James Cleveland, Touch The Hem Of His Garment | Music Lifts

In the 16th edition of Music Lifts (2025), we’re uplifted by James Cleveland & The Northern & Southern Choirs of G.M.W.A. performing, “Touch The Hem Of His Garment.”

Welcome to Music Lifts , a column highlighting songs that encourage, inspire, and uplift the spirit; songs exuding fortitude, positivity, and resolve, even in the face of adversity.  Featured songs aren’t genre-specific; songs may or may not be faith-based. The goal is for these songs to make you feel better – be LIFTED to new heights!  So, for the 16^th edition of Music Lifts (2025), we highlight “Touch The Hem Of His Garment” as performed by James Cleveland & The Northern & Southern Choirs of G.M.W.A..

“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 ! Faith is simultaneously arduous and simple.  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 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 Garments,” 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.  They are dynamic 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.

James Cleveland & The Northern & Southern Choirs of G.M.W.A. // Breathe On Me // Savoy // 1989

James Cleveland & The Northern & Southern Choirs of G.M.W.A., Touch The Hem Of His Garment: Music Lifts No. 16 (2025) [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Savoy; BD Jewel, Dave H, Jean-Daniel Francoeur, Joshua Brown, Vansh Mehta from Pexels; AcatXIo, OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay]