I am walking out in the rain
And I am listening to the low moan
Of the dial tone again
And I am getting
Nowhere with you
And I can't let it go
And I can't get through

And the old woman behind the pink curtains and the closed door
On the first floor
She's listening through the air shaft
To see how long our swan song can last

And both hands
Now use both hands
Oh, no don't close your eyes
I am writing
Graffiti on your body
I am drawing the story of
How hard we tried
How hard we tried

And I am watching your chest rise and fall
Like the tides of my life
And the rest of it all
And your bones have been my bedframe
And your flesh has been my pillow
I have been waiting for sleep
To offer up the deed with both hands

Oh oh with both hands

In each other's shadows we grew less and less tall
And eventually our theories couldn't explain it all
And I'm recording our history now on the bedroom wall
And when we leave the landlord will come and paint over it all

And I am walking out in the rain
And I am listening to the low moan of the dial tone again
And I am getting nowhere with you
And I can't let it go
And I can't get through

And both hands
Please use both hands
Oh, no don't close your eyes
I am writing graffiti on your body I am drawing the story of
How hard we tried
Hard we tried
How hard we tried


Lyrics submitted by aur0ra

Both Hands Lyrics as written by Ani Difranco

Lyrics © A SIDE MUSIC LLC

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Both Hands song meanings
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  • +1
    General Comment

    I was merely saying that I don't like thinking that the song is about giving head. I understand that there are parts of the song that probably are abit about sex and whatever but because this song has been apart of my life for so long and has had so much to do with me becoming who I am that I don't like thinking that. I still stand by what I said though...I don't want to know what some guy says as someone goes down on him and it's not exactly something I would share with the world on some website. I think the song is about relationships and how hard it is to keep going when you know theres no point anymore.It can be so hard to keep trying even when they know it's over.They have obviously been through alot together as said when she sings "Your bones have been my bedframe and your flesh has been my pillow" being together is a comforting feeling...to have someone you can call yours but they have no future no mattr how hard they try.

    Lil lexon June 23, 2009   Link

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