From the recording Bookmark (2004)
(slack tuned with the 1st string dropped another whole step to ‘C’ = DGCFAC)
According to some good friends who live in Oakland, CA, this song is an open invitation to weep. I don’t know if this newer rendition makes them cry, but Gabe Scott’s astounding dobro part gives it a new, and welcome, emotion. Amy & Randall Goodgame have a perfect blend of voices for this song.
Lyrics
These Hands
does anyone here remember Wilton Reeves?
does anyone here remember his sweet wife?
made a humble home in south Louisiana
he must have crossed these fields a thousand times
he held her shrivelled hands near his body
he lifted up her useless, withered feet
it’s hard when you hold the hand of struggle
but when you love there’s no way to retreat
these eyes have seen two wars, more than most men
but these hands have longed to hold your figure,
have you touch me with your fingers
I could fall apart deep within your hands
they took their vows before the planting season
but in 1901 there was no time for grieving
she never asked for any of the reasons
he never looked for his within the bottle
what he treasured most of all was giving
he’d kneel down at her side to kiss her cheek
it’s easy when you’ve held the hand of mercy
and when you love there is no way to leave
these eyes have seen two wars, more than most men
but these hands have longed to hold your figure,
have you touch me with your fingers
I could fall apart deep within your hands
does anyone here remember Wilton Reeves?