Bill Withers, “Grandma’s Hands” | Throwback Vibez

In the 120^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2022), we recollect and reflect on “Grandma’s Hands” by legendary soul artist, Bill Withers.   

The vibes, the vibes, those Throwback Vibez ! Throwback Vibez is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past.  The records that grace Throwback Vibez are older, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re ancient – no fossils ! All genres of music are welcome – we don’t discriminate ‘round here! In the 120^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2022), we recollect and reflect on “Grandma’s Hands”, performed by Bill Withers.

Theme & Lyrics  

“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.”  

Final Thoughts  

No, “Grandma’s Hands” could never hope to supplant the biggest hits of the Bill Withers catalog –   “Lean on Me”, “Ain’t No Sunshine”, and “Just The Two of Us” among others – but it’s still a fantastic record.  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.   

Bill Withers • Just As I Am • Sony Music Entertainment • 1971

Bill Withers, “Grandma’s Hands”: Throwback Vibez No. 120 (2022) [: Brent Faulkner, Gerhard G., JL G via Pixabay,  Karl Hörnfeldt via Unsplash,  The Musical Hype, Sony Music Entertainment]