Handyman

I think this song is about losing someone you love, possibly a family member, to substance abuse.

I’m a sinner I will consider I am my father’s son (He has the same struggles as his father did)

I’m a sinner I must consider I've never owned a gun (Maybe he is a sinner, but his vice isn't violence -- they are self-harming)

I’m a sinner, seasoned beginner Lucky to be alive (He has experienced a lot for someone so young, and he is getting sober -- grateful to be alive)

I’m a sinner, finished my dinner Now I can go outside (He is finished indulging, and is starting to learn how to take care of his responsibilities before going out to play. Now, he can fully experience the world)

If only yesterday Took place tomorrow I’d pray for sleep And wake you and lift your head So I can fix your hand I’ll be your handyman (handyman) (If he had another chance tomorrow, he would go right to sleep, wake up, and try to help his loved one overcome their vice -- he would "fix" the hand that was "broken" and kept reaching for drink or other substances)

I’m not brittle I’m just a little Scared of your temperament I’m not brittle I’m just a little Scared of my government (He's not weak, just somewhat shaken. Maybe this is a reference to his fear of his father when he was under the influence. Or maybe he's just reflecting on his own anxieties that he used to self-medicate)

I’m not brittle Head hurts a little Staring up overhead (Perhaps a hang over or withdrawal -- waking up in the morning and feeling remorse, or resolve, to quit)

I’m not brittle I’m just a riddle Born of white, blue and red (But how can we blame him? This is an epidemic in the USA)

If only yesterday Took place tomorrow I pray for sleep And wake you and lift your head So I can fix your hand I’ll be your handyman

Just my interpretation, but these lyrics really touch me. If only yesterday took place tomorrow, there's a head I wish I had one more chance to lift.

What a beautiful song.

Reminds me of how fragile we all truly are and how hard each of us try as we attempt to navigate this world, to make sense of it and ourselves. Sometimes it just doesn't make any sense. We're all dealt different hands in life - born into different circumstances, given different challenges. How much of a choice did we really have? We play the hand we're dealt, hoping for the best. It's when things don't make sense when we have that "if only yesterday" moment. That line is heartbreakingly beautiful. The memories of people, places, and events that we can't forget, that almost hold us back in this state of limbo until we understand why.

We're all one big puzzle - pieces that somehow fit together but got jumbled up. All we can really do is help each other make sense of this life and help put the pieces of the world, ourselves and our lives back together - be one another's handymen. This is my favorite song.