Fiendish wonder in the carnival’s wake
Dull caresses once again irritate
Tread softly stranger
Move over toward the danger that you seek
You think excitement has receded then the mirror distracts
The logic of the trance quickly reaches and grasps
Handsome and faceless and weightless your imagination runs
And now it’s no ones fault but yours
At the foot of the house of cards
You thought you’d never get obsessed
You thought the wolves would be impressed
And you’re a sinking stone
But you know what it’s like to hold the jeweller’s hands
That procession of pioneers all drowned
In the moonlight they’re more thrilling those things that he knows
As he leads you through the grinning bubble blowers in the snow
Watching his exit was like falling off the ferry in the night
The inevitables gather to push you around
Any other voice makes such a punishing sound
It became laughter’s assassin shortly after he showed you what it was
And now it’s no ones fault but yours, at the foot of the house of cards
You thought you’d never get obsessed
You thought the wolves would be impressed
And you’re a sinking stone
But you know what it’s like to hold the jeweller’s hands
That procession of pioneers all drowned
If you’ve a lesson to teach me I’m listening, ready to learn
There’s no one here to police me I’m sinking in until the return
If you’ve a lesson to teach please don’t deviate, don’t be afraid
Without the last corner piece I can’t calibrate, let’s get it engraved
If you’ve a lesson to teach me I’m listening, ready to learn
There’s no one here to police me I’m sinking in until the return
If you’ve a lesson to teach please don’t deviate, don’t be afraid
Without the last corner piece I can’t calibrate, let’s get it engraved
If you’ve a lesson to teach me I’m listening, ready to learn
There’s no one here to police me I’m sinking in until the return
If you’ve a lesson to teach please don’t deviate, don’t be afraid
Without the last corner piece I can’t calibrate, let’s get it engraved
Enigmatic Imagery and Self-Reflection
“The Jeweller’s Hands” by Arctic Monkeys invites listeners into a world of surreal imagery and introspective themes. The song crafts a mysterious atmosphere, blending carnival scenes with poetic references to obsession and vulnerability. The recurring motif of the jeweller’s hands suggests a fascination with something precious yet elusive, while the lyrics explore the consequences of curiosity and temptation. The track’s narrative voice shifts between caution and surrender, as it contemplates the allure of danger and the inevitability of personal responsibility.
Lessons Learned and the Search for Meaning
As the song progresses, it delves into the need for understanding and guidance. Lines about sinking and searching for the final piece evoke the struggle to find completion and clarity. Ultimately, “The Jeweller’s Hands” resonates as a meditation on the allure of the unknown, the risks of obsession, and the desire for enlightenment in the face of uncertainty.
Song Credits
Songwriters: Alex Turner, Jamie Cook, Nick O’Malley, Matt Helders
Release Year: 2009
Label: Domino Recording Company