Hands
Ataxia
The Ephemeral Nature of Life and Art in Ataxia's 'Hands'
Ataxia's song 'Hands' delves into the transient nature of life, art, and human connections. The lyrics are rich with metaphors and imagery that evoke a sense of impermanence and the inevitable passage of time. The opening lines, 'Man, I know it has to be good / Moving apart to the woods,' suggest a retreat or a search for solace in nature, away from the chaos of everyday life. This sets the tone for a contemplative journey, where 'hands' symbolize action, creation, and the human touch that leaves a mark on the world, albeit temporarily.
The recurring mention of 'hands' throughout the song underscores their significance. 'Hands moving hit the world twice' and 'Hands, out in this majesty light' highlight the duality of human actions—both their impact and their fleeting nature. The lyrics 'His whole world she does intoxicate / His own hands lie farther in decay' juxtapose the intoxicating allure of a relationship with the inevitable decay of time, suggesting that even the most profound connections are subject to deterioration.
The song also touches on the theme of artistic expression and its ephemeral quality. Lines like 'Bands, down the hall / Don't know they're small' and 'I'm picking out the day / When I will be upstaged' reflect the competitive and transient nature of the music industry. The repetition of 'Fall out to their final day' emphasizes the inevitability of decline, whether in art or life. The closing lines, 'Plans, which have already been made / Advance, towards the day after their day,' suggest a sense of predestination and the relentless march of time, leaving the listener to ponder the fleeting nature of existence and the legacy we leave behind.