Though best known for their instrumental hit "Pick Up the Pieces," the band's strength lies in their consistently accomplished songwriting, stretching across several gold-selling albums and multi-Grammy nominations for Atlantic Records. Despite their Scottish roots, the six-piece band developed their own "authentic" sound influenced by R&B heroes such as Marvin Gaye, James Brown, and Donny Hathaway, which was eagerly adopted by black audiences in the US and elsewhere.
Many of the band's cuts, such as "Cut The Cake" and "Let's Go 'Round Again," attracted chart action as hit singles, while album tracks like "Schoolboy Crush" and "Person to Person" became much-sampled "rare" grooves. Other tunes like "Cloudy," "A Love Of Your Own," and "Nothing You Can Do" stand alongside some of the finest soul album tracks ever recorded.
The current lineup of the band, with noted US musicians alongside founding members Alan Gorrie and Onnie McIntyre, continues to delight audiences and critics alike in its wide-ranging touring. The musical energy and trademark sound are remarkably true to the original, and with constant revisitation and re-workings of AWB's, and others' classics in the mix, it is no surprise that the Average White Band is now a multi-generational attraction and a perennial fixture with many of the top music venues.
Reach Out I'll Be There
Average White Band Lyrics
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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 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.
The lyrics to "Reach Out I'll Be There" by Average White Band depict a message of support, love, and comfort for someone going through a difficult time. The song acknowledges the feelings of despair and confusion that can arise when hope seems lost and happiness feels like an illusion. The opening lines express the crumbling state of the individual's world and invites them to reach out for help and support.
The chorus repeats the phrase "I'll be there" to emphasize the singer's commitment to being a source of shelter and strength. They offer their love as a sanctuary, a safe place where the person can find solace and be supported through their challenges. This reassurance is a powerful declaration of their unwavering presence in the person's life, promising to stand by them no matter what.
The second verse addresses feelings of inadequacy and isolation. The person is on the verge of giving up because they believe their best efforts are not enough. The lyrics acknowledge the perception that the world has turned against them, leaving them drifting on their own. In these moments of despair, the singer urges them to reach out for a helping hand, to find comfort and support. This reinforces the notion that there is someone who genuinely cares and is willing to extend a helping hand.
The bridge of the song highlights the sadness and fear the person is experiencing. Their head hangs low, a sign of their lack of love and growing apprehension. The lyrics acknowledge their tears and the fruitless search for peace of mind. The singer recognizes their feelings of loneliness but reassures them that they are not alone. The phrase "reach out" is repeated again, inviting the person to turn to the singer for the love and support they crave and deserve.
Overall, "Reach Out I'll Be There" serves as a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is always someone willing to stand by our side. It is a plea for connection, an offer of love, and a promise of unwavering support for someone in need.
Line by Line Meaning
Now if you feel that you can't go on
If you're in a place where you believe you can't continue
Because all of your hope is gone
Because you've lost all hope
And your life is filled with much confusion
And your life is overwhelmed by confusion
Until happiness is just an illusion
To the point where happiness feels like an illusion
And your world around is crumblin' down
And your world is falling apart
Darling, reach out (come on girl, reach on out for me)
Hey, reach out for help (come on, girl, reach out to me)
Reach out (reach out for me.)
Seek support (reach out to me)
I'll be there, with a love that will shelter you.
I'll be there to provide love and protection for you
I'll be there, with a love that will see you through.
I'll be there with love that will help you overcome
I'll be there to always see you through.
I'll always be there to support you
When you feel lost and about to give up
When you feel confused and close to surrendering
'Cause your best just ain't good enough
Because your best efforts are not sufficient
And you feel the world has grown cold
And you think the world has become cold and unfriendly
And you're drifting out all on your own
And you're feeling isolated and alone
And you need a hand to hold:
And you require someone to support you
I'll be there, to love and comfort you
I'll be there to love you and provide comfort
And I'll be there, to cherish and care for you.
And I'll be there to treasure and care for you
I'll be there to love and comfort you.
I'll be there to love and comfort you
I can tell the way you hang your head
I can see from the way you lower your head
You're without love and now you're afraid
You're feeling unloved and scared
And through your tears you look around
And as you cry, you search for solace
But there's no peace of mind to be found.
But you can't find any peace of mind
I know what you're thinkin'
I understand what you're thinking
You're alone now, no love of your own
You're currently alone without your own love
But darling, reach out (come on girl, reach out for me)
But darling, ask for help (come on, girl, reach out to me)
Reach out (reach out for me.)
Seek support (reach out to me)
Just look over your shoulder
Simply glance over your shoulder
I'll be there, to give you all the love you need
I'll be there to give you all the love you require
And I'll be there, you can always depend on me.
And I'll be there, you can always rely on me
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Edward Holland Jr., Lamont Dozier, Brian Holland
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind