Hand It Over

MGMT's song 'Hand It Over' delves into themes of power, control, and the inevitable consequences of deals and decisions. The lyrics paint a picture of a world where agreements made to 'shake things up' have led to abuses of rights and a sense of impending doom. The phrase 'someone's taking over' suggests a loss of control, where the initial intentions have spiraled into something more sinister. The repeated call to 'hand it over' can be interpreted as a demand for accountability and restitution, a plea for what is rightfully theirs to be returned.

The song also touches on the idea of disillusionment with leadership and authority. The line 'the joke's worn thin, the king stepped in' implies that the facade of control and order has been exposed, and now the true nature of those in power is revealed. This is further emphasized by the imagery of 'bending over,' which can be seen as a metaphor for submission or defeat. The stars and timing mentioned in the lyrics suggest a sense of inevitability, that the current state of affairs was always destined to happen, and the 'smart ones' who exit early are those who recognize this truth.

Throughout the song, there's a recurring theme of confusion and uncertainty. The question 'which door do we open?' reflects the bewilderment faced by those caught in the midst of these power struggles. The repetition of 'hand it over' serves as a mantra, a reminder of the need to reclaim what has been lost or taken. The song's conclusion, with its insistence on making things right and giving back what is rightfully theirs, underscores a desire for justice and balance in a world that has gone awry.