The Handshake
Bad Religion · Stranger Than Fiction [1994]
Could it be that it's only superficiality?,
Without regard to well-being, without an inkling of compromise,
Handshakes are nothing but a subtle "fuck you",
Contracts determine the best friendships
This is the way of the modern world, everyone's vying for patronage,
This is the way of the modern world, and something has gotta give
Every time you shake someone's hand,
And you share neither color or creed,
You gotta overcome the obstacles of history,
There is restrained passion, mistrust, and bigotry
And these have created the new foundations of society,
There's no harmony just class and race
This is the way of the modern world,
Everyone's fighting for dominance,
This is the way of the modern world,
And something has gotta give
Now I believe in unity, and I am willing to compromise,
But I'm not gonna lie or sell my soul
Every time you shake someone's hand,
It determines where you stand,
And if you won't uphold your side then it's better to
Fend for yourself, and shun the handshake,
Someone's gotta give
The Handshake
The Handshake stands as a defining track from Bad Religion's 1994 album Stranger Than Fiction, capturing the band at the height of their melodic punk dominance. Released during a period of significant commercial success, the song exemplifies the group's signature blend of rapid-fire guitar work and socially conscious lyricism. As part of a discography that has consistently challenged punk orthodoxy, this recording highlights the band's ability to craft anthemic hooks while maintaining intellectual depth. The track remains a staple in their live sets, reflecting the enduring appeal of their polished yet energetic sound. It serves as a testament to the group's longevity and their capacity to produce memorable work that resonates with both longtime fans and new listeners within the punk rock genre.