As Faye Scruggs (her married name), she became a regular performer in New Y… Read Full Bio ↴As Faye Scruggs (her married name), she became a regular performer in New York nightclubs in the late 1940s and early 1950s. While performing in Atlanta, Georgia, she was discovered by singer Ruth Brown, who won her an audition with bandleader Joe Morris of Atlantic Records. Changing her name to Faye Adams, Morris recruited her as a singer in 1952, and signed her to Herald Records. Her first release was Morris's song "Shake a Hand", which topped the U.S. R&B chart for ten weeks in 1953 and made number 22 on the U.S. pop chart.

In 1954, Faye had two more R&B chart toppers with "I'll Be True" (covered by Bill Haley) and "It Hurts Me to My Heart". During this period, she left the Morris band and was billed as "Atomic Adams". In 1955 she appeared in the film Rhythm & Blues Revue, and in 1957 moved to Imperial Records, but her commercial success diminished. By the late 1950s she was seen as an older recording artist whose time had come and gone, although she continued to record for various smaller labels until the early 1960s.

By 1963 she had retired from the music industry. She returned to her gospel roots and family life in New Jersey.

Shake a Hand
Faye Adams Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Just leave it to me
Don't ever be ashamed
Just give me a chance
I'll take care of everything
Your troubles I'll share
Let me know and I'll be there
I'll take care of you
Anyplace and anywhere

Shake a hand, shake a hand
Shake a hand, shake a hand
Shake a hand if you can

Be truthful to me
I'll be truthful to you
I'm in love with you so
And I don't know what to do
So, let's call it a day
I said all I have to say
Except don't forget to pray
And shake a hand ev'ry day

Shake a hand, shake a hand
Shake a hand, shake a hand

Shake a hand, shake a hand
Shake a hand if you can

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Faye Adams's song "Shake a Hand" suggest a narrative of deep, unconditional love and support. The singer is speaking directly to their lover, encouraging them to rely on them whenever they are in need of help. The lyrics "Just leave it to me / Don't ever be ashamed / Just give me a chance / I'll take care of everything" reveal a feeling of protectiveness and devotion. Throughout the song, the singer emphasizes their willingness to be there for their lover through thick and thin, saying "Your troubles I'll share / Let me know and I'll be there / I'll take care of you / Anyplace and anywhere". The phrase "Shake a hand, if you can" can be taken as a call to unity, encouraging listeners to make connections and to offer support to others in their community if they are able.

The second verse of the song shows a moment of vulnerability, as the singer admits to their love for their partner but does not know what to do: "I'm in love with you so / And I don't know what to do / So, let's call it a day / I said all I have to say / Except don't forget to pray / And shake a hand ev'ry day". They encourage their partner to be truthful with them as well, indicating a desire for honesty and trust in the relationship.

Overall, "Shake a Hand" is a loving and uplifting song, expressing the importance of supporting one another through life's struggles and offering a reminder to hold onto faith and connection to others.

Line by Line Meaning

Just leave it to me
Trust me to handle everything and don't be worried or stressed.

Don't ever be ashamed
You can tell me anything without worry of judgment or shame.

Just give me a chance
Let me prove to you that I can be reliable and trustworthy.

I'll take care of everything
I will handle all problems and make sure that you are okay.

Your troubles I'll share
I will listen to your problems and help you carry the burden.

Let me know and I'll be there
Just ask me for help and I will be there for you.

I'll take care of you
I will make sure that you are taken care of and safe.

Anyplace and anywhere
No matter where you are or what you need, I will be there for you.

Shake a hand, shake a hand
Greet others and show kindness through simple gestures.

Be truthful to me
Tell me the truth, even if it's not easy.

I'll be truthful to you
I will always be honest with you and expect the same in return.

I'm in love with you so
I have strong feelings of love for you.

And I don't know what to do
I am unsure of how to handle my intense emotions.

So, let's call it a day
Let's end this conversation or situation for the time being.

I said all I have to say
I have expressed everything I needed to express in this moment.

Except don't forget to pray
Remember to take time for spiritual reflection and pray regularly.

And shake a hand ev'ry day
End your interactions with others in a positive way by shaking hands and showing kindness.

Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Joe Morris

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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01Shake a Hand2:56

PT2M56S

Faye Adams

02Hurts Me to My Heart3:01

03I'll Be True2:56

04Everyday2:48

05Anytime, Anyplace, Anywhere

06You Ain't Been True to Me2:00

07Angels Tell Me2:17

08Don't Forget To Smile

09Welcome Home3:03

10Anything for a Friend2:58

11Takin' You Back2:22

12The Hammer (Keeps A Knockin')2:17

13Say a Prayer2:13

14Tag Along2:53

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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@scouseronthewirral

2y↑1

Written By Joe Morris

Faye Adams released her song in August 1953, peaking at #1 on R&B Chart

Covers:
Red Foley (number 6 country, 1953)
Johnnie Ray (1956)
Pat Boone (on the 1957 album Pat)
Little Richard, the Mike Pedicin Quintet (number 71 pop, 1958)
LaVern Baker (number 13 R&B, 1960)
Jackie Wilson and Linda Hopkins (number 21 R&B, number 42 pop, 1963)
Freddie Scott (on the 1967 album Are You Lonely for Me?)
Magic Sam (1968, on the posthumous 1993 album Give Me Time)
Elvis Presley (recorded it on 12 March 1975 and released on his May 1975 album Today)
Ike & Tina Turner (on the 1985 album Golden Empire)
Lou Ann Barton (on the 1989 album Read My Lips)
Paul McCartney (on the 1999 album Run Devil Run)

All comments from YouTube:

@arlenecalderon8392

30w↑1

Today September 20th is my Daddy's 85th Heavenly birthday 🎂 and I remembered ❤️ him repeatedly to play this 45 record over and over. Lord, I miss my Daddy. 😢

@xell5252

4y↑42

Real Music right there, and she's still alive, 96 years old ✊🏾✌🏾

@nbk9373

2y↑7

98 & still going strong 💪

@dennisgallagher

Wikipedia says she may have passed away in 2016 but that has not been confirmed.

@CookyMonzta

1y↑2

@dennis gallagher No confirmation yet. And nothing else in my initial DuckDuckGo search says she died. If the Wiki birthdate of May 22, 1923 is correct, and she is still with us, she will be 100 next month! 😁💖👍

@dennismclaurin1487

41w↑1

@@nbk9373 God bless her

@tasibho

17w

No confirmation… receipts please

1 More Replies...

@MissRooti

20w↑4

The Cosby Show Season 4 Episode 23; "The Prom" episode is where I first heard this when I was a kid in the late 80z. Good memories!

@jamespowell8954

3y↑4

This recording of this song is still the best version of this song,BAR NONE!!!

@douglasford2257

3y↑6

She reached out to me and many others with this song, thank you faye 💗 for this touching message, the creator 💙 bless and keep safe for a nother 96yrs.

@johnfulton4921

3y↑7

Saw her at the apollo decades ago at a show that included legends like ruth brown the five keys and the clovers this drop dead gorgeous woman brought the house down when she sang this song

@lindawhite9655

8y↑7

My parents had this on '78 and I loved listening to it then--back in the day and am glad it's on Youtube now! In addition to the vocals, I love the the instrumentals in the background!

@UWdawgs60

6y↑4

clyde mafatter,the clovers,the midnighters,chuck wiilis,all from the early 50s,that music is gone for ever,what a shame young people will never know that great r & b soumd

@WendyKS93

13y↑6

I had a much older brother who was a teenager in the fifties and he played this song by Faye Adams constantly and as a little girl I always loved hearing it. He later gave me the 45rpm record. He's gone now but I still have the record and my memories, heavenly memories.

@jeannedavis2539

19w

My memories are similar-~~1953--did not know---influences all around--~~ thank you bro Bobby. 😘

@edwardmbishop

11y↑8

It was a big hit but,, more important, a true R&B masterpiece. Never get tired of hearing this one!

@carywing9471

8y↑19

My mama,who taught me everything about music, brought this up one day and researched it on line and purchased out of Chicago. Leave it to mama, she passed away 2 years ago, I never stop searching listening for great oldies.

@louiearists3906

@fluidwings2078

4y↑3

I felt the essence of your sweet mama in your words, thx for sharing her w/ the viewing/listening public.

@marildaromero5303

4y↑1

I lost a son 4 years ago I know how much you miss your mom we always will my heart to you keep listening to that great music.🙏

@normanlongval4151

11y↑13

You can't beat it folks. Great feeling. Lots of soul. How can you not like the song?

@user-sr2xl7zk6m

WE LOVE HER VOICE AND SING

@katherineg5946

12y↑6

Thanks for the memories. I first heard this on a jukebox at the Sylvania Park swimming pool in Fort Worth in 1953 and have never forgot the lyrics or her great voice. I don't know how many nickels I put in that jukebox, just to hear it over and over. She and Ruth Brown were my favorites. It's great to hear it again.

@user-lt2ym2yu9u

5y↑3

Grandpa forced me to listen to this he was 3,000 miles away from the love of his life when he first heard. It touches him till this day. Love my grandpa

@yvonnesmeltzer4011

11w

Thank you for having this song and others like it available 24/7.

@murph3001

5y↑6

This changed my taste in music forever. I instantly became a soul man

@CookyMonzta

14y↑10

9 weeks at #1 on the R&B charts in 1953, among the biggest hits ever in R&B.

@dennismclaurin1487

1y↑1

I can hear why, with one of the biggest voices ever heard-----
( And there aren't many with that claim to fame)

@annamarieassenato7082

3y↑5

Beautiful voice may god rest her soul she shake gods hand

@RETROGEMS

13y↑7

I ADORE this song. What a rich voice and strong, beautiful melody!

@sananto6896

6y↑15

Man, this lady can sing. She and LaVern Baker were my favorites. They are about as sexy as it gets. Thanks for posting.

@Rich2241

6y↑4

Still as breathtaking as it was when I first heard in on WABC in 1962. Plaintive, urgent and loving all at once.

@allanprice4743

10y↑3

Just heard this song for the first time tonight on the radio. What a song... what a voice!

@chuckmartin3775

6y↑7

Those scratches were like a time machine! Awesome Thanks!

@aaliyonce

11y↑20

I love that I watch The Cosby Show because I get gems like this

@bro.truth.4090

8y↑32

I was 13 years old in 1950,this is the kind of music I grew up with.It was really the good old days,I wish we could go back,and keep the air condr. C.C. Rider A.K.A. Clifton Niles

@williambaker194

6y↑1

Bro. truth. RIGHT ON. I WAS ABOUT 8 YEARS OLD. I REMEMBER THIS SONG VIVEDLY.

@Jay-id3wi

4y↑2

Dang y’all old old my grandma wasn’t even born yet

@katherineg5946

3y↑1

Me too Bro. truth. There were fine Rhythm and Blues back then.

@gerhardfrohn2229

Oh what a wonderful "praying" song. I love it and I want it for all peoples in the wold - get together and shake your hands

@ellenringer5236

My mother loved this song.

@r16727

11y↑2

My late sister Louise brought all the latest hits. We would play them when my parents had company over. Didn't they have a ball drinking their "Spirits" and clowning, dancing. Miss those days.

@juliahart4202

12y↑3

THIS WAS MY MOTHER SONG ,AND NOW ITS MY SONG, I LOVE THIS SONG.

@richardwilliams2861

I'm 48, but I will always remember this from the Prom episode of The Cosby Show. Best Bill Cosby dancing ever! We all laughed our butts off! And of course, Claire Huxtable was a vision in yellow chiffon.

@donaldmorrow3096

8y↑22

Growing up, I heard everyone and their grandmother doing this song (Lavern Baker and Jackie Wilson spring to mind). It was not until I saw the original single listed among the pre-rock #1 R&B hits in the Rolling Stone Illustrated History of Rock and Roll that I started to do a little prospecting. What I found was this woman named Faye Adams with a mountainous voice doing this song with a juke joint blues band that played like it just got the Holy Ghost. Oh my God! If this isn't the first Soul record, I bet everyone in R&B learned how to sing and play Soul music by listening to Faye's "Shake A Hand."

@pissbulletskilgore522

3y↑2

My lord her voice I'm so in 💕

@sananto6896

7y↑3

Wow! Beautiful woman with a great voice. Thanks for posting.

@Gerry50ify

14y↑1

Thankis to my father, I heard this classic at a very young age. He bought me a Spin-O-Rama LP that had this, as well as The Nutmegs' "Story Untold", Dave Baby Cortez' "Rinky Dink", and lesser know hits from The Moonglow, Bobbettes, and Brook Benton. I'm forever grateful for my father for turning me onto "Shake a Hand".

@larrykunas2930

10y↑19

Just stumbled into this song for the first time . I love her version . A big voice from a little lady .

@rjjcms1

5y↑1

First time I've heard it,and within seconds of her starting singing I said to myself "now that's a voice".

@dennismclaurin1487

2y↑1

2-10-22 listener.

@user-sr2xl7zk6m

@@dennismclaurin1487 ME MY FRIEND SHLOMO LIMONAD FROM ISRAEL 💓 13/11/22

@DennisReeder

1y↑1

Her version? She wrote it. Recorded and released in 1953.

@dennisgallagher

52w↑1

@@DennisReeder It was written by trumpeter and Atlantic Records house band leader Joe Morris who had other number one R & B hits, but she did do the original recording.

@jerseyguy242

11y↑4

Suger1942- I'm also 1942, March 9th. I too remember Faye Adams in 1953, My family listened to "Shake A Hand" on WNJR in Newark. Georgie Hudson show.

@jamespowell1442

3y↑4

Still the original and best version of this song,better than all of the covers".

@davidwalsh3439

8y↑6

An amazing vocal performance on a song I find quite inspirational. This lady has talent by the bucket full. Wonderful

@katherineg5946

3y↑1

Heard her on the juke box at the swimming pool around 1954. Loved her and Ruth Brown and Etta James.

@ButtonsAlvarado

7y↑1

love. Fay Adams I would this song at when I'm gone for family at my funeral when I die just fot thr word and the love she share I'm 78 still listen to her music when I feel all alone.with all my love H. sancbez

@cruisinthefifties

8y↑8

I was 11 yrs old. Remember this well....digs right into your soul.

@johndyer8935

So good .John Dyer Sr

@stephenstone3899

8y↑3

Talent is timeless, what a beautiful voice sang with lots of feeling and passion, they don't make em like this anymore. What a talented vocalist, amazing.

@jojobobo6258

10y↑2

Never heard this back in the day?! Beautiful! Thank you for sharing!! It still amazes me that I find such treasures on YT.

@fredbrass8835

39w↑1

Love it!!!

@countdracula5433

9y↑3

heard this years ago as a kid....couldn't remember who sang it...but a little search, and her I am..................beautiful rich voice. Thank you for posting a great memory

@josephkane3215

6y↑1

Another Timeless Classic hit single from 1950 as it is was done by Faye Adams as it is Also Called Shake A Hand

@Rajnoma

7y↑2

I discovered Faye's beautiful voice from the film, "The Butler" when Oprah Winfrey played her songs and danced to them when her husband was out working; she said, "Somedays it's just me and Faye in here". This was a very moving, scorching film which actually traced the turbulent course of Black History through the decades in America. It was excellent; I've seen it four times.

@jamespowell1442

10y↑16

The best version of this song!!

@leegroce7566

11y↑2

The song is as beautiful as the lady singing it. She is gorgeous.

@sauquoit13456

11y↑2

On this day in 1957 {December 25th} the Mike Pedicin Quartet performed "Shake a Hand" on the late Dick Clark's 'American Bandstand'... Two months later on February 20th, 1958 it entered Billboard's Top 100 chart for a two-week stay, peaking at #71... Faye Adams recorded it originally in 1953; and on September 9th it reached #1 {for 1 week} on Billboard's R&B Best Selling chart... Also in 1953 Red Foley covered it; his version peaked at #6 on the Country chart... R.I.P. Mr. Clark {1929 - 2012}

@jamespowell1442

6y↑6

With the Joe Morris band,with Joe himself singing along,and that standout piano playing,Ms.Adams and friends recorded this great blues classic!!!

@josephkane4753

7y↑2

Just a timeless Classic single from Faye Adams Called Shake A Hand as it was released in 1953

@gloriamassey9968

8y↑1

She's singing this song. You go girl. Love it.

@Rappbrown44

12y↑3

My Mom's all time favorite song!

@RhymeLifeMusicLLC

1y↑1

The cosby show brought me here... i love it

@koolpopjones6499

49w

Me too😂

@scouseronthewirral

2y↑1

@jerryj920

May 22nd: Happy birthday R&B Singer Fanny Truell / Faye Adams, Rhythm & Blues Foundation Pioneer Award. Thank you and God bless. Thanks for the upload, oldschoolen1. Blessings

@leegroce7566

11y↑3

Cant get over this lady beauty

@lillucy120

13y↑1

So many have done this song. I must realy like the song because I love it, no matter who recorded it. Faye's recording is at the top.

@user-lt2ym2yu9u

Grandpa brought me here!!!!! 🥰😍🥰😍🥰

@rw100251403

11y↑1

What a Great Record...I remember slow-dancing to this...

@dennismclaurin1487

41w

Before ' Reach out and touch Somebody's hand', was this rare gem.

@leegroce7566

11y↑2

I think this is a beautiful song sung buy a beautiful lady..love her . Peace

@rodney1238

8y↑3

I was a lil'1 back then but I do remember it still sounds great those old 78's

@richardwahl8433

6y↑1

I bought this record sometime in 1953, and it was a 45 rpm single. It was the very first record I ever bought, I was 12 years old and I really went for that R&B music. In those days, that is what we called it, it wasn't Rock n Roll, as it really hadn't been coined yet.

@rickgrandich3054

7y↑1

Think about it. 60plus yrs after this song. A very meaningful song, something that we could grasp and try to .......try to help ourselves be better persons and maybe ......

@leegroce7566

10y

I listen to this about every day, I love it. And I post it on my Facebook about every two weeks. Thanks.. Peace

@waynejohnson8671

11y↑1

great voice really bellows out the feelings from within that voice reminds me of mahalia jackson and hearing her bellow out gospel tune after gospel tune all with deep feeling that should touch the inner most sanctums of the human spirit

@thomaslombardo3401

5y↑1

Classic. My favorite version of this song.

@rennyshelton

12y↑1

Wow. Thanks. I've always loved this song. Don't recall when I first heard it, but I'm pretty sure I still had hair and wasn't shaving yet.

@alicefrontuto1719

I was just a girl when this song was out. going to the malt shop to hear it play looking at all the boys it was fun

@kikibalt

9y↑3

Early '50's you could hear this song been played in every joint in the Long beach Pike

@skipwilliams2663

8y↑2

+Frank Baltazar Yes you could. My friends from Poly and I use to go to the Pike almost every weekend or so and ride the rides. of course at that tie you could walk all over Long Beach and never get into that much trouble. We had to contend with he sailors that were at the Pike. We would ride the roller coaster that would go out over the Ocean. They eventually cut that back and the roller coaster no longer went out over the water. The Pike was gone from Long Beach for along time. They have rebuilt it now, though if you went there in the early or late fifties and early sixties it will never be the same. All ways a jack Rabbit.

@sabrinagarcia9006

8y↑1

+Skip Williams Oh, those were the days, Long Beach.

@gtpmmk

12y↑1

Great post. Such a nostalgic feel you get with the unscratched but worn vinyl. A true dustie if there ever was one.

@josephkane1436

6y↑1

Another Timeless Classic Hit Single from Faye Adams With Shake A Hand

@pk06511

11y↑3

My grandmother told me when I was a kid she had her come to her club in the 50s in NC

@noracurran4499

I was 17 years old in the sixtees They were the best Oh that beautiful music They just don't have it anymore

@jimg1474

12y↑1

I was about 13 years old, when my next door neighbor would play it every day when she got home from work.

@helenalexander7680

was at jackson jr. high in houston when this came out . we all loved this and surely was number 1.

@dtyolmn

14y↑1

Sure brings back great memories

@josephkane2148

7y↑7

I do Love Elvis singing this song but this is Just a real timeless Classic single as it came out in 1951 such a great song anyway

@danadorman27

6y↑8

Just watched The Cosby Show the episode of Theo's problem Cliff and Clair danced to this song

@koolpopjones6499

49w

Yep😂

@jettcarlburg356

4y↑1

So. Much. Beauty!!!!

@reckonimokie

14y

thanks for posting. Yes, these were the good old days.

@latokatn506

8y↑1

Remember this type music very well great talent in those days Thanks

@willpowell7039

7y↑30

The Cosby show brought me here

@erlinedelice6597

4y↑1

Yeah me to

@willpowell7039

@@erlinedelice6597 u wanna be wit me

@johnconway6976

That's what she said - after she woke up in a strange place 😅

@shorelineboy

13y

first time i have heard this version its brilliant what a voice i have lavern baker and jackie wilson,s which is also brilliant (of course). Its so good to come across treasures like this for the first time Thanks

@deborahgibson4285

10y↑7

I don't think I ever thanked you for posting this. Thank you, thank you! I've played this so many times & added it to my 50's playlist. & shared it. lol. You've brought a lot of people joy. Thank you soooo much for taking the time to do this, much appreciated

@shorelineboy

Wow first time I have this by this lady brilliantl

@alvinjones1549

17w

I like that song yes

@BearWa11ace

15y

You share great music... you give us a chance to hear music we would never be exposed to with out you.. thanks for all your posts.. Much Appreciation!!! your friend Wa11ace.

@everettlhollins6891

9y↑3

This is the Very First Professional I played behind in 1960, Then Patty LaBelle and the Blue Bells, The Chantels,(Maybe) Jimmy Reed( Bright lights, Big City, then 1961 Gary US Bonds, 1962 Ruth Brown, Joe Medlin,

@billchew450

15y↑1

Thank you so much for posting this.. the scratches add to the authenticity!

@oneluv72

Clare and Cliff Huxtable's reunion dance!! 💯

@rickgrandich3054

Oh boy,,, what memories.

@galaxiexl500

15y

A great song from 1953-54. The Great Joe Morris band and that's Joe singing in the back ground. I never heard Lavern Baker sing this song.

@MusicLoverPearson

7y↑37

She's still alive at 93 yrs young

@williambaker194

6y↑1

MusicLover STILL ALIVE AT 93. RIGHT ON

@johnybaltimore3687

6y↑2

faye scruggs

@shirleneking2354

5y↑1

For real God blessed her Ms. Faye Adams

@jerrylyons9279

5y↑1

your post is now 2years gone, hopefully she's still with us. this song was on px juke bon, ft. bliss, texas, 1953. lloyd price played it and later me.still love it today. may GOD bless miss faye adams.

@Rich2241

4y↑2

@@jerrylyons9279 Will be 97 this May

1 More Replies...

@bohonk123

15y↑1

this was popular when i was young--soooo good

@annisefuller5541

I Love THIS song with ALL OF ME, reminds me of Mommy & Daddy, brings tears to my eyes, cause they were so In Love I was 9 in1953..

@jeannedavis2539

19w

You go girl!❤

@im1sinfulman

THANK YOU FOR SHARING,

@arhuxtable

14y↑1

This song is playing during the final scene of the season 4 episode THE PROM. In fact I watched this just the other night on DVD(I have all 8 seasons). THE PROM was Theo's that he,two buddies and all their dates were enroute to but ended upon arrival. Adam Sandler guest-starred.