Lorber started to play the piano when he was four years old and after playing in a number of R&B bands as a teen, went on to attend Berklee College of Music, where he developed his love for jazz.
In 1982, Lorber recorded his first solo album It's A Fact, which explored Lorber's R&B roots with a smoother, more synth-heavy sound. The album featured a new backing band as well as contributions from former Fusion bandmate Kenny G and legendary percussionist Paulinho Da Costa. It's A Fact also contained several songs with vocalists, a stark contrast to the instrumental recordings of the Fusion.
1984 was a prolific year for Lorber, who followed up his solo debut with In the Heat of the Night and Lift Off. Later that same year, Lorber teamed up with influential R&B production duo David Frank and Mic Murphy, otherwise known as The System, to produce his most successful effort to date, Step By Step. The synth-driven title track rose to number 31 on the R&B charts.
His subsequent albums continued to evolve in a smooth jazz direction. Two greatest hits compilations, The Definitive Collection and The Very Best of Jeff Lorber, were released in 2000 and 2002 respectively. To date, he has recorded a dozen solo albums, his most recent being 2005's Flipside which was nominated for a Grammy Award in the Best Pop Instrumental Album category.
Lorber has done extensive production and session work for other artists including Dave Koz, Eric Benet, and Herb Alpert, as well as working on a track for the critically acclaimed 1997 PlayStation game Castlevania: Symphony of the Night. In addition to his recording and performing, Lorber also hosts his own show on Sirius Satellite Radio.
Grandma
Jeff Lorber Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Clapped in church on Sunday morning
Grandma's hands
Played a tambourine so well
Grandma's hands
Used to issue out a warning
She'd say, "Billy don't you run so fast
Might fall on a piece of glass
Grandma's hands
Grandma's hands
Soothed a local unwed mother
Grandma's hands
Used to ache sometimes and swell
Grandma's hands
Used to lift her face and tell her,
"Baby, Grandma understands
That you really love that man
Put yourself in Jesus hands"
Grandma's hands
Grandma's hands
Used to hand me piece of candy
Grandma's hands
Picked me up each time I fell
Grandma's hands
Boy, they really came in handy
She'd say, "Matty don' you whip that boy
What you want to spank him for?
He didn' drop no apple core"
But I don't have Grandma anymore
If I get to Heaven I'll look for
Grandma's hands
The song "Grandma's Hands" by Jeff Lorber tells a heartfelt story of a grandmother who played an important role in the singer's life. The song begins by describing the role of Grandma's hands as she clapped and played the tambourine in church on Sunday mornings. But her hands were not just for music, Grandma's hands would also issue out warnings to the singer, advising him not to run too fast, and to be careful of potential dangers.
The second verse tells of Grandma's compassionate nature as her hands soothed the pain of a local unwed mother. Despite her own aches and pains, Grandma would lift the woman's face and reassure her that she understands the love she has for the man in her life, and to put herself in Jesus' hands. The final verse reflects on the many ways Grandma's hands were useful, from handing out candy to lifting the singer every time he fell.
Overall, "Grandma's Hands" is an ode to the power of a loving grandparent and the impact they can have on a person's life. Through her hands, Grandma was able to impart wisdom, comfort, and love to the singer and it is clear that her memory still lives on in the singer's heart.
Line by Line Meaning
Grandma's hands Clapped in church on Sunday morning
Grandma would joyfully clap her hands during Sunday morning church services.
Grandma's hands Played a tambourine so well
Grandma had a special talent for playing the tambourine in church.
Grandma's hands Used to issue out a warning She'd say, "Billy don't you run so fast Might fall on a piece of glass Might be snakes there in that grass"
Grandma was concerned for her grandson's safety and would caution him to be careful while playing and running outside.
Grandma's hands Soothed a local unwed mother
Grandma would comfort and support a local unmarried mother in need of someone to talk to.
Grandma's hands Used to ache sometimes and swell
Despite the pain and swelling in her hands, Grandma was always there to help others without complaint.
Grandma's hands Used to lift her face and tell her, "Baby, Grandma understands That you really love that man Put yourself in Jesus hands"
Grandma would give emotional support and guidance to a young woman struggling with her relationship, reminding her to trust in God to guide her.
Grandma's hands Used to hand me piece of candy Grandma's hands Picked me up each time I fell Grandma's hands Boy, they really came in handy She'd say, "Matty don' you whip that boy What you want to spank him for? He didn' drop no apple core"
Grandma was always there for her grandson, providing him with comfort and treats when he needed it, and defending him from any unreasonable punishment.
But I don't have Grandma anymore
Sadly, Grandma has passed away and is no longer with us.
If I get to Heaven I'll look for Grandma's hands
The artist hopes to see his beloved Grandma again in Heaven and be comforted once again by her loving and supportive presence.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BILL WITHERS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind