Stand By Me
Ernest Tubb Lyrics


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When the storms of life are raging stand by me
When the storms of life are raging stand by me
When the world is tossing me like a ship upon the sea
Thou who rulest wind and water stand by me
When the midst of tribulation stand by me when the midst of tribulation stand by me
When the hosts of hell assail and my strength begins to fail
Thou who never lost a battle stand by me
[ guitar ]

When the midst of faults and failures stand by me
When the midst of faults and failures stand by me
When I do the best I can and my friends misunderstand
Thou who knowest all about me stand by me
When I'm growing old and feeble stand by me
When I'm growing old and feeble stand by me




When my life becomes a burden and I'm nearing chilly Jordan
O Thou Lily of the Valley stand by me (stand by me)

Overall Meaning

In the song "Stand By Me" by Ernest Tubb, the lyrics encourage listeners to seek out support in times of hardship. Specifically, when the storms of life are raging and when the midst of tribulation is present, the singer asks for someone to stand by him. The lyrics suggest that this support should come from a higher power who rules wind and water, and who has never lost a battle. Additionally, the song encourages seeking support from this same higher power in times of faults and failures, as well as in old age when life becomes burdensome and death approaches.


The repetition of the phrase "stand by me" underscores the message of the song, emphasizing the importance of seeking support during all stages of life. The use of religious imagery in the lyrics taps into a strong tradition of asking for help from a higher power during times of trouble. The metaphor of a ship being tossed upon the sea reinforces the idea that life can be tumultuous and unpredictable, and that it's important to have someone or something to rely on.


Line by Line Meaning

When the storms of life are raging stand by me
During life's most difficult moments, I ask for your support and company.


When the world is tossing me like a ship upon the sea
When I feel lost and unstable, please steady me and give me guidance.


Thou who rulest wind and water stand by me
I ask for the support of the supreme being who rules over natural forces when life is tumultuous.


When the midst of tribulation stand by me when the midst of tribulation stand by me
During times of hardship and strife, please stand by me and offer me your support.


When the hosts of hell assail and my strength begins to fail
When I am under attack from evil forces and feel weak, please provide me with your protection and strength.


Thou who never lost a battle stand by me
I trust in the being who has always emerged victorious and ask for their steadfastness.


When the midst of faults and failures stand by me
During moments of personal shortcomings and disappointment, please do not abandon me.


When I do the best I can and my friends misunderstand
Even when I am trying my best but still being judged or rejected by others, please be with me during this time.


Thou who knowest all about me stand by me
I ask for the support of the being who knows me better than anyone else in the universe.


When I'm growing old and feeble stand by me
As I age and lose vitality, please continue to offer me your steady presence and guidance.


When my life becomes a burden and I'm nearing chilly Jordan
When my life is a heavy load and I am nearing death, please continue to support me until the very end.


O Thou Lily of the Valley stand by me (stand by me)
I call forth your divine presence, O embodiment of beauty, to stand with me and never let go.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: AARON JOSEPH NEVILLE, CHARLES A. TINDLEY

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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