In the fifties after many failed attempts to sell his songs, he finally was signed up with Capitol Records and recorded a few rock and roll songs without much chart success. Just before he was drafted into the Army, he wrote a song called 'The All American Boy' and did a demo for his friend, Bill Parsons, to learn and record it. Instead of using the version Bill Parsons did later, the record company, Fraternity Records, decided to use the original demo done by Bobby Bare. The record reached number 2 on the Billboard Top 100, but it was wrongly credited to Bill Parsons.
His real big break came when RCA boss and guitarist Chet Atkins signed him to the RCA label. The first song he released on this label, 'Shame On Me', sold nearly a million copies and pushed Bobby Bare to fame overnight. His second RCA release, 'Detroit City' won him a Grammy for the best song of the year. Then a surge of hits followed, including '500 Miles Away From Home', 'Four Strong Winds' and others. He has also recorded two very successful albums with Skeeter Davis and has also dueted with Lacy J. Dalton and Rosanne Cash and additionally had a major hit as part of a trio with Norma Jean (singer) and Liz Anderson in 1967 titled 'The Game of Triangles'.
He moved to Mercury label in 1970 and had two big hits from early Kris Kristofferson compositions, 'Come Sundown' and 'Please Don't Tell Me How The Story Ends' before returning to RCA label where he produced his own records. Later Bare moved to CBS label and in 1979, he helped establish Rosanne Cash's career by singing with her on "No Memories Hangin' Round". Bare's singles for Columbia Records included 'The Jogger', 'Tequila Sheila', 'Gotta Get Rid Of This Band', 'When Hippies Get Older' and 'Numbers'. He later recorded for EMI with little success.
Bobby Bare is a versatile singer, and in the 70s started to release novelty songs recorded live with selected audiences. One of such songs, 'Marie Laveau' about a witch, reached the number one position on the country chart. This song was written by his friend, a very talented song writer, poet, author and cartoonist Shel Silverstein. He also penned many other songs for Bobby Bare including a Grammy nominated hit called 'Daddy What If' which he recorded with his five year old son, Bobby Bare Jr, who later became a star on his own. Bobby Bare later recorded a very successful album with his family and penned mainly by Shel called 'Singing in The Kitchen'. It was nominated for best group category in Grammy Awards but was declined by Bobby himself.
He later took chances recording strange, controversial material as 'Dropkick Me Jesus (Through The Goalposts Of Life)' (a 1976 Grammy nominee) and the expletive-driven 'Redneck Hippie Romance' with much success.
Bobby Bare is also the first to come up with a concept album called 'Bird Named Yesterday' which was very successful. His most successful concept album is 'Lullaby Legends and Lies'.
Bobby Bare was also given an opportunity to star in the movies. He did a Western with Troy Donahue called A Distant Trumpet, and a few episodes of a TV series called No Time for Sergeants. He turned his back on Hollywood to pursue his career in Country Music.
In 1998 he formed the band Old Dogs together with his friends Jerry Reed, Mel Tillis and Waylon Jennings.
In addition to the above, Bobby Bare is credited for introducing Waylon Jennings to RCA. He is also one of the first to record from many well known song writers such as Jack Clement, Harlan Howard, Billy Joe Shaver, Mickey Newberry, Tom T. Hall, Kris Kristofferson, and many others. He later had a TV series called 'Bobby Bare & Friends, A Song Writer Showcase'. Recently, he has recorded a new album after over 20 years called 'The Moon Was Blue' produced by his son. His son, Bobby Bare, Jr., is also a musician.
He's Got The Whole World In His Hands
Bobby Bare Lyrics
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He got the whole world in his hands he's got the whole world in his hands
He's got the wind and rain in his hands he got the wind and rain in his hands
He's got the wind and rain in his hands he's got the whole world in his hands
He's got the sinner man in his hands he's got the sinner man in his hands
He's got the sinner man in his hands he got the whole world in his hands
He got the tidle little babies in his hands the little babies in his hands
He got you and me brother in his hands he got you and me sister in his hands
He got you and me brother in his hands he got the whole world in his hands
He got the whole world in his hands the whole world in his hands
He got the whole wide world in his hands he's got the whole world in his hands
He got the whole world in his hands
The lyrics of Bobby Bare's song "He's Got The Whole World In His Hands" convey a powerful message about the all-encompassing nature of a higher power's control and influence over the world. The repetition of the line "He's got the whole world in his hands" emphasizes the magnitude and universality of this power.
The mention of the wind and rain being in his hands reflects the idea that this divine figure has control over the natural elements. It suggests a sense of harmony and balance, as wind and rain are essential for sustaining life on Earth. This imagery symbolizes the higher power's ability to shape and influence the world's natural patterns, perhaps even alluding to the potential destructive force that can be contained in their hands.
The mention of the "sinner man" being in his hands speaks to the concept of divine judgment and forgiveness. It suggests that despite the flaws and transgressions of humanity, this higher power has the ability to offer redemption and salvation. It portrays a sense of mercy and compassion, reinforcing the idea that this figure has the entire world under their guidance and care, including those who may have strayed from the path of righteousness.
The portrayal of the "tidle little babies" and "little bitty babies" being in his hands conveys a sense of protection and nurturing. It symbolizes the vulnerability and innocence of children and portrays the higher power as a loving and caring presence. This imagery suggests that even the most delicate and precious beings are under the watchful eyes and care of this divine figure.
The final repetition of "He's got the whole world in his hands" reinforces the central message of the song. It signifies the overall control, influence, and responsibility that this higher power possesses over the entire world and all its inhabitants. It conveys a sense of trust and surrender to this divine authority, highlighting the belief that everything is ultimately in their hands.
Line by Line Meaning
He got the whole world in his hands the whole world in his hands
He has complete control over the entire world, managing and guiding it with his power.
He's got the wind and rain in his hands he got the wind and rain in his hands
He has authority over nature, controlling the wind and rain effortlessly.
He's got the sinner man in his hands he's got the sinner man in his hands
He has the ability to save and redeem even the most sinful individuals, offering them forgiveness and salvation.
He got the tidle little babies in his hands the little babies in his hands
He cares for and protects the smallest, most vulnerable babies, cradling them in his loving care.
He got the little bitty babies in his hands he got the whole world in his hands
He not only nurtures and watches over the tiniest babies, but also has dominion over the entire world.
He got you and me brother in his hands he got you and me sister in his hands
He is responsible for the well-being and support of each and every individual, treating them like family.
He got you and me brother in his hands he got the whole world in his hands
He takes care of both individuals personally, as well as having control over the entire world.
He got the whole world in his hands the whole world in his hands
He has absolute authority and power over the entirety of the world, holding it in his grasp.
He got the whole wide world in his hands he's got the whole world in his hands
He has complete sovereignty over the vastness and diversity of the entire world, maintaining its order and functioning.
He got the whole world in his hands
He possesses and oversees the entirety of the world, taking care of it and ensuring its well-being.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: HAMILTON FORREST, MR. ROSS STEPHENS, ROSS STEPHENS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind