Lean On Me

Bill Withers

About Lean On Me

"Lean on Me" is a song written and recorded by American singer-songwriter Bill Withers. It was released in April 1972 as the first single from his second album, Still Bill. It was his first and only number one single on both the soul singles and the Billboard Hot 100. Billboard ranked it as the No. 7 song of 1972. It is ranked number 208 on Rolling Stone's list of "The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time". Numerous other versions have been recorded, and it is one of only nine songs to have reached No. 1 in the US Singles Charts with versions recorded by two different artists. 


Year:
2010
62 
#2

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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
(Yeah, if you need a friend)
Call me
(You need a helping hand)

Call me
(Call me)
Call me
(Call me)

Call me
(Call me)
Call me
(Call me)
Call me

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
(Yeah, if you need a friend)
Call me
(You need a helping hand)

Call me, call me

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Bill Withers

William Harrison "Bill" Withers, Jr. (born July 4, 1938) is an American singer-songwriter and musician who performed and recorded from 1970 until 1985. He recorded a number of hits such as "Lean on Me", "Ain't No Sunshine", "Use Me", "Just the Two of Us", "Lovely Day", and "Grandma's Hands". His life was the subject of the 2009 documentary film Still Bill. more »

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Written by: Bill Withers

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


12 facts about this song

Historical Significance
"Lean on Me" was released by Bill Withers in 1972 as a part of his album "Still Bill."
Chart Success
The song swiftly gained popularity and reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 charts, asserting its place as one of Withers' most successful songs.
Grammys Recognition
In 1987, Club Nouveau covered the song, which won the Grammy that year for Best R&B Song – demonstrating its timeless appeal.
Musical Composition
The song is known for its hold-and-release rhythm, which is based on the idea of tension and release, and its ample use of a C major chord.
Song Meanings
"Lean on Me" depicts the power of friendship and community, reflecting Withers' upbringing in a close-knit town in West Virginia.
Legacy and Covers
Several artists have covered the song, including Michael Bolton, Mud, and Glee's cast. It was even sampled in "Lyric Love" by Kirk Franklin in 1997.
Inclusion in Films
The song has been featured in numerous movies and TV series, including a 1989 film titled "Lean on Me," which based its story on the life of a principal from New Jersey.
Cultural Impact
In 2015, "Lean on Me" was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, celebrating its significant cultural impact.
Library of Congress Recognition
In 2017, the song was selected for preservation in the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress as being "culturally, historically, or artistically significant."
Resonance during COVID-19 Pandemic
The song gained fresh relevance during the COVID-19 pandemic when various artists and community choirs performed it globally to boost morale and promote unity in difficult times. It became an anthem of resilience and community support.
Withers' Death
Bill Withers passed away in March 2020. His song "Lean On Me" was widely played in memoriam all over the world and continues to be played as a tribute to his remarkable contribution to music.
Notable Live Performance
During the 2021 inauguration of President Joe Biden, the song was performed by a virtual choir, which consisted of singers from all 50 U.S. states, symbolizing unity and togetherness.

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    Lean On Me

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1972

    Billboard #1


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