About The Song
Title: Reach Out (I’ll Be There)
Artist: Four Tops
Release Date: August 1966
Album: Reach Out (1967)
Writers: Holland–Dozier–Holland (Lamont Dozier, Brian Holland, and Eddie Holland)
Genre: Soul, R&B
Chart Performance:
- Billboard Hot 100: “Reach Out (I’ll Be There)” reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1966.
- The song became one of the Four Tops’ most iconic and successful singles.
Musical Style:
- “Reach Out (I’ll Be There)” is a powerful soul and R&B anthem, characterized by its dramatic orchestration and Levi Stubbs’ emotive lead vocals.
- The song features a distinctive, instantly recognizable bassline and a compelling sense of urgency.
Songwriting and Composition:
- Written by the renowned Holland–Dozier–Holland songwriting team, the song’s lyrics convey a message of reassurance and support in times of trouble.
- The triumphant and uplifting tone of the song, combined with Stubbs’ passionate delivery, contributed to its widespread popularity.
Cultural Impact:
- “Reach Out (I’ll Be There)” is considered one of the defining songs of the Motown era and has been praised for its emotional intensity and innovative production.
- The song has been covered by various artists, but the Four Tops’ original recording remains the definitive version.
Usage in Media:
- The song has been featured in numerous films, TV shows, and commercials over the years.
- Its iconic bassline and powerful vocals make it a memorable and impactful choice for soundtracks and advertisements.
Legacy:
- “Reach Out (I’ll Be There)” is often cited as one of the greatest soul songs of all time and has received numerous accolades.
- The Four Tops’ performance of the song is celebrated for its emotional depth, vocal prowess, and contribution to the Motown legacy.
In summary, “Reach Out (I’ll Be There)” by the Four Tops is a soul masterpiece that exemplifies the brilliance of the Motown sound. Its combination of stirring vocals, innovative production, and timeless message of support has secured its place as a classic in the history of soul and R&B music.
Video
Lyrics
“Reach Out I’ll Be There”
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
Now if you feel that you can’t go on (can’t go on)
Because all of your hope is gone (all your hope is gone)
And your life is filled with much confusion (much confusion)
Until happiness is just an illusion (happiness is just an illusion)
And your world around is crumbling down, darlin’
(Reach out) Come on girl reach on out for me
(Reach out) Reach out for me
Hah, I’ll be there with a love that will shelter you
I’ll be there with a love that will see you through
When you feel lost and about to give up (to give up)
‘Cause your best just ain’t good enough (just ain’t good enough)
And your feel the world has grown cold (has grown cold)
And your drifting out all on your own (drifting out on your own)
And you need a hand to hold, darlin’
(Reach out) Come on girl, reach out for me
(Reach out) Reach out for me
Hah, I’ll be there to love and comfort you
And I’ll be there to cherish and care for you
(I’ll be there to always see you through)
(I’ll be there to love and comfort you)
I can tell the way you hang your head (hang your head)
You’re not in love now, now you’re afraid (you’re afraid)
And through your tears you look around (look around)
But there’s no peace of mind to be found (no peace of mind to be found)
I know what your thinking
You’re a loner, no love of your own, but darling
(Reach out) Come on girl reach out for me
Reach out, just look over your shoulder
I’ll be there to give you all the love you need
And I’ll be there you can always depend on me
I’ll be there