Last learned how to play piano as child, switching to bass as a teenager. He joined Hans-Gunther Oesterreich's Radio Bremen Dance Orchestra in 1946, when he was 17 years old. In 1948, he became the leader of the Becker-Last Ensemble, which performed for seven years. During that time, he was voted as the best bassist in the country by a German jazz poll for three consecutive years, from 1950-1952. After the disbandment of the Becker-Last Ensemble, he became the in-house arranger for Polydor Records, as well as for a number of European radio stations. For the next decade, he helped arrange hits for artists like Helmut Zacharias and Caterina Valente.
Last released his first album "Non-Stop Dancing" in 1965. The record of brief renditions of popular songs, all tied together by an insistent dance beat and joyous crowd noises. It was a hit and helped make him a major European star. Over the next four decades, Last has released over 190 records, including several more volumes of Non-Stop Dancing. On these records, he varies his formula by adding different songs from different countries and genres, as well as guest performers like Richard Clayderman and Astrud Gilberto.
Though his concerts and albums are consistently successful — especially in England, where he had 52 hit albums between 1967-1986, which made him second to Elvis Presley in terms of number of charting records — he has only had two hit singles with "The Seduction," the theme from American Gigolo (1980) and Biscaya from the album "Biscaya".
He has won numerous polls and prizes, for example Billboard magazine's "Star of the year" trophy in 1976, and has been honored for his lifework with the German ECHO prize in 1994.
The song "The Lonely Shepherd", written by Last and performed by Gheorghe Zamfir and the James Last Orchestra, was featured in the soundtrack to Quentin Tarantino's film "Kill Bill Vol. 1" (2003).
Personally, he divides his time between Florida and Germany. He gives much credit to his wife and son, who helps with the music.
Put Your Hand in the Hand
James Last Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Who stilled the water
Put your hand in the hand of the man
Who calmed the sea
Take a look at yourself
And you can look at others differently
Put your hand in the hand of the man
From Galilee
Put your hand in the hand of the man
Who stilled the water
Put your hand in the hand of the man
Who calmed the sea
Take a look at yourself
And you can look at others differently
Put your hand in the hand of the man
From Galilee
Every time I look into the Holy Book I wanna tremble
When I read about the part where a carpenter cleared the temple
For the buyers and the sellers were no different fellers than what I confess to be
And it causes me shame to know we're not the people we should be
Put your hand in the hand of the man
Who stilled the water
Put your hand in the hand of the man
Who calmed the sea
Take a look at yourself
And you can look at others differently
Put your hand in the hand of the man
From Galilee
Put your hand in the hand of the man
Who stilled the water
Put your hand in the hand of the man
Who calmed the sea
Take a look at yourself
And you can look at others differently
Put your hand in the hand of the man
From Galilee
Put your hand in the hand of the man
Who stilled the water
Put your hand in the hand of the man
Who calmed the sea
Take a look at yourself
And you can look at others differently
Put your hand in the hand of the man
From Galilee
Put your hand in the hand of the man
Who stilled the water
Put your hand in the hand of the man
Who calmed the sea
The lyrics to James Last's song, "Put Your Hand in the Hand," carry a message of seeking guidance and solace from a higher power, specifically Jesus Christ. The repetition of the line "Put your hand in the hand of the man" emphasizes the act of surrendering and entrusting oneself to the power and love of Jesus. The references to "stilling the water" and "calming the sea" allude to Jesus' miracles of calming a stormy sea and walking on water, emphasizing his ability to bring peace and stability in the midst of chaos and turmoil.
The second verse delves deeper into self-reflection and introspection. The mention of looking into the Holy Book (likely referring to the Bible) and feeling trembles suggests a sense of awe and reverence for the teachings and stories contained within. The reference to a carpenter clearing the temple alludes to the biblical account of Jesus driving out the merchants and moneylenders from the temple, highlighting the need for righteousness and purity in one's actions and intentions. The acknowledgment of personal failings and the recognition that we all fall short of the ideals we aspire to brings about a sense of shame and the desire to change.
Overall, the lyrics encourage listeners to place their trust and faith in Jesus, as he is portrayed as a powerful and compassionate figure capable of providing guidance, peace, and redemption. It also prompts self-reflection and the need to examine one's own actions and attitudes towards others.
Line by Line Meaning
Put your hand in the hand of the man
Place your trust and reliance in the guidance and support of a powerful individual
Who stilled the water
The man has the ability to bring calmness and serenity to chaotic situations
Put your hand in the hand of the man
Continue to trust and rely on this man's abilities
Who calmed the sea
The man has the power to bring peace and tranquility even in the face of immense turmoil
Take a look at yourself
Reflect introspectively on your own actions and behavior
And you can look at others differently
By understanding yourself, you will gain a new perspective on others and their actions
Put your hand in the hand of the man
Continue to trust and rely on this man's abilities
From Galilee
The man comes from the region of Galilee, which holds significant religious importance
Every time I look into the Holy Book I wanna tremble
Each time I read the sacred text, I am filled with awe and reverence
When I read about the part where a carpenter cleared the temple
Specifically, the part where a carpenter took action to remove those who were exploiting the temple for personal gain
For the buyers and the sellers were no different fellers than what I confess to be
The individuals involved in commercial activities within the temple were not morally superior to myself
And it causes me shame to know we're not the people we should be
Realizing our collective failure to embody the ideals we aspire to fills me with regret and embarrassment
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: GENE MAC LELLAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind