GARTH HUDSON of “The Band” started his illustrious musical journey playing … Read Full Bio ↴GARTH HUDSON of “The Band” started his illustrious musical journey playing the Detroit/Windsor area in the late ’50s with Paul London and the Capers. He toured Southern Ontario, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Texas in the early ’60s with Ronnie Hawkins. Garth and bandmates soon became Bob Dylan’s band on his first worldwide electric tour. The Dylan years lead The Band to relocate to Woodstock, New York in the late ’60s. The Band’s first release, Music from Big Pink, was critically acclaimed as one of the most influential records in rock history. You will hear Garth’s wizardry on Norah Jones’s Feels Like Home, on Hal Willner’s tribute to Charlie Parker Bird Up, the Gipsy Kings’ Roots, Los Lobos’ Ride, and Neko Case’s Fox Confessor Brings the Flood. Garth’s long-awaited first solo CD, The Sea To The North, was released in 2001. Garth co-produced and recorded on Burrito Deluxe’s The Whole Enchilada. He contributed unheard tracks from his personal vault to Capitol Records’ six-disc The Band: A Musical History box set. Garth and Maud have released their duo CD, LIVE at the WOLF, as well as Garth’s CD of Music For Our Lady Queen Of The Angels. He recorded on Daniel Lanois’ album Here Is What Is, and appears in Daniel's Feature Film of the same name. Garth enjoys composing, arranging and performing with Maud and his eleven-piece band named The Best! JUNO Hall of Fame (The Band), 1989 • The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (The Band), 1994 • Canada South Blues Society, Lifetime Achievement Award, 2002 • Hamilton Music Award, Instrumentalist of the Year, 2005 • Hamilton Dofasco Lifetime of Achievement Award (The Band), 2007 • Grammy Lifetime of Achievement Award (The Band), 2008.

MAUD HUDSON joins her husband Garth on vocals. She is a remarkable and versatile singer who is known for her unique renditions of both familiar and obscure songs. She grew up in Los Angeles, where she met Garth. Among those she has performed and recorded with are The Band, Norah Jones, Albert Collins, Paul Butterfield, Clifford Scott, Hirth Martinez, Dr. John, Cyndi Lauper, Geoff Muldaur, Eric Andersen, Kevin Hearn, Don Crawford, Gavin Friday, Mary Margaret O’Hara, and The Sadies. Rick Danko described Maud as a brilliant singer and she has received praise from Robert Hilburn of the LA Times and Greil Marcus among other notable critics. No Depression Magazine wrote, “Maud sang with such unadorned elegance that it hushed the packed hall.”

(last update 01 Jun 2010)

Stand By Me
Garth & Maud Hudson Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

When the night has come
And the land is dark
And the moon is the only light we see
No I won't be afraid
Oh, I won't be afraid
Just as long as you stand, stand by me

So darling, darling

Stand by me, oh just stand by me
Oh stand now, stand by me
Stand by me

If the sky we look upon
Should ever tumble and fall
Or the mountains should crumble to the sea
I won't cry, I won't cry
No, I won't shed a tear
Just as long as you stand, stand by me

So darling, darling
Stand by me, oh stand by me
Stand by me, stand by me

So darling, darling
Stand by me, oh won't you stand by me
Stand by me, stand by me, stand by me
Whenever you're in trouble won't you stand by me

Oh stand by me, oh stand now,
Stand by me, stand by me

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Stand By Me" by Garth & Maud Hudson convey a message of unwavering support and companionship through the challenges and uncertainties of life. The song begins by acknowledging the darkness and uncertainty that can envelop our lives, symbolized by the night and the absence of light. Yet, in the face of these difficulties, the singer finds solace and strength in the presence of their loved one. They declare that as long as their partner stands by them, they will not be afraid, emphasizing the important role that this person plays in their life.

The chorus repeats the plea for their loved one to stand by them, emphasizing the urgency and significance of this support. The repetition emphasizes the desire for continuous companionship and serves as a reminder of the importance of solidarity in times of adversity. The singer recognizes that their partner's presence provides stability and reassurance, allowing them to navigate life's challenges with confidence.

The second verse introduces the idea of potential catastrophic events, where even the sky may tumble or mountains may crumble. These metaphoric situations represent moments of extreme turmoil and upheaval. However, the singer remains steadfast in their conviction that they will not succumb to fear or despair. They assert that they will not shed a tear, as long as their loved one remains at their side. This further emphasizes the importance of their partner's unwavering presence and support, which allows them to face any possible storms or upheavals with resilience and strength.

The final repetition of the chorus emphasizes the plea for their loved one to stand by them during times of trouble or difficulty. It showcases a profound sense of vulnerability and reliance, as the singer acknowledges that they need their partner's support to weather life's storms. The song concludes with a reminder that standing by each other is a reciprocal act, emphasizing the importance of mutual support and love within a relationship.

Overall, "Stand By Me" conveys a powerful message about the importance of standing united through the darkness and uncertainties of life. It celebrates the profound impact that continued companionship and support have on our ability to confront challenges with courage and resilience. The lyrics evoke a deep sense of vulnerability, while also reminding us of the profound strength that can be found in our relationships with others.

Line by Line Meaning

When the night has come
In times of darkness and uncertainty

And the land is dark
When everything around is filled with difficulty and challenges

And the moon is the only light we see
When there seems to be little hope or guidance available

No I won't be afraid
I will not succumb to fear or anxiety

Oh, I won't be afraid
I will not let fear control my actions

Just as long as you stand, stand by me
As long as you offer your unwavering support and presence

So darling, darling
My beloved, my dearest

Stand by me, oh just stand by me
Be there for me, support me unconditionally

Oh stand now, stand by me
Offer your support at this very moment

If the sky we look upon
In the face of overwhelming challenges

Should ever tumble and fall
If everything we know and rely on crumbles and fails