Mighty Clouds of Joy was formed in 1954 and started out in a tradition-based style. Eventually they added soul, R&B, and rock flourishes into their musical mix (one of their early hits was produced by Gamble and Huff) without diluting the essential religious essence of their material. The long-lived group flourished throughout the rest of the 20th century, scoring numerous Grammy Awards and nominations, as well as several hit albums along the way.
Based in Los Angeles, California, the original group members include Joe Ligon (d. 2016), Johnny Martin (d. 1987), Ermant Franklin Jr., Artis Turnbough (d. 1999), Elmo Franklin (d. 2008), Richard Wallace, Leon Polk and David Walker (who also recorded several tracks with Link Wray under the name Bunker Hill).
Also performed as: The Mighty Mighty Clouds of Joy, Joe Ligon & the Mighty Clouds of Joy
Reach Out and Touch Somebody's Hand
Mighty Clouds Of Joy Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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
The Mighty Clouds of Joy's song "Reach Out and Touch Somebody's Hand" is a powerful reminder that we all have the ability to make a positive impact on the world around us. This song encourages listeners to take the time to offer a helping hand to those in need and to be a source of comfort and support to others. The lyrics encourage us all to take a small step towards making the world a better place by offering encouragement and kindness to those around us.
The song calls on listeners to "reach out and touch somebody's hand" in order to make a positive difference in the world. The lyrics remind us that even small acts of kindness and support can have a profound impact on the lives of those around us. Whether it's taking a few moments to offer encouragement to someone who's lost their way or simply showing a little kindness to an old friend who's going through a rough patch, we all have the power to bring comfort, hope, and joy to those around us.
Ultimately, "Reach Out and Touch Somebody's Hand" is an inspiring call to action, urging us all to do our part to make the world a better place. The song's message is simple but powerful: if we all take the time to reach out and offer a helping hand to those in need, we can create a world filled with compassion, love, and understanding.
Line by Line Meaning
Reach out and touch
Connect with someone on a personal level
Somebody's hand
Another person's support and friendship
Make this world a better place
Contribute positively to the world we live in
If you can
If you have the ability and opportunity
(Just try)
Attempt to do something positive
Take a little time out of your busy day
Make time for someone else
To give encouragement
Provide motivation and support
To someone who's lost the way
To someone who is struggling or needs direction
Or would I be talking to a stone
Wonder if the person is receptive to advice
If I asked you
Hypothetically inquiring
To share a problem that's not your own
To help someone with an issue that is not related to the helper
We can change things if we start giving
Positive contributions can create a better world
Why don't you
Encouraging the listener to act
If you see an old friend on the street
In case you encounter a friend unexpectedly
And he's down
When the friend is unhappy or struggling
Remember his shoes could fit your feet
Empathize with the friend and imagine oneself in the friend's position
Try a little kindness you'll see
Acts of goodwill can lead to positive outcomes
It's something that comes very naturally
Kindness is innate and easy to show
Why don't you (Why don't you)
Encouraging the listener to act with repetition
Reach out and touch somebody's hand
Connect with someone on a personal level
Reach out and touch
Connect with someone on a personal level
Somebody's hand
Another person's support and friendship
Make this world a better place
Contribute positively to the world we live in
If you can
If you have the ability and opportunity
Reach out and touch
Connect with someone on a personal level
Somebody's hand
Another person's support and friendship
Make this world a better place
Contribute positively to the world we live in
If you can
If you have the ability and opportunity
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Nickolas Ashford, Valerie Simpson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind