Grandma's Hands
Gil Scott-Heron · Reflections [1981]
Grandma's hands, played the tambourine so well
Grandma's hand used to issue out a warning
She'd say, "Baby, don't you run so fast
Might fall on a piece of glass, might be snakes there in my grass"
Grandma's hands, I'm talkin' 'bout my grandma's hands
Grandma's hands, soothed the local unwed mother
My grandma's hands used to ache sometimes and swell
Grandma's hands used to lift her face
And tell her she'd say, "Baby, grandma understands
But you really loved that man and put herself in Jesus' hands"
Grandma's hands, yeah, I'm talking, I'm talking 'bout my grandma, yeah
Grandma's hands used to hand me a piece of candy
Grandma's hands, picked me up each time I fell
Grandma's hands, boy, they really came in handy
She'd say, "Nettie, don't you whip that girl
What you wanna spank her for she didn't drop no apple-core"
But I don' have grandma anymore
If I get to Heaven I'll look for grandma's hands
I'm talking 'bout my grandma, talking 'bout my grandma, oh yeah
I'm talking 'bout my grandma, I'm talking 'bout my grandma, yeah
Grandma, grandma, I'm talking 'bout my grandma
Grandma's Hands
Gil Scott-Heron's 'Grandma's Hands' stands as a poignant centerpiece on the 1981 album Reflections, blending spoken-word poetry with soulful instrumentation to explore themes of aging, memory, and familial connection. The track exemplifies Heron's signature style, merging jazz and funk elements with social commentary to create an intimate narrative that transcends typical protest music. By focusing on the tactile imagery of an elder's hands, the song offers a reflective counterpoint to the urgent political messages often associated with his work, grounding the listener in personal history while maintaining a broader cultural context. This recording remains a significant contribution to the spoken-word genre, showcasing Heron's ability to weave complex emotional landscapes into accessible musical forms.