Ralph McTell is probably best known for the song Streets of London which has been covered by over a hundred artists around the world. From Clare to Here has proved almost as popular, during a long and continuing recording and performing career.
McTell's guitar style has been influenced by many of the USA's country blues 'Piedmont- style' guitar players of the early 20th century, including Blind Blake and Blind Willie McTell, from whom he took his name.
Hands of Joseph
Ralph McTell Lyrics
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They said, They're the hands of a carpenter
They're big and they're powerful and they're strong
They're the hands that should work in wood
And they're the hands that should work a long day
Joseph he did all those things
But he also learned how to play
That the people wished they had
How he heard the voice of Jesus
When the rolling sea got mad
He's a boat in the harbour, he's safe in that love
He know some day he'll be sailing above
When they looked at Joseph's hands
They said, They're the hands of a stonemason
They're big and they're powerful and they're strong
They're the hands that should work in stone
And they're the hands that should work a long day
Joseph he did all those things
But he also learned how to play
When they looked at Joseph's hands
They said, They're the hands of a fisherman
The musician and the mason-carpenter
And he's happy all the time
For they're working every day
And those old hands of Joseph
Oh how they can play.
The song "Hands of Joseph" by Ralph McTell is all about the different talents and abilities that Joseph possessed. Despite working as a carpenter, a stonemason, and a fisherman, Joseph also had a musical side to him. When people looked at his hands, they could see the hard work and strength in them, but they failed to recognize the beauty that could come from them.
The song speaks to the idea that one's abilities and talents are not limited to just one thing, and that people can have many different interests and gifts. Joseph's hands were strong enough to work hard labor, but they were also capable of playing music and bringing joy to others.
The lyrics also touch upon Joseph's faith and his belief that he would one day sail above, perhaps alluding to his belief in the afterlife. This adds another layer of depth to the song and shows how faith can play a role in one's talents and abilities.
Overall, "Hands of Joseph" is a beautiful tribute to the idea that people are multi-dimensional and capable of so much more than what meets the eye.
Line by Line Meaning
When they looked at Joseph's hands
People saw Joseph's hands
They said, They're the hands of a carpenter
The people thought that Joseph had the hands of a carpenter
They're big and they're powerful and they're strong
His hands were large, mighty and robust
They're the hands that should work in wood
People believed these hands were perfect for woodworking
And they're the hands that should work a long day
The people expected Joseph to work with these hands for long hours
Joseph he did all those things
Joseph did in fact work as a carpenter
But he also learned how to play
But Joseph also learned to play music
He would sing about joy, sing about faith
He sang about hope and spiritual matters
That the people wished they had
Things that people also wanted to experience
How he heard the voice of Jesus
He heard the voice of Jesus talking to him
When the rolling sea got mad
When the sea became rough
He's a boat in the harbour, he's safe in that love
Joseph is safe in Jesus' love
He know some day he'll be sailing above
Joseph believed that someday he'll go to heaven to be with Jesus
When they looked at Joseph's hands
People looked at his hands again
They said, They're the hands of a stonemason
People saw his hands as those of a stonemason
They're the hands that should work in stone
His hands were well suited for working with stone
When they looked at Joseph's hands
People saw his hands once again
They said, They're the hands of a fisherman
People also thought his hands were perfect for fishing
The musician and the mason-carpenter
Joseph was a musician as well as a mason-carpenter
And he's happy all the time
Joseph was always happy
For they're working every day
Because he worked daily
And those old hands of Joseph
His hands, although old, still served him well
Oh how they can play
His hands could play music beautifully
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: RALPH MCTELL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@joshuabrande2417
what a wonderful song and fantastic playing. Great singer too.
@Blindarthur
I absolutely LOVE these two pieces. Such a wonderful and honest tribute to Joseph Spence. Fabulous playing 🙏😜👍
@raymondolino
Simply genius....voice and guitar of a master. Nice one Ralph !
@happycow58
i love this song, the more i hear it the more i love it! thanks for posting!
@np8754
What a fantastic performance compared to the "studio" version. Great!
@Bjowolf2
Excellent - thanks for posting, Been trying to learn how to play this tune forever ;-)
@stevewhiteley9249
The instrumental at the end is also known as ‘old gloryland’ and ‘great dreams from heaven’ - John Renbourn used to play (and sing) it - lovely tune.
@Bjowolf2
About Joseph Spence - a guitarist and singer from the Bahamas with a very unique playing and singing style. Ralph is partially immitating him in this tribute to him 🤗
@stevewhiteley9249
One of my favourites of Ralph's, the Spence tune is also known as 'great dreams of heaven' or 'old gloryland'. Also check out John Renbourn's playing of it which he segues with 'abide with me'. Two of the worlds best guitarists, both from England.
@jmichaelbellenger
Pure Gold....That's all I can say.