The group signed with United Artists Records in 1962 and by December 1st had entered the Billboard charts with "Tell Him," which made it all the way to number four Pop on January 26, 1963, and number five R&B. The song was a gender-switched cover of Gil Hamilton's 1962 single "Tell Her." Reid's no-nonsense, tough girl vocal, the group's vocal blend, and a sure fire Bert Burns composition made "Tell Him" a whole new dimension in girl group rock and roll.
In 1964, the Exciters switched to Roulette Records and recorded what some believe to be the first rock videos made by an American group--one each for “Tell Him” and “He’s Got The Power”–for Scopitone.
"Tell Him" is also a soundtrack from the movie "My Best Friend's Wedding."
Reaching For the Best
The Exciters Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Looking for a rolls royce
They wanna keep me down
I can't afford a house
I want something better than all the rest
All my life I've reaching for the best
Reaching for lifes happiness
Reaching for the very very bestOoh yeah
I want a pocket full of money
But I don't have a pocket
Gotta be a star
I just don't have anything
I got a feeling more than the rest
All my life I've been reaching for the best
Reaching for lifes happiness
Reaching for the very very best
Ooh yeah
I'm reaching for the very best
Reaching for the very very best of life
I dream of running away
With a friend
Want a whole lot of money
Wanna be somebody
The Exciters' song "Reaching for the Best" is all about the desire for something bigger and better in life. The lyrics talk about feeling held back by financial struggles, and how the singer wants more than what they currently have. The first verse starts with the line "I got the price for a Ford, looking for a Rolls Royce," which paints a picture of someone who wants luxury but can only afford something much more modest. The next line, "They wanna keep me down, I can't afford a house," suggests that the singer feels like they are being held back by society's structures and expectations, which can be very limiting for people who don't have a lot of money.
The chorus drives home the message of the song, with the repeated lines "All my life I've been reaching for the best, reaching for life's happiness, reaching for the very very best." The desire for more in life is a common theme in music, but what makes this song stand out is the way it talks about the struggle to achieve those aspirations. The second verse continues in a similar vein, with lines like "I want a pocket full of money, but I don't have a pocket" and "Gotta be a star, I just don't have anything." These lyrics are both playful and poignant, highlighting the fact that the singer's dreams may seem unattainable in the face of real-world circumstances.
Overall, "Reaching for the Best" is a catchy and relatable song about the struggle to find fulfillment in life. While it may seem like the lyrics are discussing material wealth, they are really about the pursuit of happiness and a sense of purpose. The imagery is colorful and fun, while the underlying message is one that many people can relate to.
Line by Line Meaning
I got the price for a ford
I have enough money to buy a common car, but I desire a luxury car like a Rolls-Royce.
Looking for a rolls royce
I am currently searching for a Rolls-Royce as it is a symbol of status and luxury.
They wanna keep me down
Some people around me try to limit my potential and discourage me from following my dreams.
I can't afford a house
I do not have enough money to purchase my own home, which may be viewed as a marker of success.
I want something better than all the rest
I am seeking for something extraordinary and exceptional, which is above the ordinary or mediocre.
All my life I've reaching for the best
Throughout my life, I have been trying to achieve the greatest possible things and create the best version of myself.
Reaching for life's happiness
I am striving to attain bliss and contentment in my existence by fulfilling my aspirations.
Reaching for the very very best
I am aiming to achieve the pinnacle of success and satisfaction by putting forth my best efforts.
Ooh yeah
An expression signifying enthusiasm or excitement that underscores the sentiment behind the message.
I want a pocket full of money
I desire to be significantly wealthy and possess abundant monetary resources to spend as I please.
But I don't have a pocket
In reality, I do not have any cash on hand, which is a significant obstacle to achieving my financial objectives.
Gotta be a star
I aspire to be successful and accomplished in my profession, earning admiration and recognition from others.
I just don't have anything
Currently, I possess no resources, but I am determined to overcome this and make a significant impact.
I got a feeling more than the rest
I have an intuition, a sense of intuition, or a premonition that I will achieve greatness and stand out from the crowd.
All my life I've been reaching for the best
Throughout my life thus far, I have doggedly pursued excellence and have been resolute in my pursuit of greatness.
Reaching for life's happiness
I am striving to achieve fulfillment and joy in my existence by accomplishing my objectives.
Reaching for the very very best
I am putting forth my maximum efforts to achieve the best possible outcomes and attain the highest levels of success.
Ooh yeah
An expression of excitement or enthusiasm that emphasizes the emotional force behind the lyrics.
I'm reaching for the very best
I am making significant strides towards my ultimate objectives, pursuing the highest levels of success and satisfaction.
Reaching for the very very best of life
I am striving for the highest quality of existence possible, prioritizing joy, fulfillment, and meaning.
I dream of running away
I fantasize about escaping from my current circumstances, envisioning a life of greater freedom, adventure, and opportunity.
With a friend
I imagine experiencing this exciting new period of my life with somebody close to me, who can offer support, humour, and companionship.
Want a whole lot of money
In addition to desiring financial success, I also would like to acquire considerable wealth, enough to never worry about finances again.
Wanna be somebody
Most significantly, I aspire to be a person with influence, power, and prestige, having an enduring impact on society and the world around me.
Contributed by Adrian G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.