn't directly cause.


I've seen it all before, you back out, and everything's changing
Feeling like the other person has a tendency to pull away when things get difficult, causing the situation to spiral out of control.


I needed something more, you stepped down, so what are you chasing?
Expressing frustration with the other person for not being willing to address the underlying issues and work towards solutions.


I put it on rewind for this time only
Willing to revisit past mistakes and try to make things right, but only if the other person is willing as well.


I realize that I got red hands, I wanna change this (day-oh)
Coming to the realization that you are responsible for some of the harm that has occurred and wanting to make amends.


Don't ask me why I choose to lie, I stay blind, oh (day-oh)
Admitting to dishonesty but feeling like it was rooted in a lack of understanding, rather than malice.


It's clear to me that you are human too, your accusations are burning through-oo
Recognizing that both parties are imperfect and have contributed to the current situation, but feeling hurt by the other person's accusations.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: GIANNI LUMINATI, RYAN MARSHALL, SARAH BLACKWOOD, THOMAS SALTER

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@alimazhar1370

Rest In Peace Mike. This song always cheered me up.

@gregcox5577

Got me through a few bad spots, deployments, and a divorce.

@v4sdude191

who died??

@yosi1653

Ya, whos mike?

@gregcox5577

yosi1653 the white guy

@morowu8595

@@gregcox5577 bruh

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@rebekah805

I just got teary eyes watching this 10 years later, this brought up so much nostalgia. This song used to comfort me so much when i was a teenager. 🩶

@Umer_Akram

One of my jams at that time too

@ellisrasmussen4193

100%

@danielfoster8449

Haha my ol'Ass was 34-35ish... just before my little girl was born. I can now look back and see the good times.... some of the best times , now that I can look back. Man, talk about freedom. Nothing to worry me whatsoever ever

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