In 2009, Flobots released “Handlebars,” a track that quickly became an anthem with its catchy chorus and thought-provoking lyrics. Years later, the song’s themes of power, potential, and unchecked ambition take on a chilling new resonance, particularly in the context of the political landscape. For many, including myself when I first truly listened to it in 2017 during my freshman year of high school, “Handlebars” isn’t just a catchy tune; it’s a poignant commentary on the human condition, and, as we’ll explore, a surprisingly relevant lens through which to view recent political events.
Like many, I initially enjoyed “Handlebars” for its infectious energy and memorable chorus, “I can ride my bike with no handlebars.” It was a song my dad introduced me to, a track from a few years prior that suddenly clicked. I dove into Flobots’ music, drawn to their blend of hip-hop and rock, and their socially conscious lyrics. But it wasn’t until the tumultuous events of 2020 unfolded that the deeper layers of “Handlebars” truly surfaced.
2020 felt like a year ripped from a dystopian novel. The anticipation for a fresh decade was quickly overshadowed by a global pandemic, social unrest sparked by racial injustice and police brutality, and a looming economic recession. It felt like the world was teetering on the edge, a sentiment echoed in the anxieties of the 1920s, a century prior, which also faced a pandemic, economic hardship, and social change. Amidst this backdrop, the lyrics of “Handlebars” took on a stark and unsettling relevance, especially when considering the presidency of Donald Trump.
Trump’s ascent to power in 2016 was a shockwave for many. His presidency was marked by controversy, from his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic to his divisive rhetoric and challenges to democratic norms. Looking back, the themes within “Handlebars” – about unchecked power and the potential for both creation and destruction – eerily mirrored the concerns and criticisms leveled against his administration. The song, initially about personal freedom and capability, morphed into a reflection on the broader implications of leadership and authority.
According to Genius Lyrics, “Handlebars” delves into “the independence we have once we’re free to choose our paths,” drawing inspiration from “the corruption of the 20th century and the change that it brought about.” Flobots’ MC Jonny 5 explained that the song explores “the idea that we have so much potential as human beings to be destructive or to be creative.” This duality is at the heart of the song and becomes particularly potent when applied to the actions of those in power.
The opening line, “I can ride my bike with no handlebars,” immediately evokes a sense of youthful invincibility. Learning to ride a bike without handlebars is a symbol of newfound freedom and control. This feeling of being “unstoppable” can be intoxicating, and in a political context, this unchecked confidence can be a double-edged sword. Critics argued that the Trump presidency was characterized by an inflated ego and a disregard for established norms, surrounding himself with loyalists who reinforced his worldview rather than providing critical counsel. This echoes the “no handlebars” sentiment – a feeling of being in control, perhaps to a fault.
Consider the Vice President’s briefings during the early stages of the pandemic, frequently pivoting to praise the President, or the unwavering support from certain segments of the population. This environment of constant affirmation could be seen as fueling an ego, much like the feeling of accomplishment when a child masters riding without handlebars. However, in the realm of political leadership, this unchecked ego, critics argued, could lead to authoritarian tendencies and a disregard for dissenting voices.
Verse one of “Handlebars” further explores this theme of capability and self-perception:
“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—”
These lyrics showcase a boastful, almost childlike sense of accomplishment and self-importance. The speaker lists a series of skills and achievements, ranging from trivial to slightly more impressive. When viewed through a political lens, these lines can be interpreted as mirroring a leader who constantly seeks validation and focuses on personal accomplishments rather than the needs of the people. Trump’s public statements often emphasized his achievements and personal popularity, sometimes at the expense of addressing critical issues or acknowledging shortcomings. The lyric “I can do anything that I want ’cause look—” encapsulates this sense of unchecked power and self-belief.
The lines “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” can be seen as representing a superficial understanding or a half-hearted attempt at complex tasks. Critics might argue this mirrors a perceived lack of depth or policy expertise in certain aspects of the Trump administration. Similarly, “I can tell you about Leif Ericson” could be interpreted as name-dropping or associating with figures of questionable character or those who offer superficial endorsements.
The chorus, with its repetitive line “And I can see your face on the telephone / On the telephone, on the telephone“, takes on a particularly pointed meaning in the age of social media and constant connectivity.
“And I can see your face on the telephone
On the telephone, on the telephone
I can lead a nation with a microphone
I can lead a nation with a microphone
I can make decisions with a microphone
I can make decisions with a microphone
And I can ride my bike with no handlebars
No handlebars, no handlebars”
This repetition, especially “And I can see your face on the telephone“, can be directly linked to Trump’s prolific use of Twitter. His constant presence on social media, often dominating news cycles and sparking controversy, became a defining characteristic of his presidency. The line suggests an almost inescapable and pervasive media presence. The cartoon below captures this sentiment, highlighting the global reaction to Trump’s Twitter activity.
Cartoon depicting Trump showing Kim Jong Un Twitter on a phone, symbolizing the global impact of Trump's social media use.
The lyrics “I can lead a nation with a microphone / I can make decisions with a microphone” further emphasize the idea of governing through media spectacle and impulsive pronouncements, rather than through traditional political processes and deliberation. The microphone, in this context, symbolizes the power of rhetoric and the potential for decisions to be made based on public image and immediate reaction, rather than careful consideration.
“Handlebars,” while not explicitly political, resonates deeply with the anxieties and criticisms surrounding the Trump era. Its lyrics about unchecked power, ego, and the potential for both creation and destruction provide a powerful metaphor for understanding the complexities of leadership and the consequences of unchecked ambition. The song serves as a potent reminder of the responsibility that comes with power and the importance of critical evaluation, whether in music, politics, or life itself. As citizens, engaging with art like “Handlebars” encourages us to think critically about the world around us and to hold our leaders accountable.
