Reading Time: 18 min read

13 Rad Fitting, Clothing-Related Songs (2025) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Daria Liudnaya, Edmond Dantès, fauxels, Luân Phan, Michael Obstoj, Tazz Vaughn, TMA Management from Pexels; AcatXIo from Pixabay]13 Rad Fitting, Clothing-Related Songs features songs by Kane Brown, Kehlani, KETTAMA, Kim Petras, Leon Thomas, and Lizzo.

Shirts! Polos! Jeans! Undies! Shoes! YITTY! All of those garments appear on the clothes-based playlist, 13 Rad Fitting, Clothing-Related Songs. This clothing-related musical compendium should not be confused with 13 Songs Focused Exclusively on Clothes, published earlier in 2025.  In that list, some form of the word clothes was a requirement. On this clothing list, the word clothes isn’t necessary, but some form of garment, or something related to wearing something, IS a requirement. 13 Rad Fitting, Clothing-Related Songs features songs by Kane Brown, Kehlani, KETTAMA, Kim Petras, Leon Thomas, and Lizzo. So, without further ado, grab your lucky pair of undies (whatever your preference is) and a pair of headphones, and check out these 13 Rad Fitting, Clothing-Related Songs!


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1. Lizzo, “YITTY ON YO TITTYS (FREESTYLE)” 2. Kehlani, “Folded” 3. Leon Thomas & Kehlani, “Dirt On My Shoes” 4. KETTAMA, Shady Nasty & Fred again.., “Air Maxes”
5. Kim Petras, “Polo” 6. Kane Brown, “2 Pair” 7. Thomas Day, “Underwear” 8. Tonio Armani, “Help Me Find My Drawls”
9. Owen Pallett, “Lewis Takes Off His Shirt” 10. Gogol Bordello, “Start Wearing Purple” 11. The Dynamic Superiors, “Shoe Shoe Shine” 12. James Cleveland, “Touch The Hem Of His Garment”
13. Sam Cooke, “Touch The Hem of His Garment”      

 


1. Lizzo, “YITTY ON YO TITTYS (FREESTYLE)”

MY FACE HURTS FROM SMILING » Nice Life Recording Company / Atlantic Recording Corporation » 2025

Lizzo, MY FACE HURTS FROM SMILING [📷: Nice Life Recording Company / Atlantic Recording Corporation]At the end of June, Grammy-winning rapper/singer/songwriter/flautist Lizzo (Melissa Jefferson) dropped a surprise mixtape, MY FACE HURTS FROM SMILING.  Amazingly, MY FACE HURTS FROM SMILING was recorded in only three days. Rather than focus on pop, she showed off her bad bitch side, rapping rather than singing for the most part. Among the songs on the project that catches the ears the most, if for no other reason than its title, is “YITTY ON YO TITTYS (FREESTYLE)”. “YITTY” finds Lizzo talking her shit. With a sweet, minor-key trap backdrop produced by prxdbyjai, One Play Mike, and Zaytoven, ‘Lizzy’ goes in. Worth noting, “YITTY” samples “WHIM WHAMIEE” by PLUTO and YKNIECE. “Bitch, it’s Lizzo, call me Lizzy / I been fat and I been skinny, bitches still ain’t fuckin’ with me,” she bites in the chorus, adding, “Bitch, it’s summer, we outside, put some Yitty on your titties (we outside, ho).” In case you were confused about the swimwear she’s promoting, it is called YITTY (by Fabletics). She mentions her weight throughout, including the recurring lyric from the chorus, as well as the likes of, “Nigga wanna smash real bad, this nigga burnt out (He burnt out) / Never fucked a big bitch before, I got him turnt out.” Ultimately, “YITTY ON YO TITTYS (FREESTYLE)” is an enjoyable record without being game changing or transcendent.

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2. Kehlani, “Folded”

“Folded” » Atlantic Recording Corporation » 2025

Kehlani, Folded [📷: Atlantic]“It’s so silly of me to act like I don’t need you bad / When all, all I can think about is us since I seen you last.” Those pesky matters of the heart have reared their ugly head on “Folded”, one of the best songs by Grammy-nominated R&B singer-songwriter Kehlani (Kehlani Parrish) [she/her/they/them]. Kehlani co-wrote “Folded” with Andre Harris, DIXSON, Kamal Wilson, Don Mills, Donovan Knight (D.K. the Punisher), and Khris Riddick-Tynes. Harris, Mills, D.K. The Punisher and Riddick produced it.  The backdrop is gorgeous: lush, striking, and sleekly executed in every way. Parrish has ample fuel for her vocal fire, though she’s on autopilot from the get-go.

Kehlani delivers one of the premier vocal performances of her career.  Her instrument sounds pitch-perfect and radiant, delivering impressive runs and utterly sublime nuances. Her performance sounds authentic, as she lays it out there for this person.  She brings the oomph to the tuneful melodies, while the lyrics are incredibly memorable.  In “Folded,” she seems to battle between still loving and being open to try again with this person, yet she is also prepared to send them on their way. “Can you come pick up your clothes? / I have them folded / Meet me at the door while it’s still open,” she sings in the unforgettable chorus, continuing, “I know it’s getting cold out, but it’s not frozen / So come pick up your clothes / I have them folded.” With the door still ajar, in the pre-chorus, Parrish asserts, “I’ll let your body decide if this is good enough for you / Already folding it for you / Already folding it for you.” Superb vocals, writing, and production earn “Folded” a spot near or at the top of Parrish’s fabulous catalog.

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3. Leon Thomas & Kehlani, “Dirt On My Shoes”

MUTT Deluxe: HEEL // UMG Recordings, Inc. / EZMNY » 2025

Leon Thomas, MUTT: Deluxe HEEL [📷: UMG Recordings, Inc. / EZMNY]Two of R&B’s freshest, most talented artists, Grammy winner Leon Thomas and Grammy nominee Kehlani (Kehlani Parrish), duet on the dazzling “Dirt On My Shoes”. “Dirt On My Shoes” is the penultimate track from Thomas’ 2025 album, MUTT Deluxe: HEEL. Thomas and Parrish co-wrote the gem with Khris Riddick-Tynes, Alex Goldblatt, D. Phelps, Joseph McCue, and Freaky Rob (Rob Gueringer). From the production side of things, Thomas and Parrish co-produced with Goldblatt, Phelps, Riddick-Tynes, Freaky Rob, and Jester Beats.

Kehlani draws first blood, singing the first verse, pre-chorus, and chorus. She sounds amazing, wooing and wowing us with her angelic tone and expressiveness. Parrish asserts he deserves the truth, singing, “Can you just close your eyes / So you don’t see the mess I hide.” The lyrics resonate in the pre-chorus as Kehlani characterizes him as “damn mature” and admits, “And I didn’t think to pack / On the first night that we had / Came back with some baggage / The reason that I’m damaged.” Thomas brings it in the second verse, pre-chorus, and chorus.  She joins him sparingly during his verse and fully collaborates in the pre-chorus and chorus.  Like Parrish, Thomas has his shortcomings.  Brilliantly, he highlights, “You got post-therapy clarity / And I got good sex and sincerity.” He adds vulnerable lines like, “You saw my heart and said you wasn’t scared of me,” and “‘Cause I been playing this terribly, uh / Forget what’s fair to me / But you deserve serenity.” Thomas sounds top-notch, bringing the melodies to life and impressing with his nuances. Their vocal chemistry is electrifying when they sing together, particularly in the chorus:

“And I knew I messed up the room

I had dirt up on my shoes

And I still walked into you

I still walked into you (Oh)

Oh, it’s such a mess (A mess)

We can make it up in bed

Dirt all on my shoes (My shoes)

And I’m tracking it all over the house

Tracking it all over the house

Tracking shit all over the house (Oh)

Would you still want me walking around?

Still got me walking around (Oh).”

Ooh-wee, that is fire 🔥! Leon Thomas and Kehlani put their foot into “Dirt On My Shoes”.  The vocals are elite, the songwriting sumptuous, while the musical backdrop is utterly sublime – lush and chock-full of soul.

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4. KETTAMA, Shady Nasty & Fred again.., “Air Maxes”

Air Maxes » Steel City Dance Discs powered by co:brand » 2025 

KETTAMA, Shady Nasty & Fred again.., Air Maxes [📷: Steel City Dance Discs powered by co:brand]“They’re burnin’, can’t catch up to me, I need to be a doctor / Ayy, mental in this hire car / Close ‘em eyes, close ‘em eyes and let the driver speak.” Irish 🇮🇪 DJ/producer KETTAMA (Evan Campbell), Sydney-based 🇦🇺 band Shady Nasty, and UK 🇬🇧 DJ, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Fred again.. collaborated on the intriguing single, “Air Maxes”. The minimalism and subtlety of the musical backdrop, produced by KETTAMA and Fred again.., are part of the charm. It’s striking without being the slightest bit ornate. The vocals from Shady Nasty do the heavy lifting on the rhythmic, wordy sections of the song (the verses and refrain).  The first verse, excerpted above, sets the tone against the chill yet potent instrumental.  In the second verse, the Air Maxes 👟 are mentioned early (“Thankin’ them for Air Maxes and thankin’ them for skylines / Couldn’t be without them both”). Although the refrain is a bit unusual, it endears itself with successive listens. “Right foot like an anchor / I’m loaded up heavy / Could not thank you more for all these things I’m carryin’ to the graveyard…,” they sing, adding “Maybe I need a taser to my chest / But then I think about the rest, like.” The chorus is the least verbose and most melodic section: “Secrets, I don’t wanna have ‘em / Regrets, I don’t wanna have ‘em.” Ultimately, “Air Maxes” is an engaging, enjoyable, and striking record from these three talented musical acts.

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5. Kim Petras, “Polo”

“Polo” » Amigo / Republic » 2025 

Kim Petras, Polo [📷: Amigo / Republic]“I got them alligators left and right, uh / My Ralph Lauren, tight and teeny, let’s go.” Lacoste? The polo is a key part of Kim Petras’ brief but fun song, “Polo”. The Grammy-winner co-wrote “Polo” with atlgrandma, Madison Love, and Nightfeelings (Nick Weiss). She co-produced alongside Margo XS and Nightfeelings. Lyrically, Petras has no shortage of striking moments.  Beyond the first verse (excerpted earlier,” she drops a pair of gems in the second. “You wanna pull it with your teeth / Chow-chow,” she sings, adding, “Sweat dripping down my upper thigh (Polo) / You wanna hit it with that polo stick (Right).” Polo stick, eh? The chorus is the crème de la crème – the section to beat:

“You wanna get me out my polo shirt (uh-uh)

… My polo and my mini skirt (Uh-uh)

Titties poppin’ out my bra (Like wow)

You wanna throw that to the floor (Right now)

Slap that logo on my ass (Uh-uh)

Make that pony come in first (Right now).”

Petras exhibits plenty of attitude and personality as she sings about sex.  As intriguing as her vocals are, the production slaps, too!  Ambitious, sleek, and soaked in the hyperpop aesthetic, the instrumental is prime fuel for Petras’ fire.  The beat and the malicious, sharp synths are everything! Kim puts her foot into “Polo”.

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6. Kane Brown, “2 Pair”

“2 Pair” » Sony Music Nashville » 2025 

Kane Brown, 2 Pair [📷: Sony Music Nashville]“Hey, I need some for work, I need some for church (Hey) / I need some for getting down dirty in the dirt.” Sometimes,  Kane Brown overdoes it in “2 Pair”.  Yes, there is a need, particularly when “I wear ‘em out till there’s holes on the outsole,” but at other times, the country music standout likes it and wants to flex: “Damn, I probably don’t need no more / But the second I walk through the door…” More on that in a moment.  “2 Pair” has no shortages of writers.  Brown co-wrote it with Andrew Haas, Gabe Foust, Ian Franzino, Jacob Hackworth, and Jaxson Free. Jordan Schmidt produced it. As the title suggests, Kane is doubling up! In the chorus, he splurges:

“Give mе two pairs of Luccheses

All-white shirt and somе bootcut jeans

I’ll go all night, stomping to the beat

I just got a check, blew it all on my feet like

Oh, ooh

Ain’t shit you can tell me, I feel like Nelly

Give me two pairs of Luccheses

All-white shirt and some bootcut jeans, yeah.”

Not only do rappers drop a bag, but so do country singers. Brown seems to have a fit that he digs: Lucchese boots 🥾, white shirt 👕, and bootcut jeans 👖. And, of course, he’s looking damn good, so much show that “Lil’ shorty came with a man, but she still starin’, damn.” Ultimately, in “2 Pair”, Brown sings well, the lyrics are entertaining, and the sound is contemporary country through and through. The music during the chorus is quite robust – those mammoth-sounding drums.  Yee haw, cowboys and cowgirls 🤠!

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7. Thomas Day, “Underwear”

“Underwear” » Arista » 2025

Thomas Day, Underwear [📷: Arista]“What a thing to do.” Thomas Day is heartbroken in his ballad, “Underwear”.  Despite its title, “Underwear” isn’t about undies, though they are mentioned: “You left your underwear / But still bought another pair / Like you really had to / Did you have to?” Day and Noah Nockels composed the emotional song about an ex, who Thomas still has feelings for. Rudey produced it. Thomas sounds angelic as he bears his soul. “Why did you leave me there? / Why are you set on running out,” he asks, later asking, “Why you had to change your tone?” In the chorus, he’s dejected, as his ex encourages him to move on:

“You wanted me to love somebody else

But I’m still in love with you

You wanted me to go and fuck myself

‘Cause I’d do anything for you.”

Bummer. Beyond emotional lyrics and a strong vocal performance, Day is backed by lovely musical accompaniment.  The sound is rhythmic yet tender, complementing his hurt feelings.  Going back to the lyric excerpted above, “What a thing to do,” Day is hurt and angry that reconciliation isn’t a possibility.  It’s over whether he likes it or not.  “Underwear” is a winner. Heartbroken, but relatable.

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8. Tonio Armani, “Help Me Find My Drawls”

“Help Me Find My Drawls” » Armani Music Group » 2024

Tonio Armani, Help Me Find My Drawls [📷: Armani Music Group]“So, I told her / If I come, I can’t stay too long.” Hmm, we know where this is going, Tonio Armani (Travis Antonio Gardner) 😏 😈. The southern soul singer/songwriter from Columbus, Georgia, continues singing on his entertaining 2024 single, “Help Me Find My Drawls”, “Soon as I get to the room / We got right down to it / We start gettin’ it on.” After getting busy with this woman who “wanna get nasty,” Armani is in search for his drawls, aka underwear.  The desperation is real, y’all – he’s got to find those boxers… or briefs… whatever his preference is!

Tonio Armani ‘brings the house down’ on “Help Me Find My Drawls.” His voice is distinct from the get-go.  He is gritty and raspy, oozing with soul.  The throwback vibes are refreshing as he ‘puts his all’ in this sex song. Yes, they ‘do it,’ hence why he’s searching for his undies, but he refrains from being explicit or TMI.  Instead, his tale of this rendezvous is only secondary, while the search for his underwear is hilarious:

“Help me find my drawls

(Help me find my drawls)

I got somewhere to be

Yes, I do, lady

Somewhere in the bedroom

Oh Lord

That’s the only place they could be.”

The southern charm and personality that Armani brings amplify the song. This is especially evident in the extended outro where he still has not found them (“Oh, you got to find my drawls today”).  Making “Help Me Find My Drawls” even better is the musical backdrop, which is infused with the soul of old yet sounds vibrant and fully representative of 2020s R&B.  

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9. Owen Pallett, “Lewis Takes Off His Shirt”

Heartland » Domino Recording Co Ltd » 2010

Owen Pallett, Heartland [📷: Domino Recording Co Ltd]“As soon as I got on the horse, I forgot about the math.” Owen Pallett continues singing on “Lewis Takes Off His Shirt”, “Forgot about the odds against an adolescent standing up to all of Owen’s wrath.” Hmm, is Owen (the character) like Goliath? To alleviate some confusion, our talented violinist, singer, and songwriter is singing from the perspective of Lewis, who wants to kill Owen, the creator. “Lewis Takes Off His Shirt” is the eighth track from Pallett’s 2010 conceptual LP, Heartland. Pallett wrote and produced it. He delivers some of the most accomplished and intriguing music you’ll ever hear.

“Lewis Takes Off His Shirt” begins enigmatically. Even when the relentless, repeated rhythmic lines enter the mix, the song sounds distinct and unusual, truly, one of a kind. The orchestra parts are epic, particularly the riffs, providing ample flavor. The blend and contrast of acoustic and electronic instruments is exceptional. Pallett delivers beautiful vocals, never forcing things. As alternative as this song is, it has its fair share of tuneful moments. Beyond the prodigious musical backdrop, the lyrics, songwriting, and theme are captivating, too, as excerpted earlier.

“The heat of prairie summer is impossible to take

I grab the hem and lift the fabric over my sweet head

I know what you’re looking for, and I’m never gonna give it to you

I’m never gonna give it to you.”

So, what is Owen looking for that Lewis is not going to give to him?  The next lines provide answers… sort of.  “Government rule established by a dazzling light show / A hegemony armored with a thousand-watt head and seven inches of echo,” Pallett sings, continuing, “I keep up my velocity, my spurs are in her sides / I don’t know what I’m doing, and it is the only way / Toward the range I’ll ride, singing, I’m never gonna give it to you.” Uh-huh.  The fun answer is that Pallett is using double entendre, specifically regarding the thousand-watt head and seven inches of echo.  Is he intentionally bringing some queerness? The most reasonable explanation centers around hegemony and the concept/theme of Heartland.  Also, there are poetic lyrics regarding art, ‘Lewis’ asserting he is a vector, and showing resolve despite fear: “My knuckles grip so tightly my fingers start to bleed / If what I have is what you need / I’m never gonna give it to you.” Taken out of the context of the album, “Lewis” is less accessible. But, there is a heaping dose of ambition and some queerness, too. If the celestial, cerebral sounds of “Lewis Takes Off His Shirt” are a product of losing his top, then Lewis should never wear a shirt, like, EVER. Utterly sublime!

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10. Gogol Bordello, “Start Wearing Purple”

Gypsy Punks: Underdog World Strike » SideOneDummy »  2005

Gogol Bordello, Gypsy Punks: Underdog World Strike [📷: SideOneDummy]“Start wearing purple, wearing purple / Start wearing purple for me now,” Eugene Hütz sings in the chorus of “Start Wearing Purple”.  He continues, “All your sanity and wits, they will all vanish / I promise, it’s just a matter of time.” Hütz is the frontman of Gogol Bordello, a unique band of immigrants. “Start Wearing Purple” is the ninth track from Gypsy Punks: Underdog World Strike, released in 2005. “Purple” remains unusual two decades later.

Hütz is the star of the show.  His vocals are distinct and dynamic, while his Ukrainian accent is charming.  Also charming is the personality Hütz brings to the performance.  The tunefulness of the chorus goes without saying, inciting purple-wearing, but the verses are fun too.  “I know you since you were a twenty, I was twenty,” Hütz asserts in the first verse, adding, “A purple little, little lady will be perfect / For a dirty old and useless clown.” Oh, snap! Fittingly, Hütz sings some lyrics in his native language (in the second and third verses).  Still, the biggest draw is to start wearing purple, PERIOD!  Stylistically, “Start Wearing Purple” encompasses rock, punk, folk, and Romani music.  It thrives on an infectious groove from the beginning.  The use of an accordion specifically (Yuri Lemeshev) enhances the timbre.  This purple-clothed song slaps!

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11. The Dynamic Superiors, “Shoe Shoe Shine”

The Dynamic Superiors » UMG Recordings, Inc. » 1975 

The Dynamic Superiors, The Dynamic Superiors [📷: UMG Recordings, Inc.]“First of all, let’s get one thing straight / All the things you desire will have to come late / Ain’t handing you no jive / Tellin’ you it is what it ain’t.” Word. Washington, D.C.📍 Motown quintet The Dynamic Superiors charted only one song on the pop charts, “Shoe Shoe Shine”.  “Shoe Shine” peaked modestly at number 68 on the Billboard Hot 100. Despite the lack of commercial success, The Dynamic Superiors were a respectable, well-rounded 70s Motown collective. Tony Washington (d. 1989), the lead singer, was openly gay, which was a big deal for Motown and the 1970s. However, most important is the talent that Washington and his fellow bandmates brought to the table. “Shoe Shoe Shine” is the opener from their self-titled 1975 album. It was written and produced by Motown royalty: Nikolas Ashford (1941 – 2011) and Valerie Simpson (1946 – ), best known as Ashford & Simpson.

The Dynamic Superiors eat on “Shoe Shoe Shine.” This underrated soul gem has smooth, lush, and soulful vibes from the beginning.  The sound is characteristic of the ‘70s, with dramatic, striking orchestration (winds and strings).  Furthermore, the rhythm section is in the pocket, providing sweet accompaniment for Tony and company.  Washington sounds elite, with his high tenor delivering truly ripe, high-flying falsetto.  He keeps it real in the first verse, excerpted earlier. The second verse is written similarly, “You might as well get rid of those crazy ideas / Rainy days will outnumber the ones you see clear / The picture in your dreams, no / That ain’t the way it’s gonna be.” Ugh, bummer! The best moment of the song should come as no surprise – the incredibly tuneful, nostalgic chorus performed collectively, led by Tony’s prodigious pipes:

“Shoe, shoe shine used to cost a dimeA penny could buy you plentyA nickel was the fare to take you anywhereTroubles, we didn’t have manyI may not have much to speak ofBut there’ll always be plenty of love.”

The shoes and shoe shine aren’t important. But, recollecting about those good old days is. The Dynamic Superiors deserved far more notoriety, particularly for the superb “Shoe Shoe Shine”.

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12. James Cleveland, “Touch The Hem Of His Garment”

Breathe On Me » Savoy » 1989

James Cleveland & The Northern & Southern Choirs of G.M.W.A., Breathe On Me [📷: Savoy]“Lord, I believe that it is your will / I believe that it is your perfect will / That my mind be found / And my body… be healed.” Amen 🙏! So many inspirational songs, particularly gospel, address the power of faith – believing in something that you are unable to physically see.  The late, great James Cleveland (1931 – 1991) and The Northern & Southern Choirs of G.M.W.A. released a powerful testament of faith with “Touch The Hem Of His Garment”.  This uplifting record is the sixth track from the 1989 album Breathe On Me. Calvin Bernard Rhone composed this gem.

Like the earlier Sam Cooke / The Soul Stirrers classic, “Touch The Hem Of His Garment” references Matthew 9: 20-22, Mark 5:25-34, and Luke 8: 43-48. Those scriptures mention a woman who had a blood disease for 12 years and sought healing. She went to the right person – Jesus. “Like the woman who had an issue of blood for twelve long years,” the dynamic lead vocalist sings in the first verse, adding, “But just as the woman knew that she could be set free.” Jesus, of course, is who could set her free.  Throughout “Touch The Hem of His Garment,” the melodies are gorgeous and tuneful.  The musical backdrop is terrific, too, particularly the piano accompaniment. The lead vocals are enthusiastic and soulful, masterfully bringing out this faith-driven songwriting (“But I know, I know what I must do, I got to reach by my faith and just touch You”). The chorus is nothing short of magnificent.  There are dynamic backing vocals supporting the lead, especially during the centerpiece, the chorus:

“(If I can just touch the hem of Your garment)

All I want to do is touch the hem of your garment, then I know

(Then I know I’d be made whole)

I got the faith to be believe

(If I can just touch the hem of your garment)

If I just touch the hem

Then I know I will be made whole

(Then I know I would be made whole).”

The vocalist has the faith that God can heal him and do anything.  What does it require? “Just a little bit of faith.” Beyond the chorus, the bridge concludes “Touch The Hem Of His Garment” powerfully. Beyond the lyrics, the harmonic progression catches the ears, particularly the ‘punctuating’ chord that is struck. James Cleveland directed a beloved, moving gospel masterpiece with this one.

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13. Sam Cooke, “Touch The Hem of His Garment”

The 2 Sides of Sam Cooke » Specialty » 1970

Sam Cooke, The 2 Sides of Sam Cooke [📷: Specialty]“Whoa, there was a woman in the Bible Days / She had been sick, sick so very long / But she heard ‘bout Jesus was passin’ by / So she joined the gathering throng.” The Bible, indeed, mentions the woman that the legendary Sam Cooke (1931 – 1964) sings about in “Touch The Hem of His Garment”, sung with The Soul Stirrers. See Matthew 9: 20-22:

20 Just then a woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak. 21 She said to herself, “If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed.”

22 Jesus turned and saw her. “Take heart, daughter,” he said, “your faith has healed you.” And the woman was healed at that moment.

In the first verse of “Touch The Hem of His Garment,” ‘The King of Soul’ continues singing, “Someone asked her, ‘What are you trying to do’/ She said, “If I could just touch the hem of His garment / I know I’ll be made whole.” “Touch” is a song of mighty faith. With no one else to turn to, this woman understood that Jesus Was the only way.

“She cried, ‘Oh, Lord (Oh, Lord), and whoa, Lord (Oh, Lord)

… Said ‘If I could just touch the hem of his garment

I know I’ll be made whole.”

The theme and lyrics are meaningful throughout “Touch The Hem of His Garment,” which Cooke wrote himself.  Besides his compelling pen based on The Bible, Cook delivers incredibly gritty, raspy, and soulful vocals.  Every lyric he sings, you buy because of the authentic, heartfelt, and sincere nature of the performance. “When she touched Him, the Savior didn’t see / But still, he turned around and cried, ‘Somebody touched me’,” Sam sings in the thoughtful second verse, continuing, “She said, ‘It was I who just wanna touch the hem of your garment / I know I’ll be made whole right now.’” The Soul Stirrers provided marvelous supporting vocals to Cooke. The musical backdrop is on-point, too, particularly the piano, which cooks. Ultimately, “Touch The Hem of His Garment” is a brief but meaningful gospel gem from Sam Cooke and The Soul Stirrers.  The song is an oldie but continues to endure and resonate.

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13 Rad Fitting, Clothing-Related Songs (2025) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Amigo, Arista, Armani Music Group, Atlantic Recording Corporation, Domino Recording Co Ltd, EZMNY, Nice Life Recording Company, Republic, Savoy, SideOneDummy, Sony Music Nashville, Specialty, Steel City Dance Discs powered by co:brand, UMG Recordings, Inc.; Daria Liudnaya, Edmond Dantès, fauxels, Luân Phan, Michael Obstoj, Tazz Vaughn, TMA Management from Pexels; AcatXIo from Pixabay]

 

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the musical hype

The Musical Hype (he/him) has earned Bachelor's and Master's degrees in music (music education and music theory/composition, respectively). A multi-instrumentalist, he plays piano, trombone, and organ among numerous other instruments. He's a certified music educator, composer, and freelance music blogger. Music and writing are two of the most important parts of his life.