They reach out to the world They carry our fortune Written firmly into their palm They may tremble and shiver When we need it the least But as well they may be all safe and calm
They give and take They tease and taunt They salute or wave goodbye
They caress a lover Pull the trigger of a gun Sign a treaty that seals the peace They build cars and houses And at times they save a life Or go spreading the disease
They give and take They tease and taunt They salute or wave goodbye They push and shove They clutch and cling Or hold somebody tight
It's all in those hands They can do so much good Can be so destructive Hands shape the world Hands break it down
They may clench into fists Or as well be opened wide Invite you or push you back They may pin the words down Of the book that will change your life Or close around a victim's neck
They give and take They tease and taunt They salute or wave goodbye They push and shove They clutch and cling Or hold somebody tight
It's all in those hands They can do so much good Can be so destructive Hands shape the world Hands break it down Hands build it up again