Miley Cyrus – Handstand. Lyrics Meaning: A Psychedelic Trip into Unapologetic Confidence

Ever felt like you’re doing something so amazing, so uniquely you, that people just stare, completely baffled? Like you’re operating on a different frequency, and they just can’t tune in? It’s that moment when your confidence, your talent, or just your sheer weirdness is so off-the-charts that it short-circuits their brains. You’re not trying to be confusing; you’re just being yourself, and it’s a spectacle.

That exact feeling of being a beautiful, mind-bending puzzle is perfectly captured in one of the most hypnotic tracks from Miley Cyrus. We’re about to take a deep dive into the electric, surreal world of “Handstand,” a song that feels less like a pop tune and more like a fever dream you never want to wake up from. Trust me, it’s about so much more than just a gymnastic move.

The Neon Wonderland of “Handstand” by Miley Cyrus

• Miley Cyrus – We Can’t Stop : An Anthem for Owning Your Youth
• Miley Cyrus – Handstand : A Psychedelic Trip into Unapologetic Confidence
• Miley Cyrus – Mother’s Daughter : An Unapologetic Anthem of Freedom
• Miley Cyrus – River : Drowning in a Flood of Affection
• Miley Cyrus – Edge Of Midnight (Midnight Sky Remix) [ft. Stevie Nicks] : The Ultimate Anthem of Self-Liberation
• Miley Cyrus – When I Look At You : Finding Your Lighthouse in the Storm
• Miley Cyrus – The Most : A Raw Thank You to Unconditional Love
• Miley Cyrus – Adore You : A Hymn to a Love That Feels Like Coming Home
• Miley Cyrus – Violet Chemistry : Embracing a Fleeting, Electric Connection
• Miley Cyrus – Used To Be Young : An Anthem for Embracing Your Past Self

Right from the start, Miley doesn’t just invite you into a story; she pulls you headfirst into another dimension. The opening verse is a splash of psychedelic paint, creating a scene that’s pure fantasy. Forget a normal meet-cute, this is something else entirely.

We met each other on the neon dinghy
Past the manta rays and palm trees
Glowing creatures beam down from great heights
Electric eels and red venom

This isn’t just a setting; it’s a whole vibe. It’s a world away from the ordinary, filled with danger and beauty. This is where she and her companion, “Big Twitchy,” exist. It’s a secret, vibrant space they’ve carved out for themselves, where they can dance until there’s nothing left. It feels like a metaphor for a relationship or a moment in time that’s so intense and unique, it feels like its own universe.

But… Who is ‘Big Twitchy’?

This is one of those fun lyrical mysteries, right? “Big Twitchy” could be a lover, a dear friend, or even an alter ego. It represents a partner-in-crime, the only other person who understands this wild, glowing world. The key is that in this space, it’s “just me and Twitchy ’cause that’s all we knew.” It emphasizes a deep, exclusive connection, totally sealed off from the outside world.

The “Handstand” Metaphor: It’s Not Just a Party Trick

Then comes the chorus, and bam! The song’s central theme hits you like a bolt of lightning. The “handstand” isn’t literal. It’s a brilliant metaphor for her power, her sexual prowess, and her unapologetic way of living that leaves others completely stunned.

You’re questioning the science ’cause you don’t understand
How I’m doing what I’m doing in a fucking handstand

She’s saying, “What I’m doing is so incredible, so beyond your comprehension, that it might as well be magic.” It’s an act of pure, unadulterated confidence. She does it so effortlessly that her partner finds it impressive, and she can just do it again, even with her non-dominant hand. The line, “My other one is busy so I use my left hand,” is such a flex. It’s a playful, cheeky boast about her capabilities, suggesting she has so much skill and power to spare.

And let’s talk about this killer line: “I see your mother’s calling and you’re hitting ignore.” This is so good! It grounds the surrealism in a real, rebellious moment. It’s about choosing this private, intense experience over the expectations and rules of the outside world, represented by the “mother’s call.” They are in their own bubble, and nothing can get in.

A Craving for Connection in a Fleeting Moment

Just when you think the song is all about this untouchable, god-level confidence, Miley hits us with the bridge, and it’s a moment of pure vulnerability. Beneath the powerful performer, there’s a person who craves a deep and lasting bond.

I wish I could crawl inside your heart
Take you captive and then sail away
I wish I could know that it’s forever

Wow. After all that psychedelic partying and confident flexing, she reveals this raw desire for permanence. Even in this magical, fleeting world she’s created, the very human longing for a love that lasts is still there. It shows that her power doesn’t make her immune to wanting to be truly seen and held onto. It’s this contrast that makes the song so incredibly compelling and human.

The message here is pretty powerful when you think about it. “Handstand” is an anthem for embracing what makes you extraordinary, even if the world can’t make sense of it. Your “handstand” is your unique talent, your weird hobby, your bold personality—anything you do that is so authentically you. The song tells us to own that power and to find someone who, even if they don’t fully understand it, is mesmerized by it.

So, what do you think? Is “Handstand” a trippy love story, a pure ode to female empowerment and sexuality, or something else entirely? Every time I listen, I feel like I peel back another layer. I’d love to hear your take on what this electric dream of a song means to you. Let’s talk about it!