Touch a Hand, Make a Friend

The Staple Singers

About Touch a Hand, Make a Friend

"Touch a Hand, Make a Friend" is a 1973 single written by Homer Banks, Raymond Jackson and Carl Hampton, and recorded by The Staple Singers. "Touch a Hand, Make a Friend" was one of The Staple Singers most successful singles and peaked at number three on the soul chart and number twenty-three on the Hot 100.


Year:
2006
3:59
55 
#1

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Can't you feel it in your bones?
Oh, a change is comin' on
From every walk of life
People are seeing the light

Can't you feel it in your heart now?
A new thing is taking shape
Reach out, touch a hand
Lord, make a friend if you can

Hey, what about you my friend?
Anytime you come on in
Live the united way
Why don't you join us today?

Reach out, touch a hand
Make a friend if you can
Reach out, touch a hand
Make a friend if you can

Ooh, it's been reflecting in the attitudes
Of others just like you
Reach out, touch a hand
Yo, make a friend if you can

Every day folk are waking up
To the need for one another
We're on our way
Making the world a better place

Can't you feel it in your heart now?
A new thing is taking shape
Reach out, touch a hand
Yo, make a friend if you can

Reach out, touch a hand
Make a friend if you can
Reach out, touch a hand
Make a friend if you can

Reach out and touch a hand
Make a friend if you can
Reach out and touch a hand
Make a friend if you can

Reach out and touch a hand
Make a friend if you can
Reach out and touch a hand
Make a friend if you can

Reach out and touch a hand
Make a friend if you can
Reach out and touch a hand
Make a friend if you can

Reach out and touch a hand
Make a friend if you can
Reach out and touch a hand
Make a friend if you can

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The Staple Singers

The Staple Singers were an American gospel, soul, and R&B singing group. Roebuck "Pops" Staples (1914–2000), the patriarch of the family, formed the group with his children Cleotha (b. 1934), Pervis (b. 1935), Yvonne (b. 1936), and Mavis (b. 1939). They are best known for their 1970s hits "I'll Take You There", "Respect Yourself", and "Let's Do It Again". more »

2 fans

Written by: CARL MITCHELL HAMPTON, HOMER BANKS, RAYMOND E. JACKSON

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song Origin
"Touch a Hand, Make a Friend" is a song by the American gospel, soul, and R&B singing group, The Staple Singers. It was recorded and performed in the 1970s, an important period in American musical history due to the prominence of this type of music in the civil rights movement.
Music Style
The song is best classified within the genres of soul and gospel music, a musical style that is characteristically African American and deeply intertwined with Christian themes, rhythm and blues, and elements of jazz.
Album
The song was included in the album "City in the Sky" released by Stax Records. Released in 1974, this was the last album that the band completed before Stax Records filed for bankruptcy due to financial troubles.
Chart Success
"Touch a Hand, Make a Friend" was a chart-topping hit. On the US Hot Soul Singles chart, it reached number 3, solidifying its popularity among listeners.
Song Message
"Touch a Hand, Make a Friend" carries a message of unity, friendship, love, and the importance of extending a helping hand to others. This was in sync with the Staple Singers' reputation as a group that often relayed social messages through their music.
Cover Versions
The song has been covered by several popular artists, adding to its legacy. One notable cover of the song was performed by country music artist, Conway Twitty.
Cultural Significance
Given the relevance of its release during the time of the civil rights movement, "Touch a Hand, Make a Friend" became a cultural anthem, embodying unity and the power of compassion and lasting friendship.
The Staple Singers' Legacy
As a successful song by The Staple Singers, "Touch a Hand, Make a Friend" contributes to the group's considerable influence on American music, particularly in the soul, gospel, and R&B genres.
Songwriters
"Touch a Hand, Make a Friend" was composed by Homer Banks, Carl Hampton, and Raymond Jackson - all renowned musicians and songwriters of their time who worked with Stax Records.
Recognitions
The Staple Singers was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1999, establishing the significance of their contribution to music. While their entire body of work was considered in this recognition, hits like "Touch a Hand, Make a Friend" undoubtedly played a role in this honor.

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    Touch a Hand, Make a Friend

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    585     29

    Top Hot 100 Songs 1974

    Billboard #23


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