My daddy's hands held Ten's and Two's while mom's were holding me
And daddy's hand lost everything to a hand of Kings and Three's
Then 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
Yes, 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 her hands and pray
And somehow she would make the food hold out another day
Now mama's hands are cold with age, they tremble when 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
Everything I am today I owe to mama's hands