Mama's Hands
My daddy's hands held tens and twos
While mama's were holding me
And daddy's hand lost everything
To a hand of kings and threes
And daddy's hands they shook so bad
That he turned to wine
But mama's hands were strong and calm
As they held on to mine
Mama's hands sewed pants and skirts
And ironed all through the night
And mama's hands would plant the crops
When the time was right
Mama's hands would pick the fruit
And cut the wood for the fire
And never once in all those years
Did mama's hands grow tired
Mama's hands held on to mine
To guide me day and night
And it took the sting of mama's hands
To teach me wrong from right
When times were bad and money slim
She'd fold those hands and pray
And somehow she would make the beans
Hold out another day
Now mama's hands are cold with age
They tremble as she prays
But her voice is strong as she thanks God
For the bygone days
She looks at me
And then she smiles
She knows I understand
That everything I am today
I owe to mama's hands
That everything I am today
I owe to mama's hands