The song "Invisible Hands" by Joseph Arthur explores themes of loss, regret, and seeking forgiveness. The lyrics suggest that there are certain things in life that we cannot fully understand or control, symbolized as "invisible hands" guiding the events from above. The song begins by discussing the difficult choices we sometimes have to make in relationships. The narrator talks about shutting the door on someone they love, indicating a sense of loss and separation. The person they love is no longer with them, and they feel a deep sense of longing and uncertainty about their whereabouts. The mention of a photograph on the wall serves as a reminder of the person's absence, acting as a scar. The narrator acknowledges the person's beauty and the happy times they had together, but those memories are now overshadowed by the pain of their absence. The chorus, "Shut the light on me," could be interpreted in multiple ways. It may signify the narrator's desire to escape from the pain and darkness caused by their actions or the painful memories associated with the person they love. The song then takes a spiritual turn as it mentions Jesus. It reflects the narrator's need for redemption and forgiveness. They acknowledge that Jesus sacrificed himself for their sins, but they also express the desire for him to return and die again for their mistakes. This suggests the weight of guilt they feel and their desperate need for forgiveness. The narrator reveals their struggle to forgive themselves for what they have done, especially for hating the memory of the person they love. They compare this hatred to how a vampire hates the sun, implying that their negative feelings toward this memory go against their nature or moral compass. Overall, "Invisible Hands" speaks to the universal themes of loss, regret, and the longing for forgiveness. It delves into the complexities of human emotions and the search for understanding in the face of difficult circumstances.
