Holly Dunn - Daddy's Hands Lyrics
Lyrics
I remember daddy's hands
Folded silently in prayer
And reaching out to hold me when I had a nightmare
You could read quite a story in the caluses and lines
Years of work and worry had left their mark behind
I remember daddy's hands
How they held my momma tight
And patted my back for something done right
There are things that I've forgotten that I loved about the man
But I'll always remember the love in daddy's hands
Daddy's hands
Were soft and kind when I was crying
Daddy's hands
Were hard as steel when I'd done wrong
Daddy's hands
Weren't always gentle but I've come to understand
There was always love in daddy's hands
I remember daddy's hands working til they bled
Sacrificed unselfishly just to keep us all fed
If I could do things over
I'd live my life again
And never take for granted the love in daddy's hands
Daddy's hands
Were soft and kind when I was crying
Daddy's hands
Were hard as steel when I'd done wrong
Daddy's hands
Weren't always gentle but I've come to understand
There was always love in daddy's hands
Daddy's hands
Were soft and kind when I was crying
Daddy's hands
Were hard as steel when I'd done wrong
Daddy's hands
Weren't always gentle but I've come to understand
There was always love in daddy's hands
Video
Daddy's Hands - Holly Dunn
Meaning & Inspiration
Holly Dunn's "Daddy's Hands," released in 1986 on the album *Country Jukebox Greatest Hits, Vol. Two*, transcends its country music origins to deliver a profound message of paternal love and sacrifice, resonating deeply with principles found throughout Scripture. The song, at its core, is a retrospective tribute to a father whose hands, though often rough from labor, were the tangible vessels of unwavering affection and guidance. Dunn paints a vivid picture of these hands, remembering them in prayer, comforting her during nightmares, and offering a steady pat of approval for her accomplishments. The physical evidence of his hard work – the calluses and lines – are not seen as mere marks of toil but as a testament to his dedication and the worries he carried for his family, mirroring the selfless devotion often described in biblical narratives. We are reminded of Jesus' own admonishment to honor our fathers and mothers (Exodus 20:12), a sentiment Dunn embodies by cherishing the memory of her father's nurturing touch. The lyrics highlight the duality of a father's role: the tenderness shown when his child is hurting, contrasted with the firmness that comes when correction is needed. This is reminiscent of Proverbs 3:12, which states, "For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, as a father the son whom he delights in." Dunn acknowledges that while specific memories of the man might fade, the enduring love conveyed through his actions, embodied by his hands, remains indelible. This enduring love is the cornerstone of the song, reflecting God's steadfast love for humanity, a love that is both gentle and, when necessary, corrective, as evidenced in verses like Psalm 23:4, "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." The sacrifice detailed – working until his hands bled to provide for his family – speaks to a sacrificial love, a theme central to Christian teachings, most powerfully demonstrated in Christ's own sacrifice on the cross for our redemption. Dunn's poignant reflection, "If I could do things over, I'd live my life again, and never take for granted the love in daddy's hands," serves as an inspiring call to appreciate the paternal figures in our lives and the quiet, consistent expressions of love they offer, recognizing that such love, even when imperfectly expressed, often reflects a divine blueprint of unwavering care and commitment.