Hands
Dottie Lyrics


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Reach out and touch
Somebody's hand
Make this world a better place
If you can
Reach out and touch
Somebody's hand
Make this world a better place
If you can

(Just try)
Take a little time out of your busy day
To give encouragement
To someone who's lost the way
(Just try)
Or would I be talking to a stone
If I asked you
To share a problem that's not your own
We can change things if we start giving
Why don't you

Reach out and touch
Somebody's hand
Make this world a better place
If you can
Reach out and touch
Somebody's hand
Make this world a better place
If you can

(Just try)
If you see an old friend on the street
And he's down
Remember his shoes could fit your feet
(Just try)
Try a little kindness you'll see
It's something that comes very naturally
We can change things if we start giving

Why don't you
Reach out and touch
Why don't you (Why don't you)
Reach out and touch somebody's hand

Reach out and touch
Somebody's hand
Make this world a better place
If you can
Reach out and touch
Somebody's hand




Make this world a better place
If you can

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Dottie's song "Hands" convey a powerful message about the importance of reaching out and helping others to make the world a better place. The repetition of the phrase "reach out and touch somebody's hand" emphasizes the idea of connection and compassion. By extending a helping hand to someone in need, we have the ability to positively impact their lives and contribute to creating a better world.


The line "Make this world a better place, if you can" suggests that our actions have the potential to bring about positive change, but it also acknowledges that not everyone is willing or able to make the effort. Dottie encourages listeners to try to make a difference, urging them to take a little time out of their busy lives to offer encouragement or support to those who may be struggling. She asks whether she would be speaking to a "stone" if she were to ask someone to help with a problem that isn't their own, highlighting the need for empathy and a willingness to help others.


The lyrics also mention seeing an old friend who is feeling down and the reminder that their struggles could easily apply to ourselves. This emphasizes the idea of empathy and understanding, encouraging listeners to treat others with kindness and compassion. The line "Try a little kindness, you'll see, it's something that comes very naturally" suggests that helping others is an innate human quality and a simple act of kindness can go a long way in bringing about positive change.


Overall, the song is a call to action, urging listeners to reach out, connect, and support one another in order to make a positive impact on the world. The lyrics highlight the power we have to change things if we are willing to give and offer a helping hand. By doing so, we not only improve the lives of others but also contribute to creating a better, more compassionate world for everyone.


Line by Line Meaning

Reach out and touch
Take the initiative and connect with someone on a personal level


Somebody's hand
Offer your support and assistance to another person


Make this world a better place
Contribute to improving the overall state of the world


If you can
If you have the ability or capacity to do so


(Just try)
Simply make an attempt or put in some effort


Take a little time out of your busy day
Allocate a small portion of your busy schedule


To give encouragement
Provide words or gestures that inspire and motivate


To someone who's lost the way
To an individual who is feeling directionless or confused


Or would I be talking to a stone
Am I wasting my words by addressing someone who is unresponsive or apathetic


If I asked you
In the hypothetical scenario where I request your assistance


To share a problem that's not your own
To empathize and support in someone else's troubles


We can change things if we start giving
By offering our help and support, we have the power to create positive change


Why don't you
What is preventing or deterring you


If you see an old friend on the street
If you happen to encounter a former acquaintance while out and about


And he's down
If he is feeling sad or discouraged


Remember his shoes could fit your feet
Keep in mind that you may someday find yourself in a similar situation


Try a little kindness you'll see
Make an effort to show compassion and understanding


It's something that comes very naturally
Acts of kindness are inherent and instinctive


Why don't you
What is preventing or deterring you


Reach out and touch somebody's hand
Extend your support and care to someone in need


Reach out and touch
Take the initiative and connect with someone on a personal level


Somebody's hand
Offer your support and assistance to another person


Make this world a better place
Contribute to improving the overall state of the world


If you can
If you have the ability or capacity to do so




Lyrics ยฉ Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Nickolas Ashford, Valerie Simpson

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@cmlbob

Beautiful rendition of this great song by one of the GREATEST ladies to ever grace a country stage!!!

@whispperson

I Love this Lady. A Very Sadly Missed Talent. Thanks for this.

@glennjohnson8170

Glenn Johnson A long time since i heard this version.Had the album when it was first issued in the early 70s,so,wonderful to hear it again.Many thanks!

@tillsmackie1886

Soooooooo Beautiful, very sadly missed

@amc9105

Oh I love your song Careless Hands havenโ€™t heard it a long time so Iโ€™m listening ๐Ÿ‘‚ to it now nice ๐Ÿ‘ song ๐Ÿ˜Š

@williamf4544

No one can sing this song like Dottie West

@musicexpo

This is such a beautiful song.

@jbkowalski446

Love this

@yedon68

.......this song was a top~ten hit in the 1940's by a big band singer...but i like dottie's version best...!

@sonnydave8551

Originally a pop hit by Sammy Kaye vocal by Don Cornell. Good cover by Dottie. Written by Bob Hilliard and Carl Sigman.

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