Perhaps best known for his distinct yodelling, he charted more than seventy singles on the Billboard country charts from 1950 until 1980, including the Number One hits 'I'm Movin' On' and 'I Don't Hurt Anymore'. Performing in lavish and colourful sequin-studded suits, Snow had a career covering six decades during which he sold more than 80 million albums, and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1979.
THERE IS A HANK SNOW MUSEUM CLOSE TO BROOKLYN IN LIVERPOOL, NOVA SCOTIA, APPROPRIATELY, IT IS HOUSED IN AN ABANDONED TRAIN STATION. VERY WELL DONE
I reckon Hank Snow was better known for his distinctive self taught guitar style. Hank was influenced by the famous Rail road blues singer Jimmie Rodgers and though Hank did copy Rodgers style in his early days, including the "blue yodel" he later abandoned this and developed his own gritty style of singing. His guitar playing was so good he once cut a duet album of guitar music with the late Chet Atkins, master country Guitarist and music producer for RCA Victor. Hank was with RCA Victor label for almost 50 years and towards the end of his waning career RCA dropped him, just before he would have celebrated his half century with that label-always thought that was a bit mean of them.. Hank Snow and his Rainbow ranch boys, with Chubby Hayes on fiddle gave really great live concerts and the singing and playing they did was superlative and sounded as good as, if not equal to their recorded works.
These Hands
Hank Snow Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
These hands are calloused and old
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
For these fingers have worked to the bone
Now don't try to judge me by what you'd like me be
For my life ain't been much success
While some people have power but still they grieve
While these hands brought me happiness
Now I'm tired and I'm old
And I ain't got much gold
Maybe things ain't been all that I planned
God above hear my plea when it's time to judge me
Take a look at these hard working hands
(God above hear my plea when it's time to judge me)
Take a look at these hard working hands
The lyrics to Hank Snow's "These Hands" are a reflection on the life of a hard-working individual. The persona in the song acknowledges that his hands are not the hands of a gentleman; they are calloused and old, the hands of a laborer. But these hands have accomplished much in his lifetime. They raised a family and built a home. They were used to praise the Lord, and they also won the heart of his loved one. These hands have worked tirelessly to fulfill their tasks, and the persona is content with what they have achieved. He doesn't wish to be judged by his current circumstances, as his life has not been one of great success, but his hands have brought him happiness.
The persona is now old and tired, and he knows his time is coming soon. He has not accumulated much wealth, and things haven't gone quite as planned. But he pleads with God to take a look at his hard-working hands when it's time to judge him. He hopes that God will see the value in the work he has done with his hands and not just the material possessions he has or hasn't accumulated.
The song's main theme is the value of hard work and the importance of recognizing the contributions of blue-collar workers. It acknowledges that while some people have power and wealth, it is the hands that do the work that deserve recognition and respect.
Line by Line Meaning
These hands ain't the hands of a gentleman
These hands are not soft and delicate like those of a refined and cultured man
These hands are calloused and old
These hands are rough and worn from years of hard work
These hands raised a family
These hands provided for and cared for a family
These hands built a home
These hands constructed a place for a family to live
Now these hands raised to praise the Lord
These hands are now used to worship and give thanks to God
These hands won the heart of my loved one
These hands were a part of charming and winning over a significant other
And with hers they were never alone
These hands were always held and accompanied by those of a beloved partner
If these hands filled their task
If these hands fulfilled their duties and responsibilities
Then what more could one ask
What other expectations or demands could there be
For these fingers have worked to the bone
These fingers have tirelessly toiled and endured exhaustion
Now don't try to judge me by what you'd like me be
Don't evaluate or criticize me based on your own standards or preferences
For my life ain't been much success
My existence has not been particularly prosperous or triumphant
While some people have power but still they grieve
Others may have influence or authority, but still experience sorrow or pain
While these hands brought me happiness
These hands have provided joy and fulfillment in my life
Now I'm tired and I'm old
Now, I am exhausted and elderly
And I ain't got much gold
And, I don't have much wealth or possessions
Maybe things ain't been all that I planned
Perhaps my life has not unfolded according to my expectations
God above hear my plea when it's time to judge me
God, please listen to my request when it's time to evaluate me
Take a look at these hard working hands
Consider these hands which have labored committedly
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: EDDIE NOACK
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
purlin31622
on On The Beach At Waikiki
Should be spelled 'Honikau, a wikiwiki' per original 1915 sheet music at https://www.sheetmusicsinger.com/on-the-beach-at-waikiki/
Lowrie
on Galveston Rose
Lyric shouldn't have a question mark at the end; no big deal!