Interpretation
"Grandma's Hands" is a song by
Barbra Streisand that celebrates the significance and influence of a grandmother in our lives. The lyrics describe the various ways in which the grandmother's hands played an important role.
The opening lines of the song mention how the grandmother clapped in church and played the tambourine. This symbolizes her dedication to her faith and active participation in worship.
The text also mentions that the grandmother issued warnings and gave advice. She warned against running too fast or stepping on broken glass. This metaphorically represents how the grandmother sought to protect us from dangers and alert us to potential difficulties.
Furthermore, the text shows that the grandmother also helped others. She comforted a single mother and her hands were skilled at easing pain. She also gave motherly advice and encouraged the mother to strengthen her faith in Jesus.
The grandmother was also a source of comfort and support for the singer. She handed him candies and lifted him up when he fell. Her hands were always there to help and console him.
The song ends with the singer missing the grandmother, as she is no longer alive. It is mentioned that when the singer gets to heaven, he will look for grandma's hands.
Overall, "Grandma's Hands" is an emotional song that honors the love, care, and wisdom of a grandmother. It reminds us of how important and meaningful the relationship with our grandparents can be.
Quotes:
- "Grandma's hands, I'm talking 'bout my grandma's hands"
- "Soothed the local unwed mother, my grandma's hands"
- "Nettie, don't you whip that girl, what you wanna spank her for"
- "But I don't have grandma anymore, if I get to heaven I'll look for grandma's hands".