Here I am take me
It's easier to give in
Some people mistake me
They only hear what they want to hear
If you're losing sleep
Forgive me
I just can't keep pretending

[Chorus]
I'm packing my bags 'cause I don't want to be
The only one who's drowning in their misery
And I'll take that chance 'cause I just want to breathe
And I won't look back and wonder how it's supposed to be
How it's supposed to be

There's a prism by the window
It lets the light leak in
I wish you would let me
You feel the water but do you swim?
And it's only me empty-handed
With a childish grin and a camera

[Chorus: x2]

'Cause I'm packing my bags
And I won't be back


Lyrics submitted by ruben

Empty Handed Lyrics as written by Michelle Jacquet Branch Michelle Branch

Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics powered by LyricFind

Empty Handed song meanings
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12 Comments

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  • +1
    General Comment

    Michelle hints that she is entering a new stage of life, leaving behind her past. She feels that she has a duty to herself to take advantage of opportunities. She recognizes that others may be stuck in the same situation but trying to help others would only make her drown more. To this, she tries to make others aware. “You feel the water but do you swim?”

    I think it’s very much about acknowledging that she may be stuck in a certain situation or place and the only way out is forward.

    [Edit: Spelling]
    tomicaloveron June 25, 2023   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    hmm i think these songs aretoo new for having lyrics posted, cus im very sure in the last couple ive looked at that she says something else, like i this song , the lyrics above say "There's a prison with a window It's the light begin " im pretty sure se says "lets the light leak in"

    spicklyon June 23, 2003   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    and its prism by the window

    and the beginning is if youre losing sleep forgive me

    ok its just wrong

    the new cds clear though for editing these lyrics

    ImpliedLoveon June 24, 2003   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    "And it's only me empty handed With a childish grin and a camera"

    as opposed to "like a scaralige grave"...that's definitely incorrect.

    crimson_melodyon May 01, 2004   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    I love the scat singing towards the end. Her music is so soothing.

    Sleepon November 02, 2004   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    Yeah, who ever is putting all the Michelle Branch lyrics up has messed up every single one I've looked at so far. I'm sick of correcting them tho. Anyways. Like I've said in all the other songs I've commented on, I relate to this song with my ex boyfriend. People kept talking all this shit about me, people that didnt even know me. People really do only hear what they want to hear, which makes them mistake me like most people. But yeah, I was sick of getting hurt by my ex so I decided that we were officially done ("I'm packing my bags cuz I dont wanna be, the only one who's drowning in their misery") And then I think the part about "you feel the water, but do you swim?" I think thats all about taking chances. Like, if you leave now, you wont be able to turn back and start over even if you really regret it. So its just kinda like should you stay or should you go? Yeah, well just another great Michelle Branch song. Someone really needs to fix all the lyrics.

    meowon December 25, 2004   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    good song i love it..it has good meaning-Erica

    crazy_cool253on May 31, 2005   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    Is there anyway to replace these lyrics with the real ones?

    Deadinkon March 27, 2006   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    Michelle says in an interview that this is her favorite one of her songs.

    AmoebaCheebaon June 17, 2006   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    Like the scaralige grave ? With a childish grin and a camera.

    Oriana2on August 05, 2007   Link

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