Alanis Morissette - Hand In My Pocket

Alanis Morissette’s “Hand In My Pocket” is a standout track from her 1995 album Jagged Little Pill. It perfectly captures the mix of angst, self-discovery, and optimism that made the album so iconic. The song’s folk-rock vibe, paired with Alanis' raw, emotional lyrics, tells a story of someone navigating the complexities of life and coming to terms with their imperfections.

The chorus, “I’m free but I’m focused / I’m lost but I’m hopeful”, sums up the contradiction of feeling uncertain about the future but still holding onto hope. It’s relatable because it speaks to that push and pull of trying to figure it all out, with the line “I’ve got one hand in my pocket, and the other one is giving a high five” symbolizing the mix of uncertainty and defiance.

It’s such a powerful track because it conveys a sense of authenticity—Alanis doesn’t hide her vulnerabilities or contradictions. Jagged Little Pill made a lasting impact, and this song definitely helped shape her as a voice for people who felt a bit out of place.

Alanis Morissette Hand In My Pocket Lyrics

I'm broke but I'm happy, I'm poor but I'm kind
I'm short but I'm healthy, yeah
I'm high but I'm grounded,
I'm sane but I'm overwhelmed
I'm lost but I'm hopeful, baby
What it all comes down to
Is that everything's gonna be fine, fine, fine
'Cause I've got one hand in my pocket
And the other one is giving a high five

I feel drunk but I'm sober, I'm young and I'm underpaid
I'm tired but I'm working, yeah
I care but I'm restless, I'm here but I'm really gone
I'm wrong and I'm sorry baby

What it all comes down to
Is that everything is going to be quite alright
'Cause I've got one hand in my pocket
And the other one is flicking a cigarette

What it all comes down to
Is that I haven't got it all figured out just yet
'Cause I've got one hand in my pocket
And the other one is giving a peace sign

I'm free but I'm focused,
I'm green but I'm wise
I'm hard but I'm friendly, baby
I'm sad but I'm laughing,
I'm brave but I'm chicken shit,
I'm sick but I'm pretty, baby

And what it all boils down to
Is that no one's really got it figured out just yet
I've got one hand in my pocket
And the other one is playing the piano

And what it all comes down to, my friends, yeah
Is that everything is just fine fine fine
I've got one hand in my pocket
And the other one is hailing a taxi cab...