Reach Out I'll Be There

The Four Tops

About Reach Out I'll Be There

"Reach Out I'll Be There" (also formatted as "Reach Out (I'll Be There)") is a song recorded by the Four Tops from their fourth studio album Reach Out (1967). Written and produced by Motown's main production team, Holland–Dozier–Holland, the song is one of the best known Motown tunes of the 1960s, and is today considered The Tops' signature song. It was the number one song on the Rhythm & Blues chart for two weeks, and on the Billboard Hot 100 for two weeks, from October 15–22, 1966. The track also reached number one in the UK Singles Chart, becoming Motown's second UK chart-topper after The Supremes' 1964 release "Baby Love". It reached number one in October 1966, and stayed there for three weeks. Rolling Stone later ranked this version number 206 on its list of "The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time". Billboard ranked the record as the number four song for 1966. 


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Now if you feel that you can't go on 
Because all of your hope is gone,
And your life is filled with much confusion 
Until happiness is just an illusion,
And your world around is crumblin' down;  
Darling, reach out (come on girl, reach on out for me) 
Reach out (reach out for me.)
I'll be there, with a love that  will shelter you.
I'll be there, with a love that will see you through.
I'll be there to always see you through.
 
When you feel lost and about to give up 
'Cause your best just ain't good enough
And you feel the world has grown cold, 
And you're drifting out all on your own, 
And you need a hand to hold:
Darling, reach out (come on girl, reach out for me) 
Reach out (reach out for me.)
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 love and comfort you.
 
I can tell the way you hang your head,
You're without love and now you're afraid
And through your tears you look around, 
But there's no peace of mind to be found.
I know what you're thinkin', 
You're alone now, no love of your own, 
But darling, reach out (come on girl, reach out for me) 
Reach out (reach out for me.)
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.

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The Four Tops

The Four Tops are a vocal quartet from Detroit, Michigan, USA, who helped to define the city's Motown sound of the 1960s. The group's repertoire has included soul music, R&B, disco, adult contemporary, doo-wop, jazz, and show tunes. more »

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Written by: Edward Holland Jr., Lamont Dozier, Brian Holland

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Industry Achievement
Released in the summer of 1966, "Reach Out I'll Be There" by The Four Tops quickly climbed the charts to become the group's second number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100, a major accomplishment in the music industry.
Writer's Contribution
The song was written by the iconic songwriting team of Holland-Dozier-Holland, who were the primary songwriters for Detroit's Motown Records throughout the mid-1960s.
Genre Classification
The song is often classified as pop-soul which is a subgenre of soul music that was popular during the 1960s, and it has the distinguishing feature of a heavy Four Tops’ producer Brian Holland's distinctive bass riff.
Lead Singer's Performance
Lead singer Levi Stubbs delivered what is often considered one of the most powerful vocal performances in the history of Motown Records. His voice was marked by an urgent intensity that helped convey the song’s message of longing and support.
Music Arrangement
The song is notable for its compelling instrumental arrangement, which includes strings, brass, and a flute, all underpinning the driving rhythm section. This unique blend of instruments contributed to the song's success and was a mark of Motown’s “wall of sound” production technique.
Cultural Impact
The song has a significant cultural impact. Its powerful lyrics, which offer support and comfort, have resonated with many people, making it an anthem for those in need of emotional support.
Recognition
"Reach Out I'll Be There" was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1997, a significant mark of recognition for any song.
Cover Versions
The song has been covered by a number of other notable artists, including Diana Ross, Michael Bolton, and Gloria Gaynor, demonstrating its enduring popularity.
Film and Television
"Reach Out I'll Be There" has been used in various notable television shows and movies including "Forrest Gump" and the British TV series, "EastEnders", showcasing its influence in pop culture.
Chart Success Abroad
Apart from its success in the United States, the song topped the UK Singles Chart in late October 1966, reinforcing the Four Tops' worldwide appeal.

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