Five Little Fingers
Bill & Gloria Gaither Lyrics


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I came home last night to a dark and lonely cottage
I took the wreath off the door and somehow I stumbled inside
I just can't I just can't I said live without her
Give me one reason to live now that my darling has died
And then five little fingers touched my hand
Five little fingers too young to understand
And there was a softness in my little girl's touch
That seemed to say daddy I need you so
And in five little seconds her five little fingers told me all that I wanted to know
I could tell her little eyes were full of questions
I tried to answer but all I could do was hold her tight
Forgive me forgive me I said for crying
But darling your daddy has got such a load on his shoulders tonight
And then five little fingers soft and dear
Touched me on the cheek and gently brushed away a tear
And I knew that in her own little way my baby was saying daddy I love you so
It only took five little seconds for her five little fingers




To tell me all that I needed to know
(Five little fingers too young to understand)

Overall Meaning

The song, "Five Little Fingers" by Bill & Gloria Gaither tells the story of a man who returns home to find his house dark and empty after the death of his beloved. He struggles with the thought of living without her and asks for one reason to go on. In the midst of his grief, he is touched by his young daughter's delicate and comforting fingers. He cradles her and tries to answer her questions, but in the end, he realizes that she is telling him all he needs to know with just her "Five Little Fingers."


The lyrics of the song are powerful as they describe the immense pain that comes with loss and the surprising ways we can find comfort when we need it most. The touch of his daughter's fingers is cathartic, reminding him of his responsibility as a father and the love that still surrounds him.


This poignant ballad touches on themes of love, loss, and the healing power of family in times of grief. It serves as a reminder that even in our darkest times, there is always hope and comfort to be found in those we love.


Line by Line Meaning

I came home last night to a dark and lonely cottage
I returned home to a dark and lonely place.


I took the wreath off the door and somehow I stumbled inside
I removed the wreath from the door and clumsily made my way inside.


I just can't I just can't I said live without her
I expressed my inability to live without my loved one.


Give me one reason to live now that my darling has died
I desperately searched for a reason to go on living after my beloved's death.


And then five little fingers touched my hand
My daughter reached out and touched my hand with her little fingers.


Five little fingers too young to understand
My daughter's fingers were still innocent and unaware of the pain I was feeling.


And there was a softness in my little girl's touch
My daughter's touch brought a gentle warmth to my heart.


That seemed to say daddy I need you so
Through her touch, my daughter communicated that she needed me.


And in five little seconds her five little fingers told me all that I wanted to know
In just a few seconds, my daughter's fingers conveyed everything that I needed to hear.


I could tell her little eyes were full of questions
My daughter's eyes were curious and searching for answers.


I tried to answer but all I could do was hold her tight
Although I couldn't provide answers, I held my daughter close to comfort her.


Forgive me forgive me I said for crying
I asked my daughter for forgiveness for my tears and emotional vulnerability.


But darling your daddy has got such a load on his shoulders tonight
I explained that I was carrying a heavy burden that night.


And then five little fingers soft and dear
Once again, my daughter's soft little fingers touched me.


Touched me on the cheek and gently brushed away a tear
She wiped away my tear with her gentle touch.


And I knew that in her own little way my baby was saying daddy I love you so
Through her actions, my daughter showed me that she loved and cared for me.


It only took five little seconds for her five little fingers
In a matter of seconds, my daughter's fingers provided immense comfort and reassurance.


To tell me all that I needed to know
Her little fingers communicated everything I needed to hear in that moment.




Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: BILL ANDERSON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@user-jq3oz3us7t

Stephen clearly shows his love for children in this song, miss him so much!

@lynnclark4208

It was a year or so after my Dad passed I dreamed of my Dad. Words cannot express the depth of his freedom, joy, peace. I could see it, but I don't have words to express it. I wouldn't bring Dad, Brother Hill , or any one in heaven back. Not for anything. They are learning how to rule and reign with and for KING JESUS when HE returns. GOD BLESS YOU ALL GREATLY!

@alynkuster5138

We miss them so much, but know they are where they need to be.

@chipyeomans

This is one of the best Christmas songs ever recorded. Stephen Hill died earlier this year and he held "THE" Five Little Fingers in his hand personally. Someday we will all get to feel the comforting embrace of those fingers. What a joyous occasion that will be!

@lenhummel5766

Precious❗💛💝💛☝ hope to soon meet all the saints who sing Jesus' praises.....including Stephen, a big favorite Gospel-soul singer❗🎯

@Augustine0106

He was a godly man, will be truly missed. Such a awe inspiring rendition. May his soul RIP.

@SkiesVibrant

Stephen you are profoundly missed.

@jennifursun3303

wish i could have seen this man in person. so sad his dying so young. RIP Stephen

@audrileemyers5638

David Phelps sang this with his now 'grown-up' daughters at his 202 ChisTmas Barn Bash - proud dad

@girlballer20

That is Callie and Maggie Beth right there in the matching dresses.

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