These Hands
Bobby Lyrics
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These hands raised a family these hands built a home
Now these hands raised to praise the Lord
These hands won the heart of my loved one and with hers they were never alone
If these hands filled their task then what more could you ask
For these fingers have worked to the bone
For my life hasn't been a success
Some people have power but still they grieve
While these hands brought me happiness
Now I'm tired and I'm old and I haven't much gold
Maybe things ain't been all that I planned
Lord above hear my plea when it's time to judge me
Take a look at these hard working hands take a look at these hard working hands
The opening verse of "These Hands" by Bobby Bland immediately sets the tone for the song as a testament to the life and experiences of a hardworking, laborious individual. The lyrics "These hands aren’t the hands of a gentleman, these hands are calloused and old" paint a picture of a person whose hands have seen years of work, creating callouses and roughness. The person described in the song is someone who has raised a family, built a home, and always had his or her hands to the task. These hands have worked hard and accomplished much.
The song then shifts to a more spiritual context as the hands are lifted up in praise of the Lord. The hands that have built a home and raised a family are now used to find solace and comfort in religion. The following verse describes the hands that also won the heart of the singer's loved one, underscoring the personal life that has been lived through these hands.
The song ultimately serves as a reminder to not judge someone based on what we believe success to be. Whether or not someone has amassed wealth or power is not the true measure of a life well-lived. "While these hands brought me happiness" points to the idea that living life with hard work and determination is what brings joy, regardless of external power or wealth. As the singer faces the end of his or her days, these hardworking hands will be the final testament to a life lived with purpose.
Line by Line Meaning
These hands aren't the hands of a gentleman these hands are calloused and old
My hands are rough and rugged, showing the hard work that I've done. They are not soft and delicate like a gentleman's hands.
These hands raised a family these hands built a home
I worked hard to provide for my family and build a home for them to live in.
Now these hands raised to praise the Lord
Despite their calluses and age, my hands are now lifted in praise of the Lord.
These hands won the heart of my loved one and with hers they were never alone
My rough hands were able to win the heart of my loved one, and they were always together with her.
If these hands filled their task then what more could you ask / For these fingers have worked to the bone
If my hands were able to accomplish their goals and work extremely hard, then what more can be asked of them?
Now don't try to judge me by what you'd like me be / For my life hasn't been a success
Please do not judge me based on your expectations or assumptions, as my life has not been a complete success.
Some people have power but still they grieve / While these hands brought me happiness
Even though I may not have had much power or influence, my hardworking hands brought me happiness and contentment.
Now I'm tired and I'm old and I haven't much gold / Maybe things ain't been all that I planned
Now that I'm older and worn out, I realize that things didn't go exactly as planned and I may not have as much wealth as I would have liked.
Lord above hear my plea when it's time to judge me / Take a look at these hard working hands take a look at these hard working hands
When it comes time for judgement, I ask that the Lord looks upon my hands and sees how hard they've worked throughout my life.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: DON ROBEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind