Mark Collie (born January 18, 1956 in Waynesboro, Tennessee) is an American… Read Full Bio ↴Mark Collie (born January 18, 1956 in Waynesboro, Tennessee) is an American country singer/songwriter and occasional actor.

His first single, "Something With a Ring to It" was co-written with Aaron Tippin.

Randy Travis and Martina McBride have recorded his songs.

In 1998, Collie appeared as Johnny Cash in the short film, "I Still Miss Someone". Shot mostly in stunning black and white, it captures a moment in time during Cash's darkest years of the mid 1960's.

In The Punisher he played Harry 'Heck' Thornton, an assassin who plays Frank Castle a song, "In Time" (written by Collie) before attempting to kill him.

Married with one son, Mark likes car racing, fishing, golfing, and used to ride bulls.

Mark is a diabetic and volunteers often for the American Diabetes Association. He also hosts the "Mark Collie Celebrity Motorsports Festival For Diabetes Cure", held every October in Nashville at the Nashville Speedway.

One of six children, he showed an early interest in piano and guitar and performed often for his family.

Calloused Hands
Mark Collie Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

This hammer sure feels heavy this close to quittin' time

Even though I'm tired now soon I'll come alive

Wash my hands and change this shirt and head out down the road

That takes me to the one I love waitin' there at home

And it's the sweetest place I've ever been calloused hands love tender skin

That's where the good times all begin calloused hands love tender skin

She knows the world I work in can sometimes take its toll

Hands that work so hard all day need someone soft to hold

She takes the perfume off the shelf and lets her hair hang low

When I hit the door she's there to make sure that I know

And it's the sweetest place...

It's the sweetest place...

Overall Meaning

The song "Calloused Hands" by Mark Collie is a tribute to the blue-collar workers who work hard with their rough hands but still crave for the tenderness of love. The lyrics express the struggles, fatigue, and perseverance of hard-working people who put in a lot of effort throughout the day, but their labor is worth it when they come back home to the ones they love. The first verse describes the singer's feeling of exhaustion at the end of the day, but he also knows that he will feel alive and rejuvenated soon after getting back home. The chorus emphasizes the sweet and tender love between the singer and his lover, where the tough hands represent hard work, and the tender skin represents the gentleness of love.

In the second verse, Collie portrays the importance of having someone to share the ups and downs of life with. The singer's lover understands the nature of his work and provides him with unconditional love and support. She knows how to ease her partner's fatigue and stress, which is why she takes time out to look her best for him. The lyric "hands that work so hard all day need someone soft to hold" beautifully portrays the idea of vulnerability and the need for emotional support at the end of a long and exhausting day.

Overall, "Calloused Hands" is a heartwarming tribute to blue-collar workers who work hard every day to make a living but still crave tenderness and love. The song reminds us of the importance of acknowledging the tireless efforts of these unsung heroes who make our world a better place with their hard work and commitment.

Line by Line Meaning

This hammer sure feels heavy this close to quittin' time
As the workday comes to an end, I'm feeling tired and the task at hand isn't easy.

Even though I'm tired now soon I'll come alive
Although I am currently exhausted, I find my motivation in the thought of seeing my loved one.

Wash my hands and change this shirt and head out down the road
After finishing my work, I clean myself up and head home to my partner.

That takes me to the one I love waitin' there at home
The reason for my return home is to see my significant other who is waiting for me.

And it's the sweetest place I've ever been calloused hands love tender skin
Despite my rough hands from working, being with my partner and their gentle touch make me feel like I'm in the best place in the world.

That's where the good times all begin calloused hands love tender skin
Being with my partner makes everything worthwhile and I find joy in experiencing life's special moments with them.

She knows the world I work in can sometimes take its toll
My partner understands that my work can be physically and emotionally draining.

Hands that work so hard all day need someone soft to hold
After a long day’s work, my rough hands need the comfort and tenderness of my partner’s touch.

She takes the perfume off the shelf and lets her hair hang low
To welcome me home, my partner prepares for a special night and gets ready to make me feel appreciated and loved.

When I hit the door she's there to make sure that I know
As soon as I return home, my partner is there to greet me and remind me of their love and support.

And it's the sweetest place...
Being home with my partner and sharing my life with them will always be the sweetest place and where I find the most happiness.

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, BMG Rights Management
Written by: PATRICK ALGER, EUGENE ALBERT LEVINE

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

TRACKS