Song of the Day: Lean on Me (5th January 2016)

'Lean on Me' by Bill Withers is, strangely, the only song I remember singing in Music class at secondary school. This might have been because we spent more time listening to our teacher sing (off key too!) than actually doing it ourselves. However, although nobody else seemed to enjoy the soulful style that Withers was so great at producing, the song struck me, and I went on to listen to more of his work because of it.

'Lean on Me' was the first song on American artist Bill Wither's album of 1972, entitled 'Still Bill'. It was his first (and only) single to hit #1 on both the Soul Singles and Billboard Hot 100.

Withers, of course, came from an unpriveleged background in the mining town of Slab Fork, West Virginia. Being a mining community, where workers chipped in together, both in work and communal living the song is clear in both its inspiration and message. It is heartfelt, and heartwarming. We should try and help others, wherever we can, because someday we will need some help too and they might just be there for us.

You can take a listen to the song below on YouTube:

Lyrics:

Sometimes in our lives
We all have pain, we all have sorrow
But if we are wise
We know that there's always tomorrow

Lean on me when you're not strong
And I'll be your friend, I'll help you carry on
For it won't be long
'Til I'm gonna need somebody to lean on

Please, swallow your pride
If I have things you need to borrow
For no one can fill those of your needs
That you won't let show

You just call on me, brother, when you need a hand
We all need somebody to lean on
I just might have a problem that you'll understand
We all need somebody to lean on

Lean on me when you're not strong
And I'll be your friend, I'll help you carry on
For it won't be long
'Til I'm gonna need somebody to lean on

You just call on me, brother, when you need a hand
We all need somebody to lean on
I just might have a problem that you'll understand
We all need somebody to lean on

If there is a load
You have to bear that you can't carry
I'm right up the road, I'll share your load
If you just call me

Call me (If you need a friend)
Call me (Call me uh-huh)
Call me (When you need a friend)
Call me (If you ever need a friend)
Call me (Call me)
Call me (Call me)
Call me (Call me)
Call me (Call me)
Call me (If you need a friend)
Call me (Call me)
Call me (Call me)
Call me (Call me)
Call me (Call me)
Call me