Bill Withers vs. Anthony David | Head 2 Head

In the 22^nd edition of Head 2 Head (2023), Bill Withers and Anthony David contend for the best rendition of “Grandma’s Hands.”

Welcome to Head 2 Head! On Head 2 Head , we pit at least two musicians singing the same song together, comparing their performances.  Then, after much deliberation, we deliver a verdict of which performance was the best, or at least, subjectively, which performance moved us more.  In the 22nd edition of head 2 head (2023), Bill Withers and Anthony David contend for the best rendition of “Grandma’s Hands”. So, without further ado, let the Head 2 Head commence!

1. Bill Withers, “Grandma’s Hands”

Just As I Am • Sony Music Entertainment • 1971

“Grandma’s hands clapped in church on Sunday morning / Grandma’s hands played a tambourine so well,” Bill Withers sings in the first verse of his classic, “Grandma’s Hands”. “Grandma’s Hands” appears as the third track on the legendary musician’s 1971 album, Just As I Am.  Notably, “Grandma’s Hands” follows the biggest hit from the album, “Ain’t No Sunshine”, which won a Grammy for Best Rhythm & Blues Song.  No, “Grandma’s Hands” isn’t the biggest commercial hit of Wither’s career,  but it still impacted the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at no. 42.  More importantly, it’s a thoughtfully penned ode to Grandma!  

“Grandma’s hands sooth the local unwed mother / Grandma’s hands used to ache sometimes and swell.” “Grandma’s hands” speaks to the importance of a grandmother in many people’s life – not merely her grandchildren.  She plays a community maternal role having experienced so much life.  In the second verse, over the soulful groove and acoustic guitar-fueled backdrop, Withers continues, “Grandma’s hands used to lift her face and tell her / She’d say, ‘Baby, Grandma understands / That you really loved that man / Put yourself in Jesus’ hands.’” One of the most notable lyrics Wither sings arrives at the end of the third verse: “But I don’t have Grandma anymore / If I get to heaven I’ll look for / Grandma’s hands.” Withers’ ode to his grandmother – her caring, nurturing ways and her prudence – is incredibly touching.  “Grandma’s Hands” keeps things short, but ultimately, this 70s soul joint is incredibly sweet.    

Appears in :

• Bill Withers, “Grandma’s Hands”: Throwback Vibez ️ 120 (2022)

2. Anthony David, “Grandma’s Hands”

Hello Like Before: The Songs of Bill Withers • Shanachie Ent. Corp. • 2018 

Anthony David recollects grandma on “Grandma’s Hands”, the opener from his 2018, Bill Withers covers album, Hello Like Before: The Songs of Bill Withers.  Obviously, David isn’t explicitly remembering his own grandma – this is a cover after all.  Still, the original by the late, great Withers paints a portrait of a maternal figure familiar to Black Americans.  Fittingly, David does change lyrics specific to Withers to fit his own take: “She’d say, ‘Tony, don’t you run so fast / Might fall on a piece of glass / Might be snakes there in that grass / Grandma’s hands.” 

Executing the touching lyrics marvelously, Anthony David’s vocals are incredibly soulful. David is a brilliant musician – one who has often experienced the plight of the underrated.  Initially, “Grandma’s Hands” commences with simple, brilliant guitar accompaniment.  The sound, notably, is a bit more stripped compared to the original, which also relies on guitar. By 50 seconds in, “Grandma’s Hands” gets the contemporary R&B / neo-soul treatment.  This sounds refreshing in the late 2010s and well into the 2020s, honestly. Among the best musical touches: the organ, once the full-fledged production enters the mix. Given grandma’s faith, it is only fitting that organ brings gospel vibes in the mix.  Furthermore, if you didn’t already know, organ makes EVERYTHING better.  “Grandma’s Hands” = fantastic cover by Anthony David.   

via GIPHY

Appears in :

• Anthony David, “Grandma’s Hands”: Covers No. 22 (2023)

The Verdict

So, who did it better – Bill Withers or Anthony David?  Both renditions are excellent, PERIOD.  Anthony David does a nice job of adding some contemporary spice without compromising the sanctity of the original.  Still, Bill Withers was an icon and the original version of “Grandma’s Hands” continues to stand tall. 

via GIPHY

Bill Withers vs. Anthony David: Head 2 Head No. 22 (2023) [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Shanachie Ent. Corp., Sony Music Entertainment; Antoni Shkraba via Pexels, andresilva5, talha khalil, Valentin Tikhonov via Pixabay; Nick Wang on Unsplash]