In 1963, Ali released an album of spoken word on Columbia Records titled I Am the Greatest, and in 1964, he recorded the song "Stand by Me".
Before he became involved in the Nation Of Islam and changed his name to Muhammad Ali, Cassius Clay released an album entitled "I Am The Greatest" in 1963. This album was a spoken word recording of his infamous pre-fight poetry, most of which was written to promote his fight with, and intimidate, former opponent and (at the time) world champion Sonny Liston (who is mentioned by name several times during the recording). Recorded in front of an audience with a backing band and an additional vocal cast, the album also included a radio play - which featured Clay as a heroic dragon-slayer - and two single songs with Ali on vocals, including a cover of Stand By Me.
Stand By Me
Cassius Clay Lyrics
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And the moon is the only light we see
No, I won't be afraid, no, I won't be afraid
Just as long as you stand, stand by me
And darlin', darlin', stand by me, oh, stand by me
Oh, stand, stand by me, stand by me
Or the mountain should crumble to the sea
No, I won't be afraid, no, I won't be afraid
Just as long as you stand, stand by me
And darlin', darlin', stand by me, oh, stand by me
Oh, stand now, stand by me, stand by me
And darlin', darlin', stand by me, oh, stand by me
Oh, stand, stand by me, stand by me
The song Stand By Me by Cassius Clay talks about the importance of having someone by your side during tough times. The song starts off by talking about a dark night where the moon is the only source of light. Despite the potential dangers of such a scenario, the singer states that he won't be afraid as long as he has someone there to stand by him. The chorus emphasizes this sentiment by repeatedly asking for the person to stand by them.
The second verse talks about the possibility of the sky falling or a mountain collapsing. These are intense and dramatic images, but again the singer states that they won't be afraid as long as they have someone to stand by them. The final chorus repeats the request to stand by them, with the implication being that having someone to lean on can make all the difference in the world.
Overall, the song is a powerful reminder of the importance of human connection and support. Even in the darkest times, having someone there can help us overcome fear and find strength.
Line by Line Meaning
When the night has come and the land is dark
During darkest and scariest times, like the night, when we cannot see what's in front of us, but we still have to go through them.
And the moon is the only light we see
In the midst of a situation with little hope and promising light, not finding our way can be disorienting.
No, I won't be afraid, no, I won't be afraid
Fear can easily overcome people when it seems as if they are in danger, but sometimes they push through.
Just as long as you stand, stand by me
Having someone to support and stand by them through the difficulties is essential to make it through dark times.
And darlin', darlin', stand by me, oh, stand by me
The singer is pleading in a romantic way for his significant other to stand by him when things get tough.
If the sky that we look upon should tumble and fall
An apocalyptic scenario where the sky could come down upon and cause disaster.
Or the mountain should crumble to the sea
Another apocalyptic scenario where there is destruction and loss of landmarks.
No, I won't be afraid, no, I won't be afraid
Again, the singer is pushing through the fear, even in the face of potential apocalyptic events.
Just as long as you stand, stand by me
And again, reiterating that love and support are key to getting through dark times.
And darlin', darlin', stand by me, oh, stand by me
The singer wants his significant other to support him when it seems as if everything is crashing down.
Oh, stand now, stand by me, stand by me
Again, reinforcing the singer's need for emotional support as they navigate trying times.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Ben King, Jerry Leiber, Mike Stoller
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind