The song lyrics were written by the band Van Halen, as they were asked to write a song for the 1979 movie "Over the Edge" starring Matt Dillon. The movie (and the lyrics, although more obliquely) are about bored, rebellious youth with nothing better to do than get into trouble. If you see the movie, these lyrics will make more sense. It's a great movie if you grew up in the 70s/80s you'll definitely remember some of these characters from your own life. Fun fact, after writing the song, Van Halen decided not to let the movie use it.
You're keeping in step
In the line
Got your chin held high and you feel just fine
'Cause you do
What you're told
But inside your heart it is black and it's hollow and it's cold
Just how deep do you believe?
Will you bite the hand that feeds?
Will you chew until it bleeds?
Can you get up off your knees?
Are you brave enough to see?
Do you wanna change it?
What if this whole crusade's a charade
And behind it all there's a price to be paid
For the blood on which we dine
Justified in the name of the holy and the divine
Just how deep do you believe?
Will you bite the hand that feeds?
Will you chew until it bleeds?
Can you get up off your knees?
Are you brave enough to see?
Do you wanna change it?
So naive
I keep holding on to what I wanna believe
I can see
But I keep holding on and on and on and on
Will you bite the hand that feeds you?
Will you stay down on your knees?
Will you bite the hand that feeds you?
Will you stay down on your knees?
Will you bite the hand that feeds you?
Will you stay down on your knees?
Will you bite the hand that feeds you?
Will you stay down on your knees?
Will you bite the hand that feeds you?
Will you stay down on your knees?
Will you bite the hand that feeds you?
Will you stay down on your knees?
Will you bite the hand that feeds you?
Will you stay down on your knees?
Will you bite the hand that feeds you?
Will you stay down on your knees?
In the line
Got your chin held high and you feel just fine
'Cause you do
What you're told
But inside your heart it is black and it's hollow and it's cold
Just how deep do you believe?
Will you bite the hand that feeds?
Will you chew until it bleeds?
Can you get up off your knees?
Are you brave enough to see?
Do you wanna change it?
What if this whole crusade's a charade
And behind it all there's a price to be paid
For the blood on which we dine
Justified in the name of the holy and the divine
Just how deep do you believe?
Will you bite the hand that feeds?
Will you chew until it bleeds?
Can you get up off your knees?
Are you brave enough to see?
Do you wanna change it?
So naive
I keep holding on to what I wanna believe
I can see
But I keep holding on and on and on and on
Will you bite the hand that feeds you?
Will you stay down on your knees?
Will you bite the hand that feeds you?
Will you stay down on your knees?
Will you bite the hand that feeds you?
Will you stay down on your knees?
Will you bite the hand that feeds you?
Will you stay down on your knees?
Will you bite the hand that feeds you?
Will you stay down on your knees?
Will you bite the hand that feeds you?
Will you stay down on your knees?
Will you bite the hand that feeds you?
Will you stay down on your knees?
Will you bite the hand that feeds you?
Will you stay down on your knees?
Lyrics submitted by Angie Christ
The Hand That Feeds Lyrics as written by Trent Reznor
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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"Fast car" is kind of a continuation of Bruce Springsteen's "Born to Run." It has all the clawing your way to a better life, but in this case the protagonist never makes it with her love; in fact she is dragged back down by him.
There is still an amazing amount of hope and will in the lyrics; and the lyrics themselve rank and easy five. If only music was stronger it would be one of those great radio songs that you hear once a week 20 years after it was released. The imagery is almost tear-jerking ("City lights lay out before us", "Speeds so fast felt like I was drunk"), and the idea of starting from nothing and just driving and working and denigrating yourself for a chance at being just above poverty, then losing in the end is just painful and inspiring at the same time.
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This song seemingly tackles the methods of deception those who manipulate others use to get victims to follow their demands, as well as diverting attention away from important issues. They'll also use it as a means to convince people to hate or kill others by pretending acts of terrorism were committed by the enemy when the acts themselves were done by the masters of control to promote discrimination and hate. It also reinforces the idea that these manipulative forces operate in various locations, infiltrating everyday life without detection, and propagate any and everywhere.
In general, it highlights the danger of hidden agendas, manipulation, and distraction, serving as a critique of those who exploit chaos and confusion to control and gain power, depicting a cautionary tale against falling into their traps. It encourages us to question the narratives presented to us and remain vigilant against manipulation in various parts of society.
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@[Diderik:33655] "Your a holiday!" Was a popular term used in the 50s/60s to compliment someone on their all around. For example, not only are they beautiful, but they are fun and kind too ... just an all around "holiday".
I think your first comment is closer to being accurate. The singer/song writers state "Millions of eyes can see, yet why am i so blind!? When the someone else is me, its unkind its unkind". I believe hes referring to the girl toying with him and using him. He wants something deeper with her, thats why he allows himself to be as a puppet (even though for her fun and games) as long as it makes her happy. But he knows deep down that she doesnt really want to be serious with him and thats what makes him.
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I think much like another song “Anti-Matter” (that's also on the same album as this song), this one is also is inspired by a horrifying van crash the band experienced on Nov 3, 2022. This, much like the other track, sounds like it's an extension what they shared while huddled in the wreckage, as they helped frontman Garrett Russell stem the bleeding from his head wound while he was under the temporary effects of a concussion. The track speaks of where the mind goes at the most desperate & desolate of times, when it just about slips away to all but disconnect itself, and the aftermath.
for the record... this site is not about your opinions on trent reznor. if you didn't like the song, then don't buy the album.
now to get back on track. i think this song has maybe a political undertone? how we are basically zombies to our society and just do what we are told. a crusade? a war on oil? when asked if this was a political album trent replied " as in the definition: of or relating to your views about social relationships involving authority or power? then, yes it is."
i definitely feel that this is a political statement. "just how deep do you believe" is talking about how much trust you have in the american government. the next few lines are asking if you are going to stand up and fight against the propaganda being shoved in our throats.
"what if this whole crusade's a charade and behind it all there's a price to be paid for the blood on which we dine justified in the name of the holy and the divine" is talking about the war in iraq. all the blood shed in the name of oil, etc... justified in the name of the holy and the divine is about bush's christian bent. i would elaborate, but you know what i'm saying
I think song is about all the ignorant and blind people who follow the words, and trends, set by those in power today. George Bush, the media, the US, all of that shit. The same talk that's turning men into little emo wusses. Trent's mocking modern society's state and asking the blind if they are actually willing and able to get back up to start again. Think of Morpheus unplugging Neo.
I suppose I read too far into it when I assumed it was an attack outright, on society in general.
you're keeping in step in the line got your chin held high and you feel just fine because you do what you're told but inside your heart it is black and it's hollow and it's cold
You're following society's mass plan, you've gotten through highschool, you've gone to college, you're married, you have a job, kids, a house and you're proud of these accomplishments. Not because given a choice you'd have actually aspired to these things but because you've succeeded in the way you were told you were supposed to and gone through life in line without making a fuss. Except, deep inside, you realize that none of these superficial things mean anything and you're simply going through the motions without thinking and for that reason when you look inside you realize your soul, your heart, your whatever is completely empty.
'just how deep do you believe? will you bite the hand that feeds? will you chew until it bleeds? can you get up off your knees? are you brave enough to see? do you want to change it?'
Asking just how attatched are you to the illusion of order society has created. Will you bite the thing, will you dystroy the thing that feeds the very foundation of your world. Are you strong enough to stand up and remove yourself from the hold that it has over you. Are you brave enough to face the fact that it is all just an illusion and even if you do realize this do you want to change it? It would be alot easier to just keep going on in the same fashion you have been your entire life.
what if this whole crusade's a charade and behind it all there's a price to be paid for the blood on which we dine justified in the name of the holy and the divine
Along the same lines as the first paragraph except the question is termed in frames of religion.
so naive to keep holding on to what I want to believe i can see but i keep holding on and on and on and on
Once again its easier just to keep believing in the legitimacy of the society we have created and to keep holding on and on and on even though deep down we know that it's superficial and that its pointless.
Maybe I'm wrong but hey it's what I want to believe ;)
Doesn't surprise me that you said that. Everybody who visits this website thinks a song is about gay or anal sex.
I believe the song is about having everything given to you. Almost hand fed. Then realizing it's time to get up and go and do it yourself...
Brilliant song though
Nevermind Fluid's mini-review, he's just one of the cool fans that always hate any new CD any band releases and loves the old days.
People said they hated NIN's "The Fragile" when it came out.
You heard the song what? In an absolutely ass bad rip of it from the internet?
I've listened to "The Line Begins To Blur" and it's a great song. That's all I need to hear until the CD comes out...I'm not going to listen to a shitty quality radio rip and pass judgement on anything.
But hey, if you really think that way, go check out the song "Hooker With A Penis" from Tool...it kind of sums up you and subsequently what most people think of you.
fuck the disbelievers, trent is a god. he got more shit in 1999 for the fagile which to this day is one of the best albums of all fucking time. he was one of the few bright stars in the othewise darkskies that were the nineties. every truly great artist has to evolve otherwise they become stagnet and formulaic. after the success of downward spiral he changed. true fans need not doubt the album will be good. abd to the little fuck that said he listned to it once fuck man it a long time to get the full beauty of each nin song
People are dominated by social structure, culture and society. The Hand That Feeds questions whether you should follow the rules of society for a comfortable life and continue believing the lies which control our culture or rebel and live by your own means.
I like the song, but please explain "the rules of society for a comfortable life." I'm very interested because it's a theme that appears so often on this site. I know of laws against murder; theft; rape; etc and for Christians there are given moral codes (whether we choose to follow them is elective, however) but what are the other 'rules." As adults we have free will and as long as we don't break governmental laws, I thought the rest was our choice. Anyway, just curious...
Depends on what society you live in. That's why I kept it under an umbrella term.
Now that's skirting around a proper answer;) (Oops...perhaps I shouldn't have used the word 'proper' :)
And don't think you get a pass on your inflamatory sentence about the "lies" that control our culture ;) That just leades to my next question....
I get it. You're a pretentious prick. How about you answer a question for me.. where do you live?<br /> How old are you?<br /> And then I can tell you exactly what I mean.
I think the word you are looking for is DEFLECTION
Since you failed to give a proper answer. (Oops...perhaps I shouldn't have used the word 'proper' :) I will assume you're a 12 year old from the USA.<br /> You see Johnny, society has grown since the industrial revolution. As industry grew so too did the population. Unfortunately the resources we rely in in industry are all running out so that means the population is going to have to take a big downsizing. <br /> <br /> All of your culture (what I mean is all that TV you watch, you don't actually have any culture) is based on bullshit and will be useless if you ever need to be self reliant. Everything has become so easy for the human animal that laziness both physically and mentally is far too easy to get away with. Stupidity and Obesity are on a steady rise and these types of people are thriving and breeding. <br /> <br /> The government doesn't give a shit. They're just trying to keep up the façade for long enough to secure themselves from rebellion. Government has never been about freedom. It's always been about restriction. Not all laws are correct. Not everything done is in the favour of the people. Most things are done for the profit of the super rich are those with military power.<br /> <br /> There's many things.. I could explain more but I used an umbrella term expecting you to have the wisdom to figure out what I meant on your own. Seems however you are a jackass. You're a pretty shitty troll and you reek of high school.
I need not respond further as your own lack of ability to substantiate your origial post is proof enough of your ignorance.
Go cry to Jesus
Thank you, I will; I pray to Jesus daily. I also thank him. And I pray for arrogant, prejudiced people such as yourself. You're loved by Him as much as I.
Here that, Loki? Jesus loves arrogant, prejudiced people. Imagine that...
I genuinely believe the song is more about religion than politics. Look at all of the religious references in there ("Get up off your knees," "What if this whole crusade is a big charade," "Just how deep do you believe?", "Justified in the name of the holy and the divine,"). If it was political, I don't think it would reference stereotypical Christianity so much (unless he wished to portray politics as a religion).
That being said, I believe the song is about following a religion blindly (which the meaning of the word "blindly" can be spun off into an entirely new debate). Regardless of how you define it, the song is speaking to those who fall into step with their religion, put on their smile, but continue to remain broken and empty, placing responsibility for life and circumstance solely on the shoulders of a deity who claims to be in control of your life. The song is a challenge to those to see past their indoctrination and their blindness to question their belief system, and follow what they can see and know to be true.
Coming from somebody with a long history in Christianity, stepping away from that was the most frightening, challenging experiences of my life. But it is so worth it. I've taken responsibility for my own life, I choose happiness, and my life has been so much better because of it.
Trent Reznor...what a character. He must be crazy...oh, he must have lost his touch...oh, no, maybe, just maybe, he put this song on the album for a reason. Maybe he made the whole Halo 18 album...oh what is it called?...thats right, The Hand That Feeds, for a reason. Its the first single off of WITH TEETH, thats right, for a reason. If you guys dont like it...dont buy the album. It is that simple.
I will admit, I have heard this song...I will admit that it kinda took me off guard when I first heard it. Someone stated above that(Im paraphrasing) this song is simple. Everything rhymes with "bee" or something of that nature. Who cares. He got his point across. He is, afterall, finding himself through his music, and finding oneself is getting down to the most simple questions. Why cant inspiration be simple as well?
Ive listened to pretty much anything that Trent has offered us, if I find a song that strikes me as having some personal relation to my life...I find it fascinating. Some I have came across and had no interest in when I first heard them. On a second listen, perhaps months or even years down the road, I found a place for them in my life, into my frame of mind. That is what music is, isnt it...an expression? Someone handing something to you and saying "here you go, do what you want with it". Trent never alludes to us what his music is about, probably never will. He expects us to find our own meaning. Do you think he really cares that you dont like his music? There are obviously alot of people that do like it considering the response on this forum. Well maybe not this song in particular. But in time I am sure The Hand That Feeds will be better reguarded, you know, when it is actually released.
Ive babbled on long enough.
If you dont like it then dont listen to it.
Oh, by the way...I hate that painting you did in your high school art class. It really sucks. Just thought you should know since we are on a critics forum...oh wait, nevermind, were not.
P.S. Frank, if you are going to insult, for trents sake at least be orignal. dumbass.