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