Song Description

Son reflects on his father, focusing on his hands and how they shaped his life

Lyrics

THE OLD MAN'S HANDS
MUSIC AND LYRICS BY SKEET FITZGERALD 11/10/2021
C G
The first time I felt my Daddy's hand. He was holding me and showing me our land
Am F C G
Said "Son I'm doing the best I can, with these old man's hands"
C G
My mama showed me a photograph, he was tickling me - and making me laugh
Am F C G
Holding me down in the long green grass, with his old man's hands.
C G
Baling hay or picking the corn, he worked a lifetime before I was even born.
Am F C G
They always kept us safe and warm. The old man's hands.
CHORUS
Am G Am G
Have you seen an old man's hands? Start out empty but they're full of plans.
F Em F G C
Grabbing life the best they can. I always loved the old man's hands.

C G
Believed in God and what the Good Book said. But I was young and foolish, losing my head.
Am F C G
When I didn't listen to what was said, I felt the old man's hands.
C G
"Spare the rod and spoil the child." Afterwards he gentle, he was mild.
Am F C G
I saw the tears when he tried to smile, behind the old man's hands.
C G
My sisters married and left the farm. Went down the aisle on my daddy's arm.
Am F C G
Their young men turned to look at him, then shook the old man's hand.

(CHORUS)

C G
They taught me how to draw the knife. How to walk away - without a fight.
Am F C G
They held me up throughout my life, the old man's hands.
C G
Then came the day my father cried. Losing his farm - losing his pride
Am F C G
Something touched me deep inside, I felt the old man's hands.
C G
Years have passed our children have all grown. Got wives and husbands and children of their own.
Am F C G
My wife and I are dancing all alone. She holds this old man's hands.

CHORUS
Am G Am G
Have you seen an old man's hands? Start out empty but they're full of plans.
F Em F G C
Grabbing life the best they can. I always loved the old man's hands.
Em F G F C
Grabbing life the best they can....I always loved the old man's hands.