[edit] Career
Wariner began performing as a youth in his father's band and in local clubs. In 1971, he was hired as a bassist for Dottie West's band. He also worked heavily with Chet Atkins (one of his childhood influences) and he played with Bob Luman's band.
His first major recording contract was with RCA Records in 1978. His first single releases failed to chart in the top 40 of Billboard magazine's Hot Country Singles chart, although the song "I'm Already Taken" was re-released in 1999, peaking at #3 that year. His first No. 1 hit came in December, 1981, with "All Roads Lead to You."
However, his real popularity didn't take off until the mid-1980s, when he began recording for MCA Records. During his six-year stint with MCA, he scored 19 consecutive top 10 hits, eight of them going to No. 1 on Billboard magazine's Hot Country Singles chart. The most successful of those songs included "Some Fools Never Learn" (1985, his second No. 1 hit), "What I Didn't Do" (1985), "You Can Dream of Me" (1986), "Lynda" (1987) and "I Got Dreams" (1989).
In the early 1990s, Wariner continued his success with Arista Records, with several of his songs reaching the top 10. But his success soon tapered off, as radio programmers became more interested in newer performers.
Wariner, however, continued to maintain his popularity through his instrumental talents. One example was 1991's "Restless," a collaboration with Ricky Skaggs, Vince Gill and Mark O'Connor (from O'Connor's album The New Nashville Cats). "Restless" won Wariner (as well as Skaggs and Gill) his first Grammy Award in 1991 for Best Country Vocal Collaboration. In 1996, Wariner released an album of all instrumental tracks called No More Mr. Nice Guy. Though well-received by critics, it proved to be Wariner's last album for Arista.
Wariner also remained in the public eye with his songwriting talents. His composition, "Longneck Bottle" (a No. 1 hit by Garth Brooks), along with a No. 1 duet from early 1998 with singer Anita Cochran called "What If I Said" (his first No. 1 in more than eight years) reinvigorated Wariner's career.
The highlight of Wariner's career came in the spring of 1998. Now recording for Capitol Records, his song "Holes in the Floor of Heaven" - a song about dealing with grief of close friends and relatives - promptly shot to No. 2 and won the Country Music Association awards for Single of the Year and Song of the Year.
Wariner also collaborated with other well-known singers and songwriters, including Clint Black and Bill Anderson; he also scored several more hits, most notably 1999's "Two Teardrops" and "I'm Already Taken" (the latter a re-recording of his 1978 debut release).
[edit] Discography
Main article: Steve Wariner discography
[edit] External links
The Official Fan Club Website
Grand Ole Opry Bio
Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Wariner"
The Hand That Rocks the Cradle
Steve Wariner Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The she took him up and held him to her breast
And he sure was glad to get what mama offered
Then he went to sleep and put his fears to rest
It didn't seem to matter what he needed
He could always count on mama to supply
And regardless of the sleep she might be losin'
There ought to be a hall of fame for mamas
Creation's most unique and precious pearls
And heaven help us always to remember
That the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world
She taught him all the attributes of greatness
That she knew he couldn't learn away from home
And by the time she wore the cover off her bible
Her hair was gray and her little man was gone
There ought to be a hall of fame for mamas
Creation's most unique and precious pearls
And heaven help us always to remember
That the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world
Yes, the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world
The lyrics to Steve Wariner's song, The Hand That Rocks the Cradle, are a tribute to mothers and the important role they play in nurturing and raising their children. The first verse describes a newborn baby who is scared and crying, but his mother offers him comfort and nourishment, allowing him to fall asleep peacefully. The second verse emphasizes the sacrifices mothers make in order to provide for their children. No matter what they need, a mother can always find a way to give it to them. The chorus argues that mothers are unique and precious pearls who deserve recognition and appreciation for the incredible job they do raising children. The final verse speaks to the idea that a mother's love and teachings can stay with a child long after they have left home.
Line by Line Meaning
He got here and wrinkled scared and cryin'
The baby was born and was wrinkled, scared, and crying.
Then she took him up and held him to her breast
His mother picked him up and held him close to her chest.
And he sure was glad to get what mama offered
The baby was comforted by his mother's care.
Then he went to sleep and put his fears to rest
The baby felt safe and secure in his mother's arms and was able to sleep soundly.
It didn't seem to matter what he needed
Whatever the baby needed, his mother was there to provide it for him.
He could always count on mama to supply
The baby knew that his mother would always take care of him.
And regardless of the sleep she might be losin'
Even if his mother didn't get enough sleep, she still made sure to take care of her baby.
He always found a twinkle in her eye
His mother loved him very much and always looked at him with affection.
There ought to be a hall of fame for mamas
Mothers should be recognized and celebrated for their unique and valuable role.
Creation's most unique and precious pearls
Mothers are one of the most special and valuable creations.
And heaven help us always to remember
We should never forget the importance of mothers and the role they play.
That the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world
Mothers have tremendous influence over their children and can shape the future of the world through their love and care for their children.
She taught him all the attributes of greatness
His mother instilled in him the values and characteristics that would lead to greatness later in life.
That she knew he couldn't learn away from home
His mother knew that these values and characteristics were best taught at home.
And by the time she wore the cover off her bible
His mother was devoted to her faith and her family, and spent a lot of time nurturing both.
Her hair was gray and her little man was gone
By the time her son grew up and left the house, his mother had aged and was no longer the young mother who had cared for him as a baby.
Lyrics ยฉ Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: TONY IOMMI, TERRENCE BUTLER, ANTHONY PHILIP HARFORD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
93droptop1
Thanks for uploading, great tribute to mama's. Love seeing Glen and Steve together.
Vito Sciortino
Two of my favorite singers.
Johnny Hester
We played this at my mamaโs wake. Beautiful song.
Russell Shepherd
I am a bluegrass guitarist vocalist and love singing this song for my beautiful mama who has lived in heaven since 2015,and I know that as sure as I will see her again one day, you will also see your beautiful mother again one day โค๏ธ ๐
M Schaaf
A beautiful rendition by 2 of America's finest musicians!
jamison
Two fantastic singers, two great voices, and two fine tuned guitars. Great song and duo! I lived in Noblesville, Indiana....Steve Wariners hometown, back in the 1980's. Was a really nice and congenial guy. Personality as good as his voice!
Joe Jackson
I remember listening to a radio interview with Steve not long after Glen passed. He was absolutely heartbroken!! Glen was a musical prodigy and first to have crossover hits in Rock, Pop, and Country.
Mary Foerster
Awesome song! Love this duet! Best of Country music!
Dan Mabry
IN MY THOUGHTS THIS IS ONE OF THE GREATEST SONGS EVER WRITTEN
Penny Boone
I lost mom in June 2022 and would very much liked to have played this song at her funeral but couldnโt. This is for you mom with all my love. Russ