Ben E. King (born Benjamin Earl Nelson in September 28, 1938 (died of natur… Read Full Bio ↴Ben E. King (born Benjamin Earl Nelson in September 28, 1938 (died of natural causes, aged 76 on April 30, 2015.) in Henderson, North Carolina) was an American soul and pop singer. He is best known as the singer and co-composer of "Stand by Me", a top ten hit in both 1961 and 1986.

In 1958, Ben Nelson joined a doo wop group, The Five Crowns. Later that same year, The Drifters' manager fired the members of the group and replaced them with The Five Crowns, who had performed several engagements with The Drifters. He co-wrote the first hit by the new version of The Drifters, "There Goes My Baby" (1959). He also sang lead, using his birth name, on "Save the Last Dance for Me," a song written by Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman, "Dance With Me," "This Magic Moment," "I Count the Tears," and other The Drifters hits.

In 1960 he left the group after failing to gain a salary increase and a fairer share of the group's royalties. At this point he assumed the more memorable stage name Ben E. King in preparation for a solo career. Remaining on Atlantic, King scored his first solo hit with the stylish, Latin-tinged ballad "Spanish Harlem" (1961). "Stand by Me" was his next recording. "Stand by Me", written by King along with Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller was voted one of the Songs of the Century by the Recording Industry Association of America. "Stand by Me" and "Spanish Harlem" were named as two of The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll and were both also given a Grammy Hall of Fame Award.

King's records continued to place well on the pop charts until 1963, when British pop bands began to dominate the popular music scene. His hits after 1963 were "What is Soul?" (1967), "Supernatural Thing, part 1" (1975), and the re-issue in 1986 of "Stand by Me" following the song's use as the theme music to the movie of the same name.

Stay Awhile With Me
Ben E. King Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Every day feels like forever
When I'm lost inside my head
Holding onto all these memories
Makes me wish that I was dead
If I let go
Will you guide me
Guide me back home

All the words we've spoken
Promises unbroken
They'll stay with me
Stay with me
Eventhough your voice has faded
The sounds still ring unjaded
They'll stay with me

Do you still recall my first song
I keep it in a frame
Even on the day the ink will go pale
The memory stays the same
If I let go
Will you guide me
Guide me back home

All the words we've spoken
Promises unbroken
They'll stay with me
Stay with me
Eventhough your voice has faded
The sounds still ring unjaded
They'll stay with me
Stay with me

All the words we've spoken

Promises unbroken
Your memory will stay with me

Overall Meaning

In the opening verse of Ben E. King's song "Stay Awhile With Me," the singer expresses a deep sense of emotional turmoil and longing, conveying the overwhelming feeling of isolation and despair they experience on a daily basis. The lyrics suggest a profound sense of being lost within one's own thoughts, as if trapped in a cycle of painful memories that seem never-ending. The image of holding onto memories so tightly that it brings thoughts of death speaks to the intensity of the emotional struggle the singer is facing.

As the song progresses, the theme of clinging onto memories becomes more nuanced, as the singer yearns for guidance and connection. The lines "If I let go, will you guide me, guide me back home" convey a sense of vulnerability and a plea for support and reassurance. The idea of being led back home implies a desire to find peace and comfort, perhaps seeking solace in the presence of a loved one or in the memories shared with them.

The chorus of the song highlights the enduring power of words and promises shared between the singer and their loved one. Despite the passage of time and the fading of voices, the emotional impact of these shared moments remains strong and undiminished. The imagery of unbroken promises and memories that stay with the singer underscores the lasting influence of significant relationships and experiences on one's life.

In the final verse, the singer reminisces about a cherished memory – the recollection of their first song – which is preserved and treasured as a symbol of enduring connection. The sentiment of holding onto a moment that remains unchanged, even as external circumstances shift, reflects a desire to hold onto the essence of a past relationship or bond. The repetition of the chorus emphasizes the idea that the memories and words shared with a loved one continue to resonate and shape the singer's identity, underscoring the lasting impact of emotional connections and the enduring power of memory.

Line by Line Meaning

Every day feels like forever
The passing of time seems endless

When I'm lost inside my head
When my thoughts consume me

Holding onto all these memories
Clutching onto past experiences

Makes me wish that I was dead
Leads me to thoughts of despair

If I let go
If I release my grip

Will you guide me
Can you lead me

Guide me back home
Help me find myself again

All the words we've spoken
The conversations we've had

Promises unbroken
Commitments kept

They'll stay with me
They will remain in my heart

Eventhough your voice has faded
Even if your words have faded