Meaning of "Empty Hands" by Mother Mother

"Empty Hands" delves into the themes of isolation, rejection, and disappointment in human connection. The repeated phrase "empty hands" symbolizes the narrator's feelings of emptiness and insignificance in the face of the world around them. The opening lines, "I was given these hands, I can make a fist with them," establish the idea that the narrator has the ability to take action and confront their problems, but they struggle to understand how to effectively navigate their relationships. They find that their efforts to connect with others are met with indifference and insensitivity, as represented by the line "And they ask me to lend them a hand, I put it out but then they turn my hand down."

The following verse focuses on the narrator's heart and their struggle to engage with society. They acknowledge their own tendency to stop caring and merely go along with the opinions of others. They view the general populace as unappealing and lacking intelligence, yet find some charm in their simplicity. However, when the narrator asks for help or support, they are met with judgment and dismissal, emphasizing the recurring feeling of being let down.

The final verse explores the theme of deception and the narrator's struggle to discern truth from lies. They feel overwhelmed by the abundance of lies that surround them and realize that lies have become fashionable, indicating a lack of authenticity in society. When the narrator seeks assistance, they suspect that others may offer superficial support without truly caring or making a genuine effort.

Overall, "Empty Hands" showcases the narrator's growing disillusionment with the people around them and their increasing sense of isolation. It highlights the challenges of forming meaningful connections and the disappointment that comes from realizing the lack of authenticity in society.