These Hands

My workingman's hands
Can vouch for me even if
My track record can't.

This song by Eddie Noack appears on the 10th volume of the Bootleg Series, combining recording session releases from the "Self Portrait"/"New Morning" albums in 1969 and 1970. He wrote it while on guard duty in the Army in Texas. It was meant as a patriotic song, but Johnny Cash's version turned it into a working man's praise. 

These hands aren't the hands of a gentleman
These hands are calloused and old
These hands raised a family, these hands built a home
Now these hands raised to praise the Lord
These hands won the heart of my loved one
And with hers they were never alone
If these hands filled their task then what more could you ask
For these fingers have worked to the bone
Now don't try to judge me by what you'd like me be
For my life hasn't been a success
Some people have power but still they grieve
While these hands brought me happiness
Now I'm tired and I'm old and I haven't much gold
Maybe things ain't been all that I planned
Lord above hear my plea when it's time to judge me
Take a look at these hard working hands
Take a look at these hard working hands