About the song
James Taylor’s rendition of “Handy Man” stands as a testament to his ability to transform a classic tune with his distinctive folk-rock sensibility. Originally written by singer-songwriter Jimmy Jones and songwriter Otis Blackwell, “Handy Man” was first a hit for Jones in 1960, reaching number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Taylor’s cover, released in 1977 on his album *JT*, brought a new wave of popularity to the song, highlighting his smooth vocals and gentle guitar work.
“Handy Man” on *JT*, Taylor’s eighth studio album, demonstrated his gift for interpretation and his knack for infusing older songs with fresh emotion and nuance. The album itself was a commercial success, marked by a return to the softer, more introspective style that characterized Taylor’s earlier work. Produced by Peter Asher, *JT* showcased Taylor’s matured sound and included other hits like “Your Smiling Face” and “Secret O’ Life.”
Taylor’s version of “Handy Man” achieved significant acclaim, peaking at number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 2 on the Adult Contemporary chart. This success was a reflection not only of Taylor’s performance but also of the song’s timeless appeal. His interpretation was both soothing and soulful, a gentle promise of reliability and care that resonated deeply with audiences.
Critically, the song was well-received. James Taylor’s heartfelt delivery and the subtle, yet poignant instrumentation provided a perfect backdrop for the song’s narrative. The arrangement was notably more stripped-down than the original, relying on acoustic guitar and Taylor’s warm, comforting voice to convey the message.
“Handy Man” earned Taylor a Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Performance, Male, in 1978, underscoring his talent and the song’s enduring appeal. This accolade was part of a broader recognition of *JT* as a return to form for Taylor, following a period of personal and professional challenges.
The song remains a beloved part of James Taylor’s repertoire, often featured in his live performances and greatest hits compilations. “Handy Man” is a shining example of how a great artist can breathe new life into an already beloved song, making it his own while honoring its original charm. Taylor’s version continues to be celebrated for its warmth, sincerity, and masterful simplicity, qualities that have endeared him to fans across generations.
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Lyrics
Hey girls, gather round
Listen to what I’m puttin’ down
Hey, baby, I’m your handy man
I’m not the kind that uses pencil or rule
I’m handy with the love and I’m no fool
I fix broken hearts, I know I truly can
If your broken heart, she needs repair
Then I’m the man to see, I whisper sweet things
You tell all your friends, they’ll come running to me
Here is the main thing I want to say
I’m busy twenty four hours a day
I fix broken hearts, I know that I truly can
Come, come, come, come, come, come, come
Yeah, yeah, yeah
Come, come, come, come, come, come, come, oh now
They’ll come runnin’ to me
Here is the main thing I want to say
I’m busy twenty four hours a day
I fix broken hearts, baby I’m your handy man
Come, come, come, come, come, come, come
Yeah, yeah, yeah
Come, come, come, come, come, come, come
Yeah, yeah, yeah
That’s me
(Come, come, come, come, come, come)
I’m your handy man
(Yeah, yeah, yeah)
That’s me
(Come, come, come, come, come, come)
I’m your handy man
(Yeah, yeah, yeah)