Meaning of "Push Back the Hands" by They Might Be Giants

"Push Back the Hands" by They Might Be Giants explores the universal yearning to escape from the complexities and challenges of the present by seeking refuge in the familiarity and simplicity of the past. The narrator expresses a deep desire to turn back the hands of time, to a moment when life was easier, less burdened by the struggles of the present. The imagery of broken glass glittering like diamonds and the inability to hear oneself think over the sirens suggest a chaotic and overwhelming environment that one longs to escape. The mention of dawn breaking like a fallen vase and the unwelcome vision of rosy fingers symbolize the unwelcome intrusion of reality and the passage of time. The lyrics also touch on the theme of sleep deprivation and the inability to escape the relentless march of time, despite the desperate desire to do so. Overall, the song conveys a sense of longing, nostalgia, and a futile attempt to resist the inevitable passage of time.