I vividly recall my freshman year of high school in 2017 when my dad first played me “Handlebars” by Flobots. Though released in 2009, it was during this time that the song truly resonated with me. I listened to it incessantly, exploring Flobots’ entire discography afterward. Even now, years later, the opening line, “I Can Ride My Bike With No Handlebars Lyrics,” immediately brings me back to that time, but with a new, unsettling resonance in light of recent history.
Fast forward to 2020, my senior year, and the world had taken a dramatic turn. The year anticipated with such excitement turned into a period marked by the Coronavirus pandemic, widespread social unrest sparked by racial injustice and police brutality, devastating wildfires, and the tragic loss of figures like Kobe Bryant. Adding to this tumultuous mix, an economic recession loomed, leaving countless jobs lost and the future uncertain. The sequence of these events almost seemed surreal, making 2020 feel like a distorted reflection of reality, particularly in an election year with stark parallels to the anxieties of 1920.
Amidst this backdrop of global uncertainty, the Trump presidency unfolded. From the outset, his approach to leadership felt unconventional, culminating in a period that many perceived as chaotic. His administration’s handling of the Coronavirus pandemic, characterized by initial denial and the promotion of unproven treatments, drew widespread criticism. This period highlighted a style of leadership that often seemed to prioritize personal validation and disregard expert consensus.
It might seem disconnected to jump from a high school memory of a song to a commentary on the Trump presidency. However, revisiting “Handlebars” years later revealed a chilling parallel to the political climate of the Trump era. According to Genius Lyrics, the song explores “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 the song’s core message: “the idea that we have so much potential as human beings to be destructive or to be creative.” This duality of potential, the capacity for both creation and destruction, became strikingly relevant when viewed through the lens of the Trump presidency.
The Unstoppable Feeling and the Fragility of Power
The opening line, and the core of the song’s metaphor, “i can ride my bike with no handlebars lyrics,” evokes a feeling of unrestrained freedom and power. As children, mastering the art of riding a bike without handlebars is a moment of exhilarating triumph, a sense of being invincible. This feeling of unchecked capability mirrors the perception of power, particularly political power. The Trump presidency, for many, embodied this very sensation – a leader operating without “handlebars,” seemingly unbound by traditional norms and constraints. His administration, often described as filled with loyalists, or “Yes Men,” fostered an environment where dissenting voices were marginalized, and actions often appeared driven by personal ego rather than strategic governance. The early Coronavirus briefings, where Vice President Mike Pence consistently framed updates with phrases like “At the president’s…”, exemplified this tendency to prioritize praising the president over delivering objective information. This echoed the ego boost of a child riding without handlebars, amplified on a global stage. This unchecked ego, fueled by unwavering supporters, seemed to encourage an increasingly authoritarian approach, evidenced by actions like questioning election results and the controversial response to peaceful protests.
“Look at Me”: Validation and Self-Centered Leadership
The first verse of “Handlebars” begins with the assertive lines:
“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…”
These lyrics, with their insistent demand for attention, resonate with the public image cultivated by President Trump. His frequent expressions of concern about public opinion and approval ratings, epitomized by the CNN headline “Trump as the U.S. nears 150,000 Deaths: “Nobody Likes Me””, highlight a leadership style seemingly driven by a need for constant validation. This focus on personal approval, rather than solely on effective governance and national progress, appeared to be a defining characteristic of his presidency. His 2016 slogan, “Make America Great Again,” suggested a nation in need of repair, despite existing strengths. This evolved into “Keep America Great” in 2020, even as many indicators suggested a decline in various sectors. The lyrics “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…” capture the boundless energy and self-belief of youth discovering new talents. Trump, similarly, often projected an image of omnipotence, suggesting he alone possessed the solutions to complex national issues. The line “I can tell you about Leif Ericson” might allude to his association with controversial figures and his tendency to align with those who offered unwavering support, regardless of ethical implications. And “I know all the words to “De Colores”” could be interpreted as a claim to patriotism and deep understanding of American values, even when actions contradicted these claims.
“Telephone”: The Era of Social Media and Unfiltered Communication
The chorus of “Handlebars” contains the repetitive lines:
“And I can see your face on the telephone
On the telephone, on the telephone…”
“And I can see your face on the telephone” eerily foreshadows the pervasive presence of Trump’s image in the digital age, particularly his prolific use of Twitter. His constant tweeting became a defining feature of his presidency, a direct and unfiltered line of communication that bypassed traditional media outlets. The cartoon below, from The New Yorker, satirizes this very phenomenon, depicting Trump showcasing Twitter to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, highlighting the global impact and controversy generated by his social media activity.
New Yorker Cartoon of Trump and Kim Jong Un looking at Twitter
This relentless social media presence ensured that Trump’s face, and his often-inflammatory messages, were constantly visible, dominating news cycles and public discourse. Whether praised or criticized, his digital footprint was inescapable, mirroring the repetitive and inescapable line, “And I can see your face on the telephone.”
Parallels to 2020 and Beyond: A Timeless Message
While this analysis began in August of 2020, the themes of “Handlebars” and its unexpected resonance with the political climate remain relevant. The song’s exploration of power, ego, and the potential for both creation and destruction is not limited to a specific time or political figure. The events of 2020, with their global pandemic and social upheaval, only amplified these themes. The feeling of being “without handlebars,” of navigating uncharted territory without clear direction or responsible leadership, resonated deeply during this period of uncertainty. The parallels drawn to 1920 in the original article, highlighting historical echoes of pandemic, protest, and political turmoil, underscore the cyclical nature of these challenges. Ultimately, “Handlebars” serves as a timeless reminder of the duality of human potential and the critical importance of responsible leadership. It encourages reflection on how power is wielded and the consequences of unchecked ego, urging us to strive for a future where leadership is guided by wisdom and a commitment to the common good.
