My daddy's hands held ten's and two's while mom's were holding me 
And daddy's hands 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 were cold with age, they tremble as she prays 
But her voice is strong as she thanks God for all 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