Reach Out

Story Behind The Song

Like so many people today, we feel the loss that comes with a parent who is afflicted with Alzheimer's. This song sings out the funny, poignant moments of that journey, including the sadness of a mother who doesn't recognize her child, but the sweetness, too, in that she knows he's "the funny one" who makes her laugh.

Song Description

So many people today feel the loss that comes with a parent who is afflicted with Alzheimer's. In this song, a man reflects on all the good memories that his mother has lost to Alzheimer's, which he now carries. She may no longer know who he is, but she knows he's "the funny one" who makes her laugh. And that's enough.

Song Length 4:38 Genre Pop - Rock, Rock - Easy Listening
Tempo Slow (71 - 90) Lead Vocal Male Vocal
Mood Poignant, Endearing Subject Mother, History, Past
Similar Artists Coldplay, Ed Sheeran Language English
Era 2000 and later

Lyrics

REACH OUT Copyright Tom and Mary Erangey January 2014

When we were young and you were strong
You helped me through it all along
You helped me all the way through school
You taught me how to bend the rules

Now that life has passed us by
Through the years we laughed and cried
I really think we made the most
You still laugh at my jokes

CHORUS
If you reach out, someone will come
If you reach out, someone will come
I'll be there, you know I will
I'll be there, I swear I will

You can't remember all the things we did
You let me drive when I was just a kid
I recall the way you were
I remember and it makes me smile

BRIDGE
Time has taken your mind
I hate that it's taken your mind
But I'm still hearing your mind
In mine... All the time

Life can take the precious things it gave
Steal away the smiles of yesterday
What you lose I carry now
What remains let me sing it out

CHORUS (2X)
If you reach out, someone will come
If you reach out, someone will come
I'll be there, you know I will
I'll be there, I swear I will

You're the funny one she said
You're the funny she said
Instrumental out...

A very melodic lead vocal, strong arrangement and a sensitive and important lyrical topic make this song a powerful statement in the struggle against Alzheimer's disease.

Overall, "Reach Out" delivers on its promise to tell an emotional and moving story in an effective and memorable way both musically and lyrically: the listener ends up feeling the singers' dilemma, and identifying with them. Alzheimer's Disease is a real challenge to what's been referred to as the "Sandwich Generation": baby boomers with aging parents and growing children, stuck in the middle, caring for both. By effectively telling us their story in song, Tom and Mary may well help many others to work through these challenges in their own lives. And there, music does one of the things it does best: makes a difference.

Reach Out is a beautiful plea for understanding and love in a difficult situation. Telling someone you love that you love them when they no longer recognize you is tough stuff. The elegance in the delivery of this emotional plea is spot on. The message is pure, simple and truly heartfelt.

Lyrics Tom and Mary Erangey Music Tom and Mary Erangey, Rich Rankin
Producer Rich Rankin Performance Tom and Mary Erangey, Rich Rankin
This track is on 6 Member Playlists
Playlist Creator Playlist Name Date Added
The Spermatochords Truth & Illusion 3/19/2015
Dianne MacAdam My Top Songs 2/25/2015
Dianne MacAdam Moving 2/25/2015
Ionut Mirel Udrea Best Pop Rock Songs 1/12/2015
Julia Schmidt My Top Songs 9/29/2014
Crosseyed Miles My Top Songs 9/28/2014

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