The ARK Appreciation Pages

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Lyrics - Hands Down

It's not the first time, it's not the last time
You said it's over, said you're leaving
It's not the first time, it's not the last time
You said it's over, said you're leaving

Hands down! look in the mirror
Hands down! facing defeat
Hands down! you are the winner
Hands down! oh
Hands down! you play the aces
Hands down! I play the fool
Hands down! pray for the sinner
Hands down!

The light beneath your bedroom door
Told the story so much more
Than any words that I could care to mention
The shadows weaving in and out
Sounds of laughter left no doubt
The torch you thought went out on your intentions

Though many times I've tried and lost
To win your heart at any cost
To take the wheel of fortune ride
But still you chose to turn aside
  repeat chorus
The lady in the candle light
Said I will read your cards tonight
My skin was hot, my heart was beating faster
She said where the cards of love arise
The hangman comes to claim his prize
Break up or be broken by disaster

I threw the cards upon the floor
And left her money at the door
Sometimes on these lonely nights
My tears had meant that she was right
  repeat chorus twice
Hands down!x

© 1986, Music: ARK, Lyrics: Ant Short

A personal favourite, telling the story of a character's love for someone, who will only cause them heartache. A love unrequited, it might be said. I often wished they'd re-recorded this, but the band felt it wasn't representative of what the group were about anymore. The lyrics though are still great.