Glen Campbell and Steve Wariner - The Hand That Rocks The Cradle

Mom and Older Brother, 1957

This weekend is Mother's Day, where we express our appreciation for that walking incarnation of Grace that is embodied in our Mothers.  You bet there's a Country song for that.

The roots of the lyrics run deep, all the way back to 1865 and a poem by Ross Wallace.  His poem contained the phrase "The hand that rocks the cradle is the hand that rules the World."

A sentimental expression from a sentimental time, one that seems old fashioned in today's jaded and cynical age.  Me, I've long thought that jaded and cynical are over rated, and if you can't be sentimental on Mother's Day then there just isn't any justice left in the world.

Glen Campbell and Steve Warnier took this song and rode it to just about the top of the Country charts in 1987.  It still has that old school Country feeling to it, an unselfconsciousness that doesn't apologize for being human.  Happy Mother's Day to all mothers out there.



The Hand That Rocks The Cradle (Songwriter: Ted Harris)

He got here and wrinkled scared and cryin'
The she took him up and held him to her breast
And he sure was glad to get what mama offered
Then he went to sleep and put his fears to rest

It didn't seem to matter what he needed
He could always count on mama to supply
And regardless of the sleep she might be losin'
He always found a twinkle in her eye

There ought to be a hall of fame for mamas
Creation's most unique and precious pearls
And heaven help us always to remember
That the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world

She taught him all the attributes of greatness
That she knew he couldn't learn away from home
And by the time she wore the coxer off her bible
Her hair was gray and her little man was gone

There ought to be a hall of fame for mamas
Creation's most unique and precious pearls
And heaven help us always to remember
That the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world

Yes, the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world