Meaning of "My Hands" by Leona Lewis

The lyrics of "My Hands" delve into the theme of heartbreak and the difficulty of letting go of a past relationship. The song starts with the narrator waking up in the morning, feeling the emptiness of sleeping alone and going about their daily routine without their ex-partner. They put on a brave face and try to distract themselves, going out at night and filling their time with activities, attempting to keep their ex off their mind. However, despite their best efforts, the narrator realizes that they are unable to escape the memories and emotions associated with their past love.

The central motif of the song lies in the portrayal of the hands as a physical representation of the narrator's emotions and attachment to their ex-partner. The hands symbolize the inability to let go and move forward. They tremble and try to break free from the hold of the past, but ultimately, they only find solace and agreement in holding onto their ex's hands. The repetition of the line "They will not let me go" emphasizes the ongoing struggle the narrator faces.

The lyrics suggest that even though the narrator has made progress in terms of being able to talk about their ex without crying and not constantly seeing them everywhere, the pain and longing still remain. The hands reach out for their lost love, quietly breaking the barriers they had built to protect themselves. The narrator acknowledges their inability to fake their emotions and reveals the vulnerable side hidden beneath their surface strength.

The emotional depth of "My Hands" is further enhanced by the use of contrasting imagery. The narrator mentions waking up to a new day, talking loudly, and seeing different shades, indicating a sense of growth and resilience. However, these moments of strength are quickly shattered by the realization that they are always wrong in thinking they will be okay without their ex.

Overall, "My Hands" captures the ongoing struggle faced by the narrator in trying to move on from a past relationship. The lyrics emphasize the power that love and emotional attachment hold over an individual, even when they are trying their best to let go. It portrays the complex emotions associated with heartbreak and the undeniable hold that a love lost can have on a person's life.