Meaning of "Hand of Blood" by Bullet For My Valentine

The lyrics of "Hand of Blood" delve into the inner turmoil of the protagonist, who is tormented by their actions and the negative effects they have on their relationships. The opening lines, "Oh! There goes my valentine again, Soaked in red for what she said, And now she's gone," convey a sense of regret and pain caused by a past incident. The use of the color red creates a vivid image of bloodshed and suggests that the protagonist's words have caused harm.

Throughout the song, the protagonist questions their own behavior and struggles with their ability to control their destructive tendencies. The lines, "Oh my god, have I done it again? There's a pulse and it's deafening, I can't help what I hear in my head, It's the switch that I flick (when he says)," reveal that the protagonist feels trapped by their own impulses. They are haunted by the voices in their head, suggesting a battle between their rational thoughts and their destructive desires.

The repetition of the phrase "Hand of blood" highlights the guilt and remorse the protagonist feels. They express a desire to escape the pain and devastation they have caused, pleading, "I don't wanna feel, My heart is breaking, I don't wanna see, My life is burning." These lyrics suggest that the protagonist is overwhelmed by the consequences of their actions and longs for emotional relief.

The lyrics also touch on the reactions of others to the protagonist's behavior. The lines, "I saw you look away, Is what you've seen too much to take, Or are you blind and seeing nothing? I saw you run, I saw you run away, Is what I've done too much to take, Or are you scared of being nothing?" convey a sense of isolation and rejection. The protagonist reflects on how their actions have alienated others and left them questioning their own worth.

Overall, the meaning of "Hand of Blood" revolves around guilt, self-reflection, and the struggle for redemption. The protagonist is tormented by their destructive tendencies and the pain they cause to others. They long for forgiveness and a release from the cycle of making the same mistakes over and over again.