These Hands
Embracing Life's Grit: A Tribute to Resilient Hands
Lyrics
They've come a long ways from monkey bars and catch out in the yard
Reflecting on the journey from childhood innocence (monkey bars and catch) to adulthood responsibilities (9-5's and buying drinks for pretty girls).
To 9-5's and buying drinks for pretty girls in smokey bars
Acknowledging the transition to a more adult life, including socializing in bars.
They'll pick you up, They'll end a fight, They'll do the best they can
Describing the hands as supportive and capable, willing to pick someone up and end conflicts.
I thank God for these hands
Expressing gratitude to God for the hands and their capabilities.
They're not much to look at
Admitting that the hands may not be visually impressive.
Blue collared as they get
Emphasizing the hands' working-class nature.
They make good on a bet
Highlighting the reliability of the hands, making good on promises.
They pass out cigarettes
Suggesting a rough lifestyle, possibly involving smoking.
I should fold 'em and pray more than just when I get the chance
A self-awareness that the hands should be folded in prayer more often.
Cuz all I got are these hands
Stressing the importance of the hands in the absence of other resources.
They've got the same blood running through 'em
Highlighting a familial connection, as the hands share the same bloodline as the speaker's father and grandfather.
As my daddy and my grandpa
Indicating a sense of heritage and lineage.
They've got scars, and they've been burned, they've put a hole or two in a wall
Listing physical evidence of the hands' experiences, such as scars and burns.
They've let love slip right thru 'em, time and time again
Admitting mistakes in love, acknowledging missed opportunities.
I thank God for these hands
Expressing gratitude to God despite imperfections.
They're not much to look at
Reiterating that the hands may not be visually impressive.
Blue collared as they get
Emphasizing the working-class nature of the hands.
They make good on a bet
Reinforcing the reliability of the hands in fulfilling commitments.
They pass out cigarettes
Continuing to depict a rough lifestyle, possibly involving smoking.
I should fold 'em and pray more than just when I get the chance
Acknowledging the need for more prayer and reflection.
Cuz all I got are these hands
Reiterating the central role of the hands in the speaker's life.
They're not bad with a six string
Highlighting another skill of the hands, playing a guitar.
They've know every dive bar song
Showing familiarity with common songs played in dive bars.
They write words and melodies
Describing the hands' creative abilities in writing words and melodies.
That'll be here when I'm gone
Asserting the lasting impact of the hands' creative output.
They're not much to look at
Repeating the idea that the hands may not be visually impressive.
Blue collared as they get
Reiterating the working-class nature of the hands.
They make good on a bet
Affirming the hands' reliability in fulfilling commitments.
They pass out cigarettes
Continuing to depict a rough lifestyle, possibly involving smoking.
I should fold 'em and pray more than just when I get the chance
Echoing the need for more prayer and reflection.
Cuz All I got are these hands
Reiterating the central role of the hands in the speaker's life.
I thank God for these hands
Concluding with gratitude towards God for the hands and their significance.
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