This week, I’ve had Bill Withers’ “Grandma’s Hands,” stuck #OnRepeat. I grew up listening to Bill Withers, but was reminded of his music once again when I was listening to Gregory Porter’s music. I came across this song several days ago and have been hooked ever since.
Bill Withers is an American singer-songwriter and musician who was big during the 1970’s and early 1980’s. Some of his most well-known songs are “Ain’t No Sunshine,” “Lovely Day,””Use Me,” and “Lead On Me.” In my opinion, Withers is a versatile musician–his guitar-playing is musical and sophisticated, yet simple and his voice can be brash and powerful, but at the same time intimate.
In the video below, Withers explains the song, “Grandma’s Hands,” to the audience before he performs the song. This song really struck a chord with me because of my memories of my own grandmother. The similarities between my own grandma and the woman he sings about in the song are uncanny–protective yet sweet behavior, religion–which are characteristics that, I assume everyone can identify with in their own family members. My point is that Wither’s lyric writing is so good that anyone can relate to it. What makes it even more impressive is that the song is only two minutes long! Take a listen below:
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