“Handlebars” is a song by Flobots. It was their first single from their debut album, Fight with Tools, and it became very popular, reaching number 37 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number three on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart.
The song “Handlebars” discusses power, ambition, and the ethical consequences of human potential. It conveys the message that we all possess both good and bad aspects, and we should strive to use our potential to make the world a better place.
In this article, we will explore the meaning behind the song’s lyrics.
“Handlebars” Lyrics Meaning
[Intro]
I can ride my bike with no handlebars
No handlebars, no handlebars
I can ride my bike with no handlebars
No handlebars, no handlebars
The “Intro” is the beginning part of the song, where the singer repeats the phrase “I can ride my bike with no handlebars” several times. It sets the theme of the song and introduces the idea of doing things without needing assistance or guidance.
[Verse 1]
Look at me, look at me
Hands in the air like it’s good to be
Alive, and I’m a famous rapper
Even when the paths are all crooked-y
I can show you how to do-si-do
I can show you how to scratch a record
I can take apart the remote control
And I can almost put it back together
I can tie a knot in a cherry stem
I can tell you about Leif Ericson
I know all the words to “De Colores”
And I’m proud to be an American
Me and my friends saw a platypus
Me and my friend made a comic book
And guess how long it took?
I can do anything that I want ’cause look—
In Verse 1, the singer talks about his abilities and accomplishments. He mentions being able to ride a bike without handlebars, which symbolizes independence.
He express confidence and skill in various tasks, such as dancing, DJing (scratching a record), repairing a remote control, and even tying a cherry stem into a knot.
The verse also touches on knowledge of historical figures like Leif Ericson and the ability to speak multiple languages (“De Colores”). Leif Ericson was an Icelandic explorer believed to have reached North America before Columbus; whereas “De Colores” is a traditional Mexican folk song celebrating the beauty and diversity of colors.
The singer emphasizes his pride in being American and fondly recalls creating a comic book with a friend, which reflects their creative side and the joy of collaborating on something artistic and imaginative.
The line “Me and my friends saw a platypus” signifies a memorable and perhaps unusual encounter. The platypus is a unique and fascinating anima.
[Chorus 1]
I can keep rhythm with no metronome
No metronome, no metronome
And I can see your face on the telephone
On the telephone, on the telephone
In Chorus 1, the singer talks about his abilities and perceptions. The line “I can keep rhythm with no metronome” means that the singer can maintain a steady beat or tempo in his music without the use of a metronome, which is a device often used to help musicians stay on time.
The following line “I can see your face on the telephone” suggests that he has a strong connection or communication with someone, even when they are far apart, and can imagine the other person’s expression while talking on the phone.
[Verse 2]
Look at me, look at me
Just called to say that it’s good to be
Alive, in such a small world
I’m all curled up with a book to read
I can make money, open up a thrift store
I can make a living off a magazine
I can design an engine sixty-four miles to a gallon of gasoline
I can make new antibiotics
I can make computers survive aquatic conditions
I know how to run a business
And I can make you wanna buy a product
Movers, shakers, and producers
Me and my friends understand the future
I see the strings that control the systems
I can do anything with no resistance ’cause—
In Verse 2, the singer expresses his enthusiasm for life and emphasizes the joy of being alive, as expressed in the line “Look at me, look at me, just called to say that it’s good to be alive.”
The line “I’m all curled up with a book to read” suggests that the singer enjoys reading and finds comfort in curling up with a book.
He also says he can make money by doing different jobs like opening a thrift store, working in publishing, creating a super-efficient engine that can go 64 miles on a gallon of gas, helping with new antibiotics, and designing computers for underwater or tough places.
The singer is confident in his entrepreneurial skills, as he sings, “I know how to run a business, And I can make you wanna buy a product.”
The lines “Movers, shakers, and producers, Me and my friends understand the future” suggests that the singer and his friends are proactive and influencers who have a grasp on what lies ahead in the future. It implies that they are ambitious, innovative, and capable of making things happen, as indicated by the terms “movers” (those who drive change), “shakers” (those who make things happen), and “producers” (those who create or generate results).
In the lines “I see the strings that control the systems, I can do anything with no resistance ’cause—,” the singer suggests that he possesses a keen understanding of how various systems or structures work, and he feels empowered because he believes he can accomplish anything without encountering obstacles.
[Chorus 2]
I can lead a nation with a microphone
With a microphone, with a microphone
And I can split the atom of a molecule
Of a molecule, of a molecule
In Chorus 2, the singer continues to describe their capabilities and influence. He suggests that he has the power to inspire and influence people on a large scale through his words and music, as expressed in the line “I can lead a nation with a microphone.”
In the line “And I can split the atom of a molecule,” the singer claims knowledge and expertise in nuclear science, as splitting an atom is a reference to nuclear fission, a significant scientific achievement.
[Verse 3]
Look at me, look at me, driving and I won’t stop
And it feels so good to be alive and on top
My reach is global, my tower secure
My cause is noble, my power is pure
I can hand out a million vaccinations
Or let ’em all die in exasperation
Have ’em all healed from their lacerations
Or have ’em all killed by assassination
I can make anybody go to prison
Just because I don’t like ’em
And I can do anything with no permission
I have it all under my command because—
In Verse 3, the singer discusses his power, control, and the consequences of his actions. The singer emphasizes his relentless pursuit and determination to achieve his goals, suggesting he has unwavering ambition, as he sings, “Look at me, look at me, driving and I won’t stop.”
The line “And it feels so good to be alive and on top” reflects the singer’s sense of accomplishment and satisfaction in his position of influence and power.
The singer believes he has a global impact and a secure position of authority or influence. The line “My cause is noble, my power is pure” implies that the singer sees his actions and intentions as righteous and his authority as untainted.
The lines “I can hand out a million vaccinations, Or let ’em all die in exasperation, Have ’em all healed from their lacerations, Or have ’em all killed by assassination,” showcase the singer’s ability to either save lives or cause harm and even death.
He even claims the ability to manipulate the legal system to punish people based on personal dislike, as evident in the line “I can make anybody go to prison just because I don’t like ’em.”
He believes he can act without constraints or approvals, singing, “And I can do anything with no permission, I have it all under my command.”
[Chorus 3]
I can guide a missile by satellite
By satellite, by satellite
And I can hit a target through a telescope
Through a telescope, through a telescope
And I can end the planet in a holocaust (Ah!)
In a holocaust (Ah!)
In a holocaust (Ah!)
In a holocaust (Ah!)
In a holocaust (Ah!)
In a holocaust (Ah!)
(Ah!)
In Chorus 3, the lyrics depict the singer as someone with extreme power, capable of wielding advanced technology and making life-altering decisions.
The line “I can guide a missile by satellite, And I can hit a target through a telescope” suggests the singer can control missiles using satellite technology and accurately aim at a specific point or object from a distance using a telescope.
The following lines “And I can end the planet in a holocaust, In a holocaust (Ah!)” suggest that the singer believes he has the ability to cause widespread destruction and catastrophic events that could lead to the end of the world.
[Outro]
I can ride my bike with no handlebars
No handlebars, no handlebars
I can ride my bike with no handlebars
No handlebars, no handlebars
In the Outro, the singer revisits the theme of riding a bike with no handlebars, which serves as a metaphor for his independence and ability to navigate through life without external guidance or constraints.
The repeated lines of “I can ride my bike with no handlebars, no handlebars” emphasize his self-reliance and self-assuredness.
Music Video
The “Handlebars” animated video starts with two friends, one in casual clothes and the other in a suit, on a hill overlooking a city. They ride bikes without holding the handlebars and reach a sign with two paths: one labeled corporate and shadowy, the other labeled peaceful and sunny. They hug and go separate ways, the casual friend choosing the peaceful path.
The casual friend walks along a cracked sidewalk, sees a chalk drawing of their earlier bike ride, picks up an apple, and walks past a street leading to the corporate world, unaware of its darkness. He receives a call from the corporate friend.
The corporate friend boasts about his achievements, then stands in front of a tower, completing a transaction, and giving a speech. The peaceful friend watches in disappointment.
The world turns bleak with security cameras, pollution, a hawk killing a dove, and a fighter jet.
The peaceful friend rallies oppressed people, and they protest at the tower. Riot-control officers armed with submachine guns kill the crowd, including the bandana-wearing man. The corporate friend is horrified.
The video ends with a flashback of the two friends riding bikes with no handlebars into a bright light.
Throughout the video, doves symbolize peace, while hawks represent oppressive power. A hawk kills a dove, a wrecking ball destroys a dove on a wall next to a corporate billboard, and a hawk flies over the corporate friend.
Deeper Meaning Behind “Handlebars”
“Handlebars” is a song that explores power, corruption, and what one person can do.
The song’s title, “Handlebars,” is a recurring metaphor for the level of control and influence the singer believes he possess over his life and the world around him.
The lyrics tell a story of personal growth and the realization of one’s capabilities. The singer starts with simple tasks like “I can ride my bike with no handlebars” and “I can tie a knot in a cherry stem.” He has some knowledge of historical figures like “Leif Ericson.”
However, as he matures and becomes more capable, the singer believes he can achieve greatness, from making significant scientific advancements to influencing public opinion and even taking on leadership roles in nations.
As the song continues, it becomes clear that this growing power isn’t solely for positive purposes. The lyrics take a darker turn, discussing the ability to destroy, manipulate, or even “end the planet in a holocaust.” This reflects the duality of human potential – the same abilities that can bring about positive change can also be used for harm.
In an interview with MTV News, the songwriter MC Jonny 5 (a.k.a. Jamie Laurie) gave his explanation on the meaning behind “Handlebars”:
“The song is about the idea that we have so much incredible potential as human beings to be destructive or to be creative. And it’s tragic to me that the appetite for military innovation is endless, but when it comes to taking on a project like ending world hunger, it’s seen as outlandish. It’s not treated with the same seriousness.
The lyrics came to me as I was riding a bike home from work with my hands in the air – I had just learned how to do it – and I felt triumphant, but at the same time, I knew there were people at that moment who were being bombed by our own country. And I thought that was incredibly powerful.
We have these little moments of creativity, these bursts of innovation, and every time that happens, that innovation is used to oppress and destroy people. So it struck me as beautiful and tragic at the same time.”
Ultimately, the idea of riding a bike without handlebars symbolizes the concept of personal control, independence, and the growing power and capability of the singer. The handlebars metaphor is used to represent the singer’s understanding of his own potential and the consequences of his actions.
Jacob Carter is a lyricist. He created the lyrics writing course to teach people how to analyze and write lyrics. He graduated from the University of Oxford with a degree in English Literature, so he’s skilled at playing with words.
He’s also an amateur guitarist, which means he knows music and melody very well. With this background, he’s a great lyricist you can rely on to learn writing lyrics.