Meaning of "Hands On You" by Ashley Monroe

The lyrics of "Hands On You" by Ashley Monroe explore the theme of missed opportunities for intimacy. The narrator expresses a deep longing for physical connection with someone, regretting not acting on their desires. They wish they had initiated intimacy and explored their desires with this person. The repetition of the phrase "laid my hands on you" emphasizes the physicality of their desires and the missed opportunity. It signifies a desire for both giving and receiving touch and highlights the regret the narrator feels for not taking action in the past. The lyrics suggest a sense of longing and frustration, as the narrator is consumed by thoughts of this person and cannot seem to get them out of their head. The mention of being "half drunk" and "tangled up" suggests that the narrator yearns for the intense passion and connection they had experienced with this person. However, instead of being able to relive those moments, they are left alone with their regrets and fantasies. The lyrics also convey a sense of secrecy and forbidden desire, as the narrator mentions a "little secret for my soul" and "places no one's ever been." This suggests that the potential intimacy they long for carries a sense of excitement and novelty. Overall, "Hands On You" explores the themes of missed opportunities, longing, and the desire for physical connection, capturing the mix of regret and yearning that can arise from unfulfilled desires.