Healing Hands

Album: Sleeping With The Past (1989)
Charted: 1 13
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Elton John and his lyricist Bernie Taupin drew on soul music for the songs from the Sleeping With The Past album. "Healing Hands" has a gospel influence, with a redemption theme framed around a relationship that has turned toxic. Taupin's lyric has Elton facing the pain by looking for healing in a higher power. The lines, "You gotta wade into the water, you gotta learn to live again," indicate a baptism.
  • In the book 1000 UK #1 Hits by Jon Kutner and Spencer Leigh, Elton's lyricist Bernie Taupin described this song as "An updated version of the Four Tops' Reach Out I'll Be There, only slightly more religious." Elton John noted, "The Impressions were a big influence on this album and 'Healing Hands' is probably where they left their mark."
  • When this was first issued as a single in 1989, it stalled at #45 in the UK. When Rocket Records decided to reissue "Sacrifice" in the UK, they issued it as a double A-side along with this song. By mid-summer 1990 it was topping the UK charts.
  • John and Taupin worked out of many different studios throughout their partnership in an effort to keep their creative juices flowing and minimize distractions. For the Sleeping With The Past album, they chose Denmark, working at Puk Studios in Randers. They had most of the album written after just four days.

Comments: 3

  • Michelle 49 from Australia Such an uplifting song of hope.
  • Mike from Santa Barbara, CaIt has the tone of a revival.
  • Dylan from Port Orange, FlA VERY, VERY, VERY underrated song.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Angelo Moore of Fishbone

Angelo Moore of FishboneSongwriter Interviews

Fishbone has always enjoyed much more acclaim than popularity - Angelo might know why.

Sugarland

SugarlandSongwriter Interviews

Meet the "sassy basket" with the biggest voice in country music.

Terry Jacks ("Seasons in the Sun")

Terry Jacks ("Seasons in the Sun")Songwriter Interviews

Inspired by his dear friend, "Seasons in the Sun" paid for Terry's boat, which led him away from music and into a battle with Canadian paper mills.

Dwight Twilley

Dwight TwilleySongwriter Interviews

Since his debut single "I'm On Fire" in 1975, Dwight has been providing Spinal-Tap moments and misadventure.

Jimmy Jam

Jimmy JamSongwriter Interviews

The powerhouse producer behind Janet Jackson's hits talks about his Boyz II Men ballads and regrouping The Time.

Spot The Real Red Hot Chili Peppers Song Titles

Spot The Real Red Hot Chili Peppers Song TitlesMusic Quiz

The Red Hot Chili Peppers have some rather unusual song titles - see if you can spot the real ones.