Grandma's Hands
Bill Withers Lyrics

Grandma's hands
The singer is reflecting on their memories of their grandmother's hands.

Clapped in church on Sunday morning
The singer remembers hearing their grandmother's hands clapping in worship during church services on Sunday mornings.

Played a tambourine so well
The singer recalls their grandmother's musical talent, specifically her ability to play the tambourine.

Used to issue out a warning
The artist remembers how their grandmother would caution them about potential dangers, such as running too fast or encountering snakes in the grass.

She'd say, "Billy, don't you run so fast Might fall on a piece of glass Might be snakes there in that grass"
The grandmother warns the artist, nicknamed Billy, about the possible consequences of running too fast and not paying attention to their surroundings.

Soothed a local unwed mother
The singer remembers how their grandmother provided comfort to a woman in their community who was unmarried and pregnant.

Used to ache sometimes and swell
The singer recalls their grandmother's hands occasionally feeling pain and swelling, likely due to arthritis or other health issues.

Used to lift her face and tell her
The grandmother would lift the pregnant woman's face and speak to her directly.

She'd say "Baby, Grandma understands That you really love that man Put yourself in Jesus hands"
The grandmother speaks words of empathy and encouragement to the pregnant woman, recognizing her love for the man who fathered her child and urging her to trust in God.

Used to hand me piece of candy
The artist remembers how their grandmother would give them candy as a treat.

Picked me up each time I fell
The singer recalls how their grandmother would help them up whenever they stumbled or fell.

Boy, they really came in handy
The artist reflects on how useful their grandmother's hands were in providing aid and comfort.

She'd say, "Matty don' you whip that boy What you want to spank him for? He didn't drop no apple core"
The grandmother defends the boy, named Matty, from his mother's punishment and questions why he is being reprimanded for a minor infraction.

But I don't have Grandma anymore
The singer acknowledges that their grandmother has passed away and they can no longer experience her presence or comfort.

If I get to Heaven I'll look for Grandma's hands
The singer expresses a desire to see their grandmother again in the afterlife and experience her comforting touch.