Invisible Hands

Kim Carnes' song "Invisible Hands" delves into the complex emotions of longing, guilt, and the elusive nature of truth. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone who is haunted by memories and the desire to connect with a person who is no longer physically present. The photograph on the wall symbolizes a frozen moment in time, a memory that neither evokes joy nor sorrow but is impossible to forget. This sets the stage for the recurring theme of 'invisible hands,' which represents the intangible yet powerful urge to reach out and touch someone who is out of reach.

The song takes a darker turn as it introduces the idea of deception and the consequences of lies. The lines "You make the evening news / You never had an alibi / Your evidence maybe the truth / But they believed my lies" suggest a scenario where the truth is overshadowed by falsehoods, leading to a sense of injustice. This adds a layer of complexity to the narrator's emotions, as they grapple with the impact of their actions and the resulting isolation.

The repeated questioning of "Is it a lie / When you're asking me why" and the imagery of firing a gun evoke a sense of confusion and desperation. The narrator is caught in a web of their own making, struggling to understand the consequences of their actions and seeking some form of redemption or connection. The 'invisible hands' become a metaphor for the unseen forces that drive us, whether they are emotions, memories, or the weight of our own decisions. Kim Carnes' haunting vocals and the evocative lyrics create a powerful narrative that resonates with anyone who has ever felt the pull of invisible hands in their own life.