Joan Armatrading MBE (born Joan Anita Barbara Armatrading in Basseterre, Sa… Read Full Bio ↴Joan Armatrading MBE (born Joan Anita Barbara Armatrading in Basseterre, Saint Kitts on 9 December 1950) and brought up in Birmingham, England, is a British singer, songwriter, and guitarist.

Armatrading has mixed eclectic musical styles over decades of recording and performing. She has had several British hit singles, the biggest of which were "Love & Affection", "Me Myself I", and "Drop the Pilot". Her music is generally pop, with forays into rock, folk, jazz, and even reggae. Her popularity is primarily as an album artist.

She gained a new audience following her writing and performing "The Flight of the Wild Geese", which was used during the opening and end titles for the 1978 film The Wild Geese.

Armatrading first performed in a concert at Birmingham University for her brother at the age of about 16 (circa 1966). She only knew her own songs, but her brother asked her to perform something that would be familiar to the audience; she chose "The Sound of Silence".[9] She then performed her own songs around the local area with a friend from school, and played bass and rhythm guitar at local clubs.

Reach Out
Joan Armatrading Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

When the world has gone crazy
And there's no one around
You can talk to
I'll be there in a hurry
Cause I know how you feel
Don't worry

Reach out

I'll be there
Reach out for someone who cares
I'll be there
I'll make you feel fine
I'll put your mind at ease
I can be of help
I know I can
I can help

When you're looking for a friend
You won't find no better
Right on to the bitter end
Here I am
Here I am

When you feel a little bit lonely
There's no need
Can't you hear me

Reach out
I'll be there
Reach out for someone who cares
I'll be there
I will be the one
I'll make you feel fine
I can be the one to put your mind at ease
I can be of help
I know I can
I can help

When you're looking for a friend
You won't find no better
Right on to the bitter end

Here I am
Here I am

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to "Reach Out" by Joan Armatrading are about being there for someone when they are going through tough times. The singer is reassuring the listener that they will be there for them, and that they should not worry about being alone. The chorus emphasizes this message, encouraging the listener to reach out for someone who cares and promising that the singer will be that person. The lyrics also highlight the importance of being a good friend, staying loyal until the end and helping others when they need it.

The verses serve as a reminder that everyone goes through tough times, and that it is okay to ask for help or support. The singer empathizes with the listener, letting them know that they understand how they feel and that they will do their best to make them feel better. The overall message of the song is one of compassion and solidarity - everyone needs someone to lean on, and it's important to be there for each other in times of need.

Line by Line Meaning

When the world has gone crazy
When everything seems overwhelming and chaotic.

And there's no one around
When there's no one nearby to lend an ear or provide comfort.

You can talk to
Even when it seems like there's nobody there, there's always a listening ear.

I'll be there in a hurry
I'll be there as fast as possible because I understand the urgency of the situation.

Cause I know how you feel
I empathize with your pain and I understand what you're going through.

Don't worry
Don't fret, I've got your back.

Reach out
Ask for help and support.

I'll be there
I'll be available to provide comfort and assistance.

Reach out for someone who cares
Don't be afraid to ask for help from someone who genuinely cares about you.

I'll make you feel fine
I'll do what I can to alleviate your pain and worries.

I'll put your mind at ease
I'll help you find peace of mind.