Album Cut Preview: Touch My Hands
Thanks to Valerie for the photo from the Portland show
Here’s a clip of a cut that may appear on the album. It was posted as part of a survey at RateTheMusic.com, possibly to help choose between this and a similarly titled cut, “My Hands.” This one is better. Anyone else think it sounds like a Sheryl Crow song? Nothin’ wrong with that.
Update: If anyone with any influence on final production is reading this, it would be exceedingly cool to rock out the arrangement on Touch My Hands even more. It feels so much like it wants to go there. Go there!
ABOUT THIS AUTHOR
Latest from someone on FOD:
Confirmed: The track list for the CD is finished. These are just two songs from the album that Jive sent out for feedback. One of them may turn into a single in the future, but that is not the direct purpose of this survey.
Not confirmed, but likely true: I also have heard that the album could leak as early as October 30th.
(They have “radio connections”) shrug….
rascal, perfect picture!!!
“They” are also saying 12 songs with bonus tracks to most likely iTunes.
I like both songs. I have the clips on my ZUNE now. Tomorrow will be a happy day at work.
Abrra
Can I hold out and not listen? These are just clips right?
It’s hard to say without hearing the whole song (how DARE they!) LOL…. I like the one Rascal put up better I think…because I like the lyrics. But the other one could be a definite earworm.
I just posted in the previous post that this song has already gotten repeat listens from me. His falsetto is incredible on this song, the lyrics match him much better, and the melody, base, and beat are catchier and easier to hook you as a radio single.
So, this one gets my vote!
I don’t know about Sheryl Crow, Rascal, but Cold Play definitely comes to mind for some reason.
I like the lyrics of this one better, but the music on the other one really grabs me.
I have Touch My Hands on repeat… have listened to it more than 30 times already… tee hee…but I am DYING to hear the rest of it. This song totally says David to me… I like the other song too, but I didn’t feel the connection as strongly. And, yeah, Sheryl Crow, except that I have never really loved her voice, and I am addicted to David’s.
I think he shines vocally moreso on My Hands IMHO.
I am really torn. I love them both (already!) I love the way TMH swells to the chorus, but MH is deeper and a bit more complicated – plus, I still want to hear the ‘rest of the story!’ I didn’t want to stop listening to either song so I think we win either way.
I’m also thinking I’m going to love this CD like none other and I’m so happy that it will be out soon. The waiting is getting harder and harder!
If his CD leaks on October 30th, then my husband better plan on answering the door for the Trick or Treaters cuz I’ll be busy…
I am loving “Touch My Hands”!! I buh-lieve I could love it more than CRUSH and that is saying a lot from me cuz I adore CRUSH!!
“My Hands” is good too, but it kinda sounds too much like a Jordin Sparks type song to me.
Sorry, but I have a hard time visualizing David dropping his watch behind a tire while he’s in his robe … WHAT?!?! Those are the lyrics in “My Hands.”
At least “Touch My Hands” has a very probable scenario, which really matches who and what David is all about. “My Hands” seems just a tad too complicated for our 17-year-old sweetheart.
I saw this on FOD first, and voted over there for Touch My Hands ~ even before I knew it was written by David! WOW! Now I am more than THRILLED that I loved it BEST (tho I love both)! I wonder if David wrote the lyrics or the music, or both! (Well, obviously he wrote the lyrics! I love it, love it, love it!!!) And now I just can’t wait to hear the rest of the album ~ and maybe released SOONER than Nov. 11? Then what do I do with my day off on Nov. 11? Dangit! I want to be OFF when that album drops! Okay, so, for today, I’ll just be ECSTATIC!
I like “My Hands” better. When I listened to the lyrics of “Touch My Hands,” I thought they were sweet, but, for me, “My Hands” is more much interesting. I keep listening to it, and it continues to grow on me.
HG, I’ll have to say I agreed with you on the MH lyrics ~ I really didn’t think I heard them right, until you repeated exactly what I had thought! Huh? I do love the tune though ~ and if someone could explain the lyrics, I might like those too!
Rascal – nice to hear from you!
If they go for Touch My Hands, clips from the Tour would be a cinch for the video — if they do make a music vid for it, that is… Haha ArchuWorld is in flux right now — what with appearances and now samplers from his album…
Guys, if any of you can help out in the part where I can’t make out the lyrics for My Hands, would appreciate it. Thanks. Other fansites have trouble with those lines, too.
Gotta go to work. And ANGELS – don’t forget to breathe!!!
“Guys, if any of you can help out in the part where I can’t make out the lyrics for My Hands, would appreciate it. Thanks. Other fansites have trouble with those lines, too.”
Jackryan, that’s probably b/c we all got stuck at the whole dropping his watch and greeting some chick in his robe… um, I wonder who writes this stuff (certainly not David, but I could totally see him penning the lyrics, even the melody, for “Touch My Hands”).
Well, I know one thing for sure ~ the next tour will have even MORE hands reaching out from the audience ~ hoping, just hoping … for that heart connection from the stage! Look what you started, David! Ha!
perfect picture!
But wouldn’t that be a trippy scene? and a much awaited part of a music vid? David in a robe… coming out of the door… the breeze tousling his hair… as he looks around for someone…
What the heck.. am running late… gotta go.. really!!!
David in a robe, hmmm… there may be potential for “My Hands” after all. Thanks for reminding me of the music video!
I totally vote for Touch My Hands as the more catchy/radio friendly song. My hands had lyrics that sounded like they came from the mind of someone older.
Hey Jackryan (did you already leave for work?), I appreciate the work you’ve already put in to writing out the lyrics, which were posted in the previous thread. So if these really are what we heard in the songs, lyrics wise, TMH wins hands down.
My Hands
Accidentally on purpose
I dropped my watch behind the tire
Threw my alarm clock inside the fireplace
Yeah, and I put the parental control on,
on the news and the weather channel
I’m outside in my robe I’m looking for you, oh
If everything is silent listen for your heart to lead me right to you, yeah
I tried every way I can but it’s harder to hold on to your hands than the hands of time
I need a hand girl, I’m tryin’ to hold on…
I’m trying to hold on
Standing here open hands in air
No, I can’t do this alone
Hold on, oh hold on
Baby hold on (to my hands)
Hold on to my hands (don’t let go of my hands)
Don’t let go (clip end)
The chorus is nice, but the verses? Insane! That first alone is beyond making sense.
Touch my Hands
Saw you from a distance
Saw you from the stage
Something ’bout the look in your eyes
Something ’bout your beautiful face
In a sea of people
There is only you
I never knew what the song was about
But suddenly now I do
Trying to reach out to you, touch my hand
Reach out as far as you can
Only me only you and the band
Trying to reach out to you, touch my hand
Can’t let the music stop
Can’t let this feeling end
‘Cause if I do it’ll all be over, I’ll never see you again
Can’t let the music stop
Until I touch your hand
“Cause if I do It’ll all be over, I’ll never get the chance again
I’ll never get the chance again (end of clip)
The lyrics are not very complicated, a bit simple, but you know what? Coming from David, it fits. And the song is really sweet. JMHO.
If it counts for anything, my 15 year old daughter LOVES ‘My Hands’ (and she is officially a Cook fan.)
I find the beat addictive and can’t stop listening to it. I don’t think odd lyrics have ever held back a good song – HA! I’ve been listening to a lot of Top 40 lately so I know of what I speak – LOL!
I like the lyrics in My Hands. I like the word play associated with time running out. I can visualize David going out to the driveway in his robe to pick up the morining newspaper (next to the car) – looking to catch a glimpse of ‘whomever’ as they might drive by.
I wish all of the lyrics were easier to hear, though. I remember Jeff said that David writes witty lyrics, so I’m not ruling this one out as a David composition. Plus, I’d feel horrible if I dissed it and it turned out to be written by David
I think there is something in each of the songs to please any listener and I’m glad we’ve gotten a sneak preview.
Just like “Crush” this tune appeals to exactly the demographic that David must win to continue as a singer for the ages: the young tweener age group that will support him long after old codgers like me have bit the dust. This tweener group will be buying tickets to see him perform in Vegas when their husbands are gray haired old codgers too. I believe that Jive is doing right by him by focusing on this most important segment of this fan base. Start with the basics, then build up to what is more to his liking and which matches his artistic ability. I’m willing to wait for that day. Just hope it doesn’t take him too long to get there. I want to be around when it happens.
Congrats to you, rascal, on your book project. Gonna be a must read when it’s published.
That doesn’t surprise me, Karenkid. I noticed the younger fans on the other forums are voting for My Hands. I think it fits that whole genre of Jordin Sparks/Chris Brown/Usher, so that’s the sound they’re going for. I like TMH for actually sounding different, on top of having more appropriate lyrics for David. Maybe they’ll feature both songs on the album for his different audiences?
Heart – Is it confirmed anywhere that David wrote TMH? So far I only find speculation.
Kindredspirit, I’m glad you think David is capable of writing My Hands (I guess it kind of rambles the way he does?).
Still not convinced the lyrics came from him, but it’s a possibility (though that is certainly not going to stop me from calling it insane – because it’s cuh-razy, as silverfoxe likes to say!).
http://www.ascap.com/ace/search.cfm?requesttimeout=300&mode=results&searchstr=1597547&search_in=c&search_type=exact&search_det=t,s,w,p,b,v&results_pp=10&start=1
Eman has the writing credit (with two others) for My Hands. Touch My Hands does not come up as registered, and no songs are listed when you search David as the writer. That could just be because it officially doesn’t take place until the CD release.
caseydog — so you are an investigative journalist after all! I assume one could interpret your findings as suggestive that TMH is indeed David’s writing…
Yup, It’s a very good pos-sa-bil-la-DEE that David did inDEEd write TOUCH MY HANDS and Oh what
bee-u-tee-ful hands they are! *sigh*.
Gotta say g’nite now…what a good day!!
David, Stay Sweet, have sweet dreams, be safe & secure in our love always! CONTIGO SIEMPRE CON AMOR!
In reading the lyrics, it certainly seems that way, doesn’t it? One of the biggest struggles for young songwriters is making the leap from the literal to the … metaphorical or suggestive. “Touch My Hands” is fairly straightforward. It seems a nice sentiment, but the writing isn’t going to make you stop and think, hmmm….
But this is just my opinion.
http://www.ascap.com/ace/search.cfm?requesttimeout=300&mode=results&searchstr=DAVID%20ARCHULETA&search_in=a&search_type=exact&search_det=t,s,w,p,b,v&results_pp=10&start=1
I see another song title on that site by David. Ruined Me hmmm interesting…..
Abrra
Good night, silverfoxe, thank you, caseydog, for your investigative work, and thank you, rascal, for featuring here the song I preferred.
I guess I’ll be signing off as well.
Good night, everyone!
Ruin Me *sung* by David, not written. Also, I can’t claim credit for discovering that song registration site – it was mentioned on another site a month or so ago.
Okay, one final note before signing off. TMH is more literal than metaphorical, true, but it’s about David loving the music as much as loving the beloved in this song. That whole “can’t let the music stop/can’t let the feeling end” is all about David’s love affair with music being transferred on to that imaginary fan/lover who’s making that heart connection with his song.
It’s not deep, but it’s not trite either. There’s another layer to this song, which, as I said, “fits” what David is about. From a 17 year old, he does have something to say. Which is probably why it “rang true” for me coming from him.
Anyway, I’m signing off for real.
Until next time!
Abraa – Ruined Me is a cover of a JC Chasez song that has been recorded by David. No word on if it made the album though.
Lyrically, I like “My Hands” much better, and I think I prefer the melody on that one, too. I adore David’s voice, as always, on both clips.
Rascal, I had to go back to FOD to try to find where (or if) it was confirmed. The following is all I could find ~ there were 1,025 comments over there last time I looked.
Lynn says:
October 14th, 2008 at 6:08 pm
Ok you all, Which one do you all like the best.. I know Touch My Hands is written by David. It’s about being on the concert stage and finding someone from the distance and the look in her eyes and her beautiful face that just grabs him. He wants her to touch his hands before he ends that song. See, I told you WYSYLM was David singing to that someone in the audience. But so, there both great songs and I think we have to coordinate and get one of them pumped up so the management gets the bigger hit on the air. I need comments here. I downsized my rate the music and you can always leave it and come back. So my reccomendation is to go listen and come back before you rate and give the final say. I really don’t know which is better. I think My Hands has that pop beat that would do well on radio, but the other part of me says Touch My Hands has a very personal David feel and is written by him so I want this one to be for him and make it big.
Please co mment about the two asap
There is a music blog that talks about the two songs being put on Rate The Music. My Hands lists three songwriters, then on Touch My Hands it has no songwriter listed at all. Perhaps that’s the best clue so far that David wrote TMH.
TMH = Cold Play
MH = Chris Brown/Jordin
I find TMH more surprising. Besides, it’d make a great video. David could play himself being chased by fans, cuts to stage where he only has eyes for one particular brunette…They don’t even need to spend money on this one. All they need to do is edit some tour videos. I’d love a black and white video. Is that cheesy?
But I like both! Hopefully, we won’t have to choose! I’m really looking forward to ‘Ruined Me’, though, and Crush is still my favourite. I’m elated!
I liked both of them. I think for his first CD these are exactly what it needs to help him stay competitive in the pop scene. I can’t wait to hear the entire CD. I have been listening to several songs that Joey McIntyre sang on his solo cd’s. I think “I Cried” is awesome and it so sounds like a David song. Good luck David..
I like them both. I actually like TMH better than Crush because it’s a little less tweeny, for lack of a better word. I like MH because his voice is just so incredible on it. I like the way things seem to be shaping up.
Even on the blog I regularly post on, which is like Cookieville or something, David is getting good feedback. Promising indeed. Alot of posters saying they didn’t like him on the show (nuts, lol) but he has proven himself. Go figure!
MH may be a little Jordinesqe or even better Brownesque, but that is a good thing, not bad. Now if I can get a good weeper, then I will be happy. Strange huh?
I just want to share my unbridled JOY at the pleasure of new David songs! Life is good!
Ok keep your comments coming. We have until Oct 20 to submit our rating/comments to RTM. Your inputs are helpful cos right now… am at a ledge on both songs…
Keep ‘em coming!
Hi everyone
I like them both for different reasons. If both tracks are on the CD, then wow, what a win-win situation for us!
TMH: if it’s true that David wrote this, then how can I not love it?
MH: I have to remind myself that David doesn’t always have to be the the subject of the song. (I’m thinking Kelly Rowland’s Stole). There is talk on FOD that the lyrics are about parents/teens. I’m personally loving the lyrics, and love the fact that the teens are gravitating towards it early on, because there’s a message here. And we know our boy loves the songs with messages.
I personally like the idea of MH as the follow-up single to Crush, and TMH as his personal love letter to his fans (or I guess that one special fan), available with album purchase only.
np1107, I like them both for different reasons too, and the talk on FOD about the lyrics being about parents/teens is very interesting. Suddenly I am hearing a different song almost with this new perspective. Although HG’s #14 “I have a hard time visualizing David dropping his watch behind a tire while he’s in his robe … WHAT?!?!” had me LOL!!!
np1107- I agree I like both for different reasons.
On MH, could this be about a married couple with kids whose marriage is in trouble? Would David be into singing a song like this? Wish we had the whole song.
Heart #42- Shucks, that’s what I needed to do, but didn’t. I went to Rate the Music and then voted for “Touch my Hands” which I enjoyed the uptempo more. Though I was a little put off by some of the lyrics. It seems like every artist who has been in the business a long time, always writes a song about performing. I felt those songs were kind of dis-connected, not true to the average person’s life. So there is not a fellowship between performer and listener. But, knowing David’s history, I believe it is like what np1107 #42claimed- David is telling a story that all his fans were a part of, and TMH is a “personal love letter to his fans.” I know that TMH speaks about David’s life right now and I’m excited to think that songs he may have written will be included on the album, but now I kinda wished I had voted for “My Hands” My first take on this song was it was too jumbled and too mature for David. But, after listening to it numerous times, I am feeling the emotional punch that this song has.
So, if you haven’t voted yet. I highly recommend following Heart’s advice. You only get to vote once, shucks!
I don’t have much time to say why I live “Touch my hands” more, but I would say this one could show the diversity of David more than the “My hands” one.
Got to work. come back later.
Ok after some more listening (whew!) I think I have completed the lyrics of the available clip for My Hands — which make most sense to me, that is! The missing lyrics are in italics:
Accidentally or on purpose
I dropped my watch behind the tire
Threw my alarm clock inside the fire-place
Yeah, and I put the parental control on,
On the news and the weather channel
I’m outside in my robe I’m looking for you, oh
If everything is silent
I’d listen for your heart to lead me right to you, yeah
I tried every way I can
But it’s harder to hold on
To your hands than the hands of time
I need a hand girl, I’m tryin’ to hold on
Losin’ strength in these hands of mine
I need you here, I’m trying to hold on
Standing here open hands in air
No, I can’t do this alone
Hold on, oh hold on
Baby hold on (to my hands)
Hold on to my hands (don’t let go of my hands)
Don’t let go (clip end)
BTW – latest word from archfan13 IDF:
“Confirmed: The track list for the CD is finished. These are just two songs from the album that Jive sent out for feedback. One of them may turn into a single in the future, but that is not the direct purpose of this survey.
Not confirmed but likely true: I also have heard that the album could leak as early as October 30th.
According to archfan13, she has some close contacts with certain DJs.
IF TRUE that noth songs will go into the album, then I will suggest that “My Hands” change title to something like “Hold On”
OR if My Hands is retained, then simplify “Touch My Hands” to “Touch”
Erase, erase the lyrics of My hands above… I think this is it:
Accidentally on purpose
I dropped my watch behind the tire
Threw my alarm clock inside the fire-place
Yeah, and I put the parental control on,
On the news and the weather channel
I’m outside in my robe I’m looking for you, oh
If everything’d stop I’d listen for your heart to lead me right to you, yeah
I tried every way I can
but it’s harder to hold on
To your hands than the hands of time
I need a hand girl, I’m tryin’ to hold on…
Losin’ strength in these hands of mine
I need you here, I’m trying to hold on
Standing here open hands in air
No, I can’t do this alone
Hold on, oh hold on
Baby hold on (to my hands)
Hold on to my hands (don’t let go of my hands)
Don’t let go (clip end)
In spite of not knowing what half the lyrics were, I tended towards My Hands. I love David’s unique lyric phrasing, and this one showcases that. I did find it odd that I couldn’t get some of the lyrics, David is usually crystal clear. Now that I see the lyrics, I’m thinking he wasn’t totally comfortable singing them. But musically I do like that one better. And as Karenkid pointed out, odd lyrics don’t throw a song under the bus. Maybe he should save this one for a later album though. I’m still conflicted. But I know that Touch My Hands will have Sugar Plum David dancing in the girls heads, right in time for the holidays! He should probably go with that one.
I liked “Touch My Hands”, it was really sweet to think that David is fantasizing about meeting the “One” at his concert and he knows the “One” as soon as he sees them and touches their hand. I think that is really cool. As fans we only ever look at it from our perspective – and have a one way crush, it is kinda intriguing to think that maybe our crush would think that we are the “One” as well. Gives one hope, and brings the star down to earth, down to our level, and gives us someone that we can have an equal relationship with. It is like he is giving the fans more power in the relationship. David makes himself more accessible with this song. I don’t think I have ever heard anything quite like it, it is a revolutionary idea. Brilliant!!!
I’ve just been shamelessly wallowing in the two songs in a kinda archu_stupor. I can’t (and mercifully don’t have to) choose one song over the other.
In general I wouldn’t mind if the Jive engineers toned down some of the over-processed aspects of the songs and ramped up the organic David a tad — just by tweaking what’s already there, not entirely re-doing anything, really. Just seems a shame to have the canned parts competing with such a supremely genuine article. (You know…baby… bath water…etc.) But that’s prolly nitpicking. I had the same initial response to Crush before I fully realized its perfection in the radio-friendliness dept. Even in their current states, that voice and delivery for both songs slay me and I’m not at all sure how I’ll survive a whole dang album.
All that said . . .
I really popped in to point you to the Snarkies– the “My Hands vs. Touch My Hand(s)” post and read what Amy had to say about “My Hands.” I believe she really nailed the initially nonsensical “watch behind the tire” “alarm clock in the fireplace.” It’s denial of time…run over the watch, burn the alarm clock, block the news, block the weather… i.e., HOLD EVERYTHING, STOP THE WORLD — STOP TIME. And allll those hands are hands of time… on clocks… etc.
(Suddenly it all makes sense…)
I said to myself, “D’oh! Of course!” I THINK It even ‘splains the little matter of the ROBE… which, hey, I wuz havin’ NO PROBLEM with to begin with. :p
She had a couple of subtle but smart takes on the lyrics that differ from the ones stated above (#25). I think she has very good ears. Here are the lyrics according to Snarky Amy. (See boldface words for the alternative take on lyrics.) Read along as you listen to the song and see what you think.
MY HANDS
Accidentally on purpose I dropped my watch behind the tire
Threw my alarm clock inside the fireplace
Yeah, and I put the parental control on, on the news and the weather channel
I’m outside in my robe I’m looking for you, oh
If everything’d stop I’d listen for your heart to lead me right to you, yeah
I tried every way I can
But it’s harder to hold on to your hands than the hands of time
I need a hand girl, I’m tryin’ to hold on.
Losing strength in these hands of mine
I need you, I’m trying to hold on
Standing here open hands
And I know I can’t do this alone
Hold on, oh hold on
Baby hold on (to my hands)
Hold on to my hands (don’t let go of my hands)
Don’t let go (clip end)
Also, I enjoyed her take on “Touch My Hands,”
here’s the direct snarky link:
http://www.snarkyarchies.com/2008/10/my-hands-vs-touch-my-hands.html
(It ocurred to me you all may have realized ALL of this already…and I hadn’t noticed…If so, I’m blaming it on the Archu_stupor handicap…)
G’nite!
PS… LOL… dang! jackryan just before I got ready to post this I saw your post… it’s ALLL coming together now
Thanks jackryan, for deciphering the lyrics.
“Trying to hold on…”
“Losin’ strength in these hands of mine”
Sooo, David sings with maturity, but these lines sound like decrepitude! Hm, liking these lyrics not so much, and now less. It’s a quandary though, ‘cus I still like the song!!!! A lot.
I’m loving both but love My Hands a bit more. The complication of the lyrics actually catches your attention and makes you listen more than once. Apart from that the melody and beat is totally hip. David can definitely sing R&B. My only critique is the o’s in the beginning which is similiar to Crush.TMH I like because it has an Apologize-esque alternative vibe with a poppy beat and tone. David was right when he said he was experimenting with different vibes. Found these – please enjoy – see you all later.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6YqCSpH-nY
I reached my decision. The best one is the song with “Hands” in the title. As you can plainly see, it was an easy, snap decision. haha
I have 3 minutes and 1 second of new David music. And I thought October was going to be “dog days” in ArchuLand. October is sizzling for this ArchuFan!
Seriously, I put both on one playlist and have been replaying them over and over. I can see the positives for both. Being that I have the mindset of an 18 yo and the body of a….well, lets just say not an 18 yo, I see the beauty of surprise of TH. Someone pointed out earlier that the lyrics are catchy and the music has the current pop vibe. I can actually visualize this song in my head and the video would be fabulous. My 18 yo mind is screaming “YESSSSSSSS!”
TMH, for me, is clean, pure with a wailing element (I am still trying to find the right words for what I hear) in his voice at the beginning which I haven’t heard before. This song connects me David’s expression on the album cover. A different David, a different sound from him. If he wrote it, then that would tip me in its favor.
Amy at SnarkyArchies mentions she could see David rockin’ out to TMH at the piano. When I read this, it made TMH all the more intriguing.
Off topic but a funny story:
My 4 yo grandson whose current favorite move is “Star Wars” (the first one) is going to be “Luke Skywalker” for Halloween.
His Mom and older sister are avid David fans. Last night he was trying on his costume and playing round with his light saber (a relic from his uncles’ childhood) and he finishes his pretend battle and says “May the ArchuForce Be With You.” LOL
Beebee,#58 ~ THANK YOU ~ the light finally dawned for me on your post with the words “STOP EVERYTHING”!!! Now I finally get it ~ at least THAT part ~ now I’m wondering WHO this is talking about! But my preference is slowly switching to MH, tho I still absolutely love the story behind TMH too! Glad (maybe) we won’t have to choose between the two.
But Cutter #52, not sure you understood my post #42 ~ I voted for TMH, not MH, and I still think maybe David wrote that one ~ but now I’m seeing how he may have written MH too!
Well, I am really pumped! GO DAVID!!!!!! And that CD cannot be leaked soon enough!
Late for work, but had to post!
Kizzi, you’re hilarious — no secret where your grandson gets it from. What a riot.
MH sounds to me like every other pop tune out there. Interesting lyrics, yes, but straight-up-the-middle radio play fare. That may make it better as a single.
TMH is far more interesting, even if the lyrics are more literal. Nothing wrong with simplicity, as long as it’s not cliché. The thing I find a little strange about TMH (especially if David wrote it) is that it sounds like a guitar song but contains very little guitar in the arrangement. It seems like they’re almost playing against what would be the natural inclination in the arrangement and making it more “contemporary.” Not sure that’s a wise choice. Would be awfully cool to hear this one rocked out a bit more. That would certainly shake up expectations.
Jackryan, thanks for transcribing the lyrics. I know I shouldn’t get that caught up with this detail, but for whatever reason, the first verse in “My Hands” comes off like some guy going through a mid-life crisis (and somebody who obviously has kids, or why else is he bothering to put the parental control on his TV?).
But, like I said, I could see this appealing to a larger base, and David sounds lovely on it. Still prefer TMH.
And I do agree, if both are on the album, one of the titles needs to be changed.
Then again, he’s putting the parental control on the news and weather channel…Oi!
I agree, Rascal, TMH has the more interesting melody and base. And I like the out of place guitar! Of course, the guitar could also be replaced by the piano to make it softer. That would also make it more personal because then you can envision David cranking out the tune on a baby grand somewhere (perfect for his next video!).
I still say the lyrics in TMH, although simple, has an interesting layering that connects both his love for music and for that mysterious other in the audience.
Rascal – Wow. That is exactly what I am hearing in TMH. I agree, rocked out a bit more would be cool.
Frankly, trying to decide which one I prefer is like trying to decide which son I like better.
Love both of the songs for different reasons. Love both of them because David is singing them.
I agree with the poster above that I hope some songs have an organic feel, as David has also expressed a desire to go that route in the future. I just love his voice without too much production. He doesn’t even need too much production, unlike many singers who can barely carry a tune on their own or have thin voices.
HG — You’re right, there is guitar in the arrangement, but not a lot — I think those first chords are piano. I am arguing for more guitar, not less. Plus, although it’s hard to know without hearing the whole thing, there doesn’t seem to be much of a difference between the verse and the chorus. This is a common problem with neophyte songwriters. Is there a cool bridge? Guess we’ll have to wait and see. But it would be great if a stronger rock arrangement kicked in at the chorus.
Funny that the majority of this group seems to prefer “Touch My Hands” — I started off preferring that one but found after repeat listening I prefer “My Hands” — especially after understanding the lyrics. I think the line about ‘losing strength’ in his hands refers to the idea that he’s holding on tightly to someone but losing his grip. And I actually love the first verse with the clock and watch and parental control (remind me of Mraz a bit) — think those lyrics refer to the singer getting rid of references to time. He won’t check the clock or his watch or the TV news/weather. He wants to lose his sense of time to hold onto a relationship.
I love both songs, however.
HG#66 ~ maybe he wants to “STOP TIME AND EVERYTHING ELSE” including using the parental controls to stop the news & weather ~ Everything! Does that make sense?
You know, the more I listen to it, this MH song could easily cross over into Country (which is definitely not my genre of choice) ~ but I’m liking this song more & more!
Kait, we must have posted at the same time ~ but I totally agree! I’m now leaning more to MH too! But I still love them both, tho MH is becoming my favorite. I love jigsaw puzzles!
I have a rush listening this afternoon, and I am now in the hotel and could take some rest after a long day. I have listened the two songs again, and keep my “Touch My Hands” words.
I love “My Hands”, not because the melody, but the way David sang, silk-like voice, smooth and non-stop.. Love it!!! However, the feeling I have to this song is too similar with “Crush”, I think this one definitely could be a hit, as a single.
I am very surprised of “Touch My Hands”, it is the David in the album cover!!! I am not quite sure if the song is strong enough to be a hit single, however, it’s strong enough to impress non-fans.
So. It depends what the purpose of the next single: To have another commerical success or to build up David’s artist image.
Played both songs for friends and their first choice was My Hands although they thought both were great.
It’s interesting, if you consider the songs from different viewpoints, it can change your impression of them.
Look at both songs from the aspect of just HEARING them on the radio versus hearing and SEEING them on a music video.
It effects my opinion of the songs when I look at them from these different angles. They’re both great songs though!
Rascal, that’s one thing I wish we got to hear – the bridges, which I’m sure would change our perception of both songs overall.
I hear the potential for a great bridge on TMH, but MH sounds like there is more room for David to show off his vocals in an interesting bridge.
Overall, I prefer the chorus on TMH, while MH has more variation in the verse melody. MH sounds like any other song on the radio, though, which means it could fit right in and become a modest hit. But TMH has a different melody that gets stuck in your head. I woke up this morning humming the chorus, but couldn’t remember the chorus on MH!
Either way, I am hoping neither song gets to be his “breakout” second single, because both sound like album fillers and don’t stand out enough on their own to be a runaway success (unless the MH music video is comedy gold! – throwing his alarm clock in the fireplace and searching for someone in his robe and all that) – they’re nice but not necessarily hit singles (even though TMH still has that potential to be unique IMO). I’m hoping the survey was just to get a sense of which direction the album should go if they’re still selecting tracks.
On the other hand, I hate when entertainment folks try to get test audiences for stuff like this. I’m ambivalent about what the whole point was for that music survey.
I don’t necessarily want to influence the ending of a movie or the contents on an album. I want my artists to surprise me by bringing what they’ve got. If I like it, we’re happy, if I don’t, then we learn something. Right?
Rascal, in response to the God Bless America song…I also noticed it was sang in a lower key and wondered why. I thought he would have sang it in a higher key. Maybe he didn’t want to overdo the song and just keep it simple, I don’t know. But still overall, a great version.
Several people have mentioned the idea of changing the title of one or each of the songs if they are both to be on the album. What about instead of “My Hands” – the title might be “Hold On,” and instead of “Touch My Hand” – the title might be “Can’t Let The Music Stop.”
FYI…Per FOD..a reliable source confirmed David DID NOT write TOUCH MY HANDS. So back to the table..NOW which one do we like best?? haha!.
I haven’t had a lot of time to listen to both repeatedly so am going to comment on my initial reaction. TMH just reached right in and grabbed me. A lump rose in my throat and his deep notes sent thrills up my spine. I immediately began tapping my foot and I really liked it. MH I listened too and was surprised I could not follow the lyrics. But it was catchy and I listened again and thought this song will grow on me. Now as I listen to them more times I may change how I feel. I hope they are both on his album. Hands are precious to me. My mother died at 64 and she was so still at her funeral, it just didn’t seem like her except for her hands. Hands that had quilted so beautifully, created gardens of beauty and produce, and served her family so cheerfully. Any song about hands has a vote for me.
Heart — we posted nearly the same thing at nearly the same time! LOL.
Someone at Idolforums who appears to be ‘in the know’ has also said that both of these songs should be on the album, but that neither is the next single. S/he seemed to think the label was simply looking for reaction and creating buzz. I’d say they got both!
And, yes, I’d vote for a title change for one or both songs.
Personally I prefer My Hands. I think it really shows off David’s vocal skills and “phrasing” abilities (he’s SOOO good at that, isn’t he!). He really knows how to accentuate specific lyrics and impact the storytelling!
Seriously, listen to that melody. How many singers do you think have the skills to cover all that vocal territory and stay in such perfect pitch.
In MH, I think I hear something other than:
“I need you here, I’m trying to hold on
Standing here open hands in air”
Could it be
“I need you here, I’m trying to hold on
Standing here open hands AND ARMS”
aarrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrgh! all these discussions, sharings, comments, teasers,,, arrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrgh! can’t stand it and …..oh so lovin it! nyahahahahar! the kid is gonna be so huge, things are definitely moving! whoooooooooooooooo! here we go world, here you go david james! whoooooooooooo! extremely, insanely radio friendly! strangely reminds me of coldplay
Alnamile, I like the new titles you suggested. Silverfoxe, my feelings for TMH are unchanged with this “new info” (is this reliable?), except if this didn’t come straight from David, I’m now concerned someone else thought he should be pandering to his fans. Still like the song though!
dma, I really love your description of the importance of hands, and I completely had the same reaction to TMH – it grabbed me instantly while MH had to grow on me.
Kait, if the “reliable source” is correct in saying neither song will be his second single (but that both will be on the album – yay!), then I have not lost my faith in Jive’s marketing plans.
TMH grabbed me immediately, especially when the instruments kicked in at around 1:00. MH made me want to listen to it more and find out what the lyrics were about.
I don’t think it’s about a midlife crisis – the first lines make me think about depression, actually. And I thought that the other person was either a love interest or just a good friend from whom he is asking for help. (Though probably the former because of the references to “girl” and heart.”)
As for which song is better, that’s a fun question but I don’t think it matters that much in the grand scheme of things.
There will be many more songs. When the album comes out we’ll be debating which songs should be the singles, and that will be fun. 
Still, if it’s true that “one of them may be a single” then perhaps it is important to fight over it lol. (I don’t think this is true, though – they can gauge people’s reactions after the album drops and people have the WHOLE songs to evaluate. Jive has time to decide this anywayz.) But for argument’s sake, I think that “My Hands” is the better radio song – it fits in with the pop radio sound today and after several listens the chorus really grows on you – it’s also very interesting in its rhythms and phrasings, which grab people today I think.
Musically, I think TMH is more interesting because it pushes its musical style is the most different from the others. Chenson (from the UK) at IDF said “he sang in a British style but I like it” lol. It’s great to see David venturing into a variety of styles from the get-go. (Which I want him never to abandon. Ever.) I also think there is MAJOR build-up in the song that we have not heard yet, and maybe the guitars do kick in. The whole 1:30 sounds like it’s ready to bust out into something greater.
Musically, I also like MH because of all the harmonies (there’s 2-part and 3-part) and the complex, interesting rhythm and phrasing in the chorus.
I think they’re both great pop songs. What’s skeery is that, if it’s true that “one of them is being considered for release as a single,” then there are others that Jive is certain they’ll release as a single that are even BETTER than these.
If I were to guess, think we’re going to have a monster single as David’s follow-up to Crush, and it will be a slower, more ballady song that really showcases his voice. Jive isn’t stupid and knows David can SANG. And they will want to highlight his musical versatility in the public eye from the get-go. I think this is Jive’s MO – with Justin Timberlake they debuted with a faster song (“Like I Love You”) and then came out with a slower song (“Cry Me a River”). For Jordin Sparks, they came out with the faster, happy “Tattoo” and then released the slower, angsty “No Air.” In both cases, the second song was the bigger hit.
So yeah – this leak succeeded at creating buzz by showing us 2 songs that are really good that we can look forward to on on the album. But not only that – one or both of these may not even be singles! There will be other songs that will be even better.
HG..I was lurking at FOD..And since they have INSIDE info (friends & family of David) I would think their source is reliable..that David DID NOT write TMH…per Jenny’s take on the song this morning.
ronaldsf – Thanks for the insights. I learned so much from your posts. Not being in the music world there are things I do intuit but can’t articulate. So, your post gave me many a-ha’s and much delve into as i listen over and over and over and over — did I say over – again to these two songs. TMH is definitely different and I like!
AND, a major build up to a slower, maybe ballady song. A SCREEEEEAM!
I enjoyed yours and chenson’s review on IDF. You guys rock!
I am so thankful that there are so many DA fans who are so much more knowledgeable about the music industry than me. I’ve learned so much from coming here!
I love both of these song snippets, especially TMH, and have been repeating them non-stop since last night. The style of TMH just grabs me and I think it’s different from most of what I’ve been hearing on the radio. Although MH has grown on me, it seems more like a lot of what’s already out there. Anyway, it doesn’t matter that much, because it’s DAVID singing, which is the key for me.
The only real problem is that I’m having a hard time concentrating on the work I need to do. It’s ridiculous what two minute and a half snippets have done to me! I am starting to think that taking the WEEK off after his album drops will be the only sane thing I can do!
momofteens – I can concentrate, but only on David’s music. haha
And, I hadn’t thought about taking the week off, just the day, but I think you have something there. You are absolutely right, it will be the only sane thing to do so I can completely savor and totally enjoy the lightspeed journey we will collectively be on that week. Thanks!
Rascal, thanks for “updating” your post.
I totally agree with you there!
OH MY HECK..what is going on in ARCHUWORLD?? Have we all gone bananas?? I like both songs..and
I have been taking in all the expert analogies but the problem with that is I keep have to go back & listen to get what is being said about each song.
Personally, I don’t think either song is going to be his next single..I think because the titles are so similar, they want only one of them on the album, thus the survey??
I know the lyrics are so different but maybe there’s a difference of opinion with the PTB?? BUT what do I know anyway..well I do know I like both. I’m HOPING his next single will be a surprise..one that will knock our socks off! A song that will not need to be disected and analyzed. But hey..they DID get a huge buzz going..the PTB in David ORG. should be very happy..The album is going to be a MONSTER HIT and I may be totally wrong about neither song being David’s next single, but I’m not wrong about that.
Now I gotta get some work done!
Yep, I totally am in full agreement with your update, rascal, and ronaldsf, I completely concur that there is definitely a MONSTER HIT in the making with David’s second single. I want to hear his organic voice more than anything.
OH MY…. I absolutely agree rascal TMH wants to go there…it does and it should. I am so thrilled with David’s vocals on this— I am feeling this edgier vibe. I love David’s power vocals but I love his clean ,simple voice…wow a sorta rockin’ song…GO David. I would LOVE some guitar…I am trying to decide on who this reminds me of.. I am liking David trying this out. It really works for me…if they kicked it up a bit I am feeling that !!!
Coldplay maybe…..I am thinking…Oasis??? I am not sure but I love love love IT.
I really like MH as well but I was so happily surprised with TMH…it has overshadowed MH…which I love as well… his voice is so lovely ! Very radio friendly !
If I’m not mistaken, I think I hear some guitar already in TMH, some high notes that are especially noticeable during the verse. But I think Rascal’s talking about some loud power chords!
Rock on, Rascal!!
I realize that there is a little guitar but I was agreeing that there could be more…..
While I really love Crush and both these new songs, I personally am still waiting for the “WOW” song from David.
Knowing my tastes, it most likely will not be a mainstream, radio friendly tune. Typically my favorite songs are the more obscure ones that I discover after purchasing a CD for another song by the artist.
“So yeah – this leak succeeded at creating buzz by showing us 2 songs that are really good that we can look forward to on on the album. But not only that – one or both of these may not even be singles! There will be other songs that will be even better.”
I agree completely! Thanks ronalds.
The lack of guitar on Touch My Hands threw me off a bit, too. It’s almost like it could be a soft, piano-rock kinda song. It was a little off-putting at first, but I sorta like it now. It’s so…happy.
silverfoxe — My dear, if you think this is bananas, just wait until the album drops. I think we all better just declare an ArchuHoliday because no one, but no one, is gonna get any work done on that day!
Instead of MYOB..I’ve been lurking elsewhere again..and I’m kinda confused..more tha usual. I don’t get why some of David’s “older” fans’ so very relieved to know that David didn’t pen TMH because the lyrics are “not him” and don’t “reflect his values” and “him wanting to find the right girl with a good personality when the time comes”. So what do they mean? That if HE HAD penned the song, they’d be disappointed in him? And if he ever writes a song that they don’t think “reflects HIM” in their opinion, will they turn their back on him?? I do not understand? Did they not see how he interacted with his fans and many times actually kinda flirted with them. My gosh..David is a flesh & blood male and that’s a FACT!
I can very well believe David could have written TMH. Can someone explain to me why it seems like some fans are fans with conditions. Explain it to me like I’m not a confused 61 yr old?? Thank You!!
Gee, go away for a few days and all heck breaks loose! I won’t be able to hear these tracks till late tonight and it’s KILLING me!
I did get to hear GBA and although it was still a thrill to hear David sing it, I kept wishing they’d asked him to do America the Beautiful (can’t you just hear it?).
And his music list is so mature and layered — much like his singing, I guess. And so many Canadians on it, no wonder we love him so — from Deborah Cox to my personal fave Joni Mitchell, awesome.
Silverfoxe: “fans with conditions” — you’re so right, I don’t get that either.
rascal..which is why I declared 11/11 a NATIONAL ARCHUWORLD HOLIDAY..wait that doesn’t sound right, how can it be a “national” holiday if we live in a ArchuWORLD??? IT should be a WORLD holiday!! Anyway I declared it WAY back when the date was made public..I will be off that day and I will going from Walmart to Kmart to Circuit City to Target to..well you get my drift, to purchase the CD at every store and will ask the clerks to “PLAY the CD for me please” so everyone else within earshot can also hear it!! Yes! that’s MY plan!
So, silverfoxe, what size pom poms can I order you for Christmas this year?
Went home for lunch so I could listen full blast and I still love TMH best although I do like both. A fan already made a video with the snippet and I love watching and listening.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LXgBQHyPe1Y&feature=related
What a ride this young man is taking us on. I have been bouncing all over my chair at work listening to this.
FOD has a video from the girl on the iCarly set talking about her time with David. She has some stellar things to say about our boy! Surprise, surprise.
Sorry, I meant FANBLAST!
Joner…veryyyyy BIG’UN’s!!
RAH-RAH-RAH! Go BIG ‘D’!!
Silverfoxe, I so agree with your post 101! There are a lot of folks out there with what I think of as rather puritanical beliefs, and that’s one of the reasons I don’t post much anywhere but here. But, I guess that just goes to show the diversity of DA’s fans. I can’t believe that they would actually turn away from him if he didn’t live up to their expectations, but if they do, it’s their loss.
I admit I haven’t gone to a lot of other sites, so I may have missed something. It seemed to me that those that are relieved he didn’t write TMH based their relief on the pretty predictable nature of the lyrics that we’ve heard so far – not that he couldn’t have the feelings expressed in the song, but that we all expect something a little more profound from him lyrically, even though I think anything he sings will be a gigantic hit. I don’t actually care so much what he sings as how he sounds.
They also may have been referring to the fact that he expressly stated he couldn’t find his soul mate by just looking into a crowd and saying “I choose you” which you have to admit is pretty much where this song is headed.
Oh! I soooo hope the cd comes leaks Oct. 30th. I will be in Orlando then: I can have an early Christmas, and I won’t have to wait for express delivery (fingers crossed).
HG: can we have the happy song in the background?
Silverfoxe – I am glad you brought up the topic of “conditions” for being a fan. I think of the interview where David speaks of fearing responsibility (how acutely astute for a 17 year old btw) and my heart hurts. David has such a vast continuum of fans and they span from the most conservative to the most liberal and all points in between.
I read comments at other sites where the expectations set are beyond perfection, actually into the divine. I see fans who are asking David to prove some idea, belief, ideal for them. What an albatross to put around anyone’s neck. Couple that with the fact that David is sensitive, caring, kind and has an obvious two-way adoring relationship with his fans and I see the potential of painful realizations ahead. Thankfully, David has fans who accept him for who he is, who know that what happens, happens and who genuinely want what David wants. Those are the fans who belong to the “fans for life club,” the fans with UNCONDITIONAL love.
I think of him growing up before our eyes and sharing his vulnerabilities and perceived “faults” and I am in awe. Imagine being 17 years old and in a glass house–not me, never would have had the courage to do that. .
Kizzi – we’ve all moved on to the next post, but I wanted to say that I hear what you are saying. I put myself down in the “unconditional love” category of fan. I too worry about David’s fear of letting down his fans. He should focus on pleasing himself – his aesthetic, his morality, and let the rest go.
Silverfoxe, Kizzi#112, and davidfanLIZ#113: Thank you so much for your posts. You speak to what I was thinking when I read his blog on alloy.com about him making his album for his fans. I so appreciated that from him, but at the same time it made me feel worried. I hope he knows that we TRUST him, and that he has fans by his side for the marathon, not the sprint.
You can touch my hands David HUBBA HUBBA
The actual title is Touch My Hand, singular.