About the Song
Put Your Hand in the Hand: A Gospel Classic by Elvis Presley
In the realm of gospel music, Elvis Presley stands as a towering figure, his renditions of spiritual classics infused with an emotional depth and raw power that continue to resonate with listeners worldwide. Among his most beloved gospel offerings is Put Your Hand in the Hand, a song that epitomizes Presley’s ability to seamlessly blend sacred and secular influences, creating music that transcends genre and generational boundaries.
Put Your Hand in the Hand was originally written by the American gospel group The Imperials in 1958, and it quickly became a staple in their repertoire. The song’s simple yet profound message of faith and hope resonated with audiences, and it soon caught the attention of Elvis Presley.
In 1971, Presley recorded Put Your Hand in the Hand for his album He Touched Me. His version of the song bears the unmistakable mark of his vocal prowess, his voice soaring with both tenderness and conviction as he delivers the lyrics. Presley’s arrangement of the song is infused with a soulful intensity that further underscores the song’s message of spiritual yearning.
The opening lines of Put Your Hand in the Hand set the tone for the entire piece:
“Put your hand in the hand of the man Who stilled the water Put your hand in the hand of the man Who calmed the sea”
These lyrics evoke a sense of awe and reverence for the divine power that can bring peace and tranquility amidst life’s storms. The imagery of stilled waters and a calmed sea is particularly evocative, suggesting the ability of faith to soothe troubled souls and provide a sense of calm amidst chaos.
As the song progresses, Presley’s vocals take on an increasingly impassioned quality, as he urges the listener to place their trust in the hands of the one who holds the power to heal and redeem. The chorus, with its repeated refrain of “Put your hand in the hand,” serves as a powerful call to action, inviting listeners to embrace faith and surrender to the divine.
Put Your Hand in the Hand has become a beloved gospel standard, performed by countless artists across various genres. However, Elvis Presley’s rendition remains definitive, his voice imbuing the song with an emotional depth and spiritual resonance that few others can match.
Conclusion
Elvis Presley’s Put Your Hand in the Hand is a testament to the enduring power of gospel music to touch hearts and inspire souls. Its message of faith, hope, and surrender remains as relevant today as it was when the song was first written, offering solace and guidance to those seeking comfort and direction in a world often fraught with uncertainty and challenges. Presley’s impassioned delivery and soulful interpretation elevate the song to a level of poignancy that continues to captivate listeners worldwide, ensuring its place among the most cherished gospel classics of all time.