HandClap

"HandClap" is a powerful anthem about primal desire, lust, and an irresistible, almost dangerous attraction. Lead singer Michael Fitzpatrick has described the song as a "primal tale of love and lust, a call to arms in the late hours of the night." It captures the feeling of an immediate and physical reaction to someone, a chemistry so intense that it borders on obsession. The lyrics delve into the darker side of this attraction, touching on themes of sin, trouble, and losing control. The narrator is drawn to a person who is portrayed as a 'hard one to hold,' suggesting a tumultuous and challenging relationship. However, the song isn't about the emotional depth of love, but rather the raw, electrifying connection that transcends reason. Fitzpatrick also noted that the song has a touch of melancholy, speaking to an "innate sense of loneliness" and the desire for connection that can sometimes lead one "down a dark road late at night."

The narrative unfolds from the perspective of a narrator completely captivated by a magnetic and somewhat dangerous individual. This person is portrayed as someone who has been indulging in the city's nightlife, attracting trouble and numerous lovers, which has left them feeling out of control. The narrator sees this vulnerability and history, not as a deterrent, but as part of their allure. The attraction is described with an almost desperate intensity, comparing the person to an addictive drug and a cherished luxury, something precious like 'sugar and gold.' There's a stated desire for 'the good life,' with this person being an essential, yet elusive, part of that vision.

The central, repeated promise of the song is the narrator's ability to create a visceral, joyous, and undeniable reaction in this person—to 'make your hands clap.' This phrase acts as a metaphor for causing pure, unadulterated excitement and pleasure, a physical manifestation of their connection. The pre-chorus reveals a sense of loneliness and a deep-seated need for a meaningful connection, a craving for 'somethin' good right now.' This suggests the narrator isn't just seeking a fleeting thrill but is also looking for someone to 'hold me down,' to provide a sense of stability amidst their own potential chaos.

As the song progresses, the narrator's desire becomes more primal and all-encompassing. They express a wish to know every part of the person, both their 'worst and best,' embracing their flaws and 'crimes.' The lyrics paint a picture of a relationship built on shared secrets and a mutual disregard for convention, suggesting that facing conviction or judgment together would only intensify their bond, much like how 'grapes of wrath can only sweeten your wine.' The recurring theme is this powerful, almost consuming need for the other person, culminating in the confident, repeated assertion that they can bring forth an ecstatic, physical response, a connection so strong it can only be expressed through the simple, unified act of clapping hands.

"HandClap" was released on March 25, 2016, as the lead single from the band's self-titled third studio album. The song's creation was a breakthrough moment for frontman Michael Fitzpatrick, who had been experiencing a severe case of writer's block after the success of their previous album. After six months of frustration, Fitzpatrick went into the studio with co-writer Sam Hollander and, in a moment of abandoning conscious thought, the song came together in about 15 minutes. Fitzpatrick felt its potential immediately, describing it as a "lightning in a bottle moment." The song was produced by Ricky Reed and recorded at Elysian Park studio. The band's intention was to create a track with immediate audience participation built into its DNA, a song that would ignite a live crowd and feed their energy back to the stage.

The song is built on a relentlessly driving 4/4 time signature with a fast tempo that makes it highly danceable. The rhythmic foundation is the iconic 'stomp-stomp-clap' pattern, which serves as the song's primary musical hook and encourages audience participation. The lyrical rhythm often features short, accented phrases that align with the percussive elements, creating a tight, cohesive groove. The rhyme scheme is generally simple, often following AABB or ABCB patterns in the verses (e.g., know/control, gold/hold). This simplicity keeps the focus squarely on the rhythmic pulse and the powerful, repetitive chorus, ensuring the song's infectious and memorable nature.

Musically, "HandClap" is defined by its infectious, driving rhythm built around a stomp-clap beat, a powerful saxophone hook performed by James King, and a funky bassline. The song employs a call-and-response vocal structure between lead singer Michael Fitzpatrick and co-vocalist Noelle Scaggs, which enhances its energetic, participatory feel. The vocal delivery is dynamic and urgent, bordering on breathless, which mirrors the lyrical themes of desperate desire. The production, handled by Ricky Reed, is modern and polished but retains a retro-soul and funk sensibility, a hallmark of the band's sound. Lyrically, the song uses direct address and repetition of the main hook to create a memorable and anthemic quality. The verses are short and punchy, contributing to the overall percussive and high-energy atmosphere.

"HandClap" became a massive commercial success for Fitz and The Tantrums, marking their highest-charting single on the Billboard Hot 100, where it peaked at number 53. Its cultural impact was significantly amplified by its widespread use in other media. The song was prominently featured in an advertising campaign for the Fiat 500X Crossover, movie trailers like for the film 'Storks', and TV shows such as 'Dancing with the Stars' and The CW's seasonal image campaigns. It also appeared in video games like 'Forza Horizon 3' and 'Just Dance 2017'. This ubiquity made the track one of the most recognizable songs of the mid-2010s and a staple at sporting events, cementing its status as an energetic, feel-good anthem. The song was certified multi-platinum in the United States and found surprising popularity in countries like South Korea and Japan.

The central metaphor of the song is the act of making someone's 'hands clap.' This is symbolic of creating a pure, visceral, and joyous physical reaction, representing excitement, pleasure, and an undeniable connection. It's a stand-in for the narrator's ability to captivate and thrill their love interest. The lyrics are rich with other metaphors that convey the intensity of the attraction. The person is described as 'like a drug to me,' highlighting the addictive and consuming nature of the narrator's desire. The line 'Grapes of wrath can only sweeten your wine' is a particularly potent metaphor, suggesting that shared struggles, secrets, or even 'crimes' would only make their forbidden relationship more intense and valuable. This imagery paints a picture of a bond forged in defiance of convention.

The most prominent recurring motif is the lyrical and musical hook, 'I can make your hands clap,' followed by the actual sound of clapping. This phrase functions as the song's thesis, encapsulating its theme of physical connection and excitement. The 'stomp-stomp-clap' rhythm is a constant musical motif that forms the song's backbone. Lyrical ideas of 'trouble,' 'sinning in the city,' and a need for 'somethin' good right now' recur throughout the verses and pre-chorus, reinforcing the narrative of seeking salvation and thrill in a passionate, potentially dangerous relationship. The call-and-response dynamic between the lead vocalists is another recurring structural element that builds energy.