This, of course, is the other ‘I’ll Be There’ with which I confused the Jackson 5 song. It’s every bit as much a classic, and arguably more so.
As I’ve mentioned before, I’m sort of at a loss for words when it comes to these Motown Weekends because I don’t have a ton of associations with the songs. Thank god Michael Jackson died and gave me fodder to write about over the past couple of weekends. In fact, on future weekends I might just treat these as a break from writing and simply present the lyrics. I’ll play it by ear.
Speaking of lyrics, these are awfully good. I’ve never paid them much attention but seeing them written out below, they strike me as quite powerful. I could easily see this lyric turned into a poignant ballad. That reminds me of the ‘Tears of a Clown’ discussion, when Amy suggested the lyrics were all wrong for the music. I suppose the same argument could be made here, though in both cases I think the result is wonderful.
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 crumbling down, darlin’
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 with a love that will see you through
When you feel lost and about to give up
Cause your life 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, darlin’
Reach out, come on girl, reach on out for me
Reach out, reach out for me
I’ll be there to love and comfort you
I’ll be there to cherish and care for you
I’ll be there to always see you through
I’ll be there to love and comfort you
I can tell the way you hang your head
You’re not in love now, now you’re afraid
And through the tears you look around
But there’s no peace of mind to be found
I know what you’re thinking
You’re alone now, no love of your own, but darling
Reach out, come on girl, reach out for me
Reach out, reach out… 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
I’ll be there to always see you through
I’ll be there to love and comfort you
Meet Me In Montauk 
I love that you can unabashedly say “Thank God Michael Jackson died” in order to provide you fodder for you blog 🙂 This song is certainly a classic, but I don’t feel the music and lyrics are mismatched. For one, this Top’s delivery is passionate and forceful. Like Amy Ray’s delivery of “Romeo and Juliet” 😉 the vocal delivery can sell lyrics effectively. Is this the most famous song by the Four Tops? This is one of those groups I know by name, but I’m not sure I know anything else about them.
I’ve featured them once before, with ‘Sugar Pie Honey Bunch,’ but I think this song is probably their best known.
By the way, Daniel just came over and noticed that today’s is the 360th song! Congratulations – wonder what you have planned for the big one year anniversary?!
Funny you should mention that. I hadn’t even noticed the number but it turns out the album I’m featuring at #365 is a perfect selection for that day. It’s not the one-year anniversary, technically (the next day is), but it marks exactly one year’s worth of songs. It’s pretty eerie, actually, that I happened into this odd coincidence.
Amy took the words out of my mouth regarding your thankfulness for Jackson’s death. Clearly, the 24 hour news networks are equally thankful.
What strikes me about this song, particularly, the lyrics, is the fusion of gospel and soul, both in message and in sound. While this could be sung by a person trying to lend support to another person, it seems to also have a spiritual quality, as if the singer could be the big Man himself.
Funny that although I know this song well, it never entered my mind as what you would have confused the Jackson 5 song with. Hmmm..
Anyway, I like this song, but I like the other one better. This one seems sort of aggressive (which could be interpreted as passion, I suppose) and the other is just a sweet little love song… Call me a romantic. 🙂