Speaking Hands, Hearing Eyes by Judy Small
CD: The Best of Judy Small: Word of Mouth
Song Description
The song is written in a first person point of view describing the songwriter’s efforts to learn to communicate with important people in her life.
SPEAKING HANDS, HEARING EYES
words & music by Judy Small
Jeffrey is just six year old, the biggest smile you ever saw
And there’s so much I know he wants to say
But Jeffrey cannot speak to me in language I can understand
But oh the thoughts his fingers can convey
So I’m learning to speak with my hands
I’m learning how to hear with my eyes
So that I can understand what he wants to say to me
Sarah is my mother’s age, the dignity shines from her face
There’s much about her life I’d like to learn
She tries to read my lips but I can see frustration in her eyes
And most of what she says I can’t discern
So I’m learning to speak with my hands
I’m learning how to hear with my eyes
So that I can understand what he wants to say to me
I know she can’t do it all my way
But if I meet her half way
There’s no telling what good friends she and I could be
No cane in your hand, no chair identifies you
Silent and invisible your lives
So much to offer and our hearing world denies you
Seeing only handicap in the language of your signs
So I’m learning to speak with my hands
I’m learning how to hear with my eyes
So that I can understand what you want to say to me
I know we can’t do it all my way
But if I meet you half way
There’s no telling what good friends you and I could be
There’s no telling what good friends you and I could be
© 1985 Crafty Maid Music
A portion of this song can be downloaded for free from amazon.com.