Withers' hardscrabble childhood in the coal mining town of Slab Fork, West Virginia was the inspiration for "Lean on Me", which he wrote after he had moved to Los Angeles and found himself missing the strong community ethic of his hometown. He lived in a house that was broken down and was on the poor side of town.
Lean on Me
Bill Withers Lyrics
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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
'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) if 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)
Lean on Me by Bill Withers speaks about the support that people need in difficult times. The lyrics say that everyone experiences pain and sadness in their lives, but the wise know that tomorrow is a new day, and things will get better. The singer invites his listeners to lean on him when they are not strong, and he promises to be their friend and help them carry on. He understands that sometimes, people swallow their pride and donโt ask for help even when they need it. He urges them to call on him when they need a hand because everyone needs someone to lean on.
The second verse focuses on the reciprocity of the relationship. The singer says he might also have a problem that his friend will understand, so he is grateful for the relationship. The chorus repeats, and the message is that people need to support each other, and the singer urges his listeners to call on him whenever they need a friend. The final verse emphasizes that if people have a burden which they canโt carry, he is right there to help them carry the load, and they only need to call him.
Line by Line Meaning
Sometimes in our lives we all have pain
Throughout our journey in life, there are moments of pain we all experience
We all have sorrow
We all have our share of troubles that cause us sadness and grief
But if we are wise
However, if we are smart and perceptive in our thinking
We know that there's always tomorrow
We understand that each day is a new opportunity to overcome our difficulties and move forward
Lean on me, when you're not strong
If you find yourself struggling and feeling weak, don't hesitate to depend on me for support
And I'll be your friend
I am always here for you and I consider you my friend
I'll help you carry on
I'll lend you a hand and be the support that you need to move through your struggles
For it won't be long
Because our journey through life is brief
'Til I'm gonna need
Soon there may come a moment when I too need someone to lean on
Somebody to lean on
It is okay to admit that we need help sometimes and that we cannot do everything alone
Please swallow your pride
I ask that you put your ego aside and don't hesitate to ask for help
If I have things you need to borrow
If there is anything you require, and I have access to it, do not hesitate to ask
For no one can fill those of your needs
No one else is capable of satisfying the needs that you refuse to express
That you won't let show
So, please don't hide your feelings and let me know how I can assist you
You just call on me brother, when you need a hand
When you find yourself in need of assistance, don't hesitate to reach out to me
We all need somebody to lean on
It is a universal truth that everyone needs support and help at some point
I just might have a problem that you'll understand
If you ever have troubles, I may have gone through something similar and will be able to empathize with you
If there is a load you have to bear
If you are faced with a burden that feels too heavy to carry alone
That you can't carry
That you cannot handle alone
I'm right up the road
I am nearby and available to you
I'll share your load
I will help you carry your burden and be with you every step of the way
If you just call me (call me)
All you have to do is ask, and I will be there to help
If you need a friend (call me) call me uh huh (call me) if you need a friend (call me)
Whenever you need a companion, someone to talk to, someone to help you through your tough times, call me
If you ever need a friend (call me)
Whenever you find yourself in need of a friend, kindly let me know
Call me (call me) call me (call me) call me
Don't hesitate to call me multiple times if that's what you need to get through your struggles
(Call me) call me (call me) if you need a friend
Reach out to me whenever you require a friend, and don't worry about feeling like a burden
(Call me) call me (call me) call me (call me) call me (call me) call me (call me)
Always remember that I'm here for you, and I won't hesitate to provide you with the necessary help and support
Lyrics ยฉ Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Bill Withers
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind