Grandma's Hands
Bill Withers
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Grandma's hands 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 "Might be snakes there in that grass" 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't drop no apple core" But I don't have Grandma anymore If I get to Heaven I'll look for Grandma's hands
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5 fans
Written by: Bill Withers
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
11 facts about this song
Song Origin"Grandma's Hands" was written and performed by the iconic soul music artist, Bill Withers. It was released in May 1971 as a single from his breakthrough studio album "Just As I Am".
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Album History"Grandma's Hands" is considered a staple in the collection of Bill Withers music. The song was actually part of his debut album, where the other standout hit was "Ain't No Sunshine”.
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Song Inspiration"Grandma's Hands" is a tribute to Withers' own grandmother. His touching lyrics depict an affectionate portrayal of her and the wholesome rural values she instilled in him while raising him in a small coal-mining town in West Virginia, USA.
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Chart PerformanceThough not as commercially successful as some of his other hits, "Grandma's Hands" reached No.18 on the R&B chart and No.42 on the Billboard Hot 100.
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Song InfluenceThe powerful message and soulful melody of "Grandma's Hands" left an impact on other artists as well. The song has been sampled extensively by hip-hop and R&B artists, most notably by Blackstreet in their song "No Diggity".
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Live PerformancesIn 1972, a year after the song's release, Bill Withers performed "Grandma's Hands" live on the popular music show "Top of the Pops," which helped to solidify his international fame.
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Genre and StyleThe song is marked by its fusion of folk, gospel, and soul music, a musical style that was unique to Bill Withers and helped him stand out in the music industry of the 1970s.
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Song Length"Grandma's Hands" clocks in at barely over two minutes, making it a short but impactful musical tribute to a grandmother's love.
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LyricsThe lyrics of the song don't merely honor his grandmother’s hands, but her spiritual reminders and constant selfless acts that became foundational in Withers’ life and outlook
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Posthumous RecognitionSince the death of Bill Withers in 2020, "Grandma's Hands" has been rediscovered and appreciated by many fans and is considered one of his most impactful and personal songs.
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Music VideoThe imagery in the music video for "Grandma's Hands" helped to communicate the song’s heartfelt message, featuring shots of a warm, rural community setting and numerous family interactions.
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Citation
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"Grandma's Hands Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 19 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/28554209/Bill+Withers/Grandma%27s+Hands>.
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