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