Stand By Me
Glenn Kaiser/Mansfield/Howard Lyrics


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The finer things in life
Comes with a price
If I could buy those things I would
I'll work hard for you babe, but I can't do nine to five
I don't want to be misunderstood

Sometimes we say things that we don't really mean
You may want a suit but that's not really my scene

You can trade this man for another
If I mislead you somehow
I just want a women who's a lover
Don't you know me by now

Except for my socks I like to dress all in black
That's what I do and who I am
If it makes you happy then I'll meet you halfway
But remember babe that clothes don't make the man
So many times we mistake what we said
If you can't hear me, just read the caption above my head

You can trade this man for another
If I mislead you somehow
I just want a women who's a lover
Don't you know me by now

You can trade this man for another
If I mislead you somehow




I just want a women who's a lover
Don't you know me by now

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Glenn Kaiser/Mansfield/Howard's song Stand By Me are about the singer's desire to provide the best things in life for his lover but acknowledges that these finer things come at a price. He declares his willingness to work hard for her but admits he cannot do a regular nine-to-five job. The singer is concerned that he might be misunderstood and that his lover is not interested in the same material things he wants to provide for her. The lyrics also reveal how the singer wants to be loved only for who he is, even if he likes to dress in black all the time. He emphasizes that clothes do not make the man, and what matters is that he wants a woman who loves him for who he is.


The song's theme revolves around the importance of understanding and accepting each other's differences. The singer highlights how sometimes we say things that we don't mean and how it's easy to mistake what we said. He wants to be known only by his lover and not be replaced by someone else. The song's message is that true love is knowing and accepting each other's flaws and differences.


Line by Line Meaning

The finer things in life
Luxuries come at a price


Comes with a price
It requires payment in exchange for the good things in life


If I could buy those things I would
Given a choice, I would purchase those things


I'll work hard for you babe, but I can't do nine to five
I'm willing to work hard for you, but I can't work traditional hours


I don't want to be misunderstood
I hope you understand my intentions


Sometimes we say things that we don't really mean
We sometimes speak without thinking


You may want a suit but that's not really my scene
I'm not interested in wearing formal attire


You can trade this man for another
You have the option to find someone else


If I mislead you somehow
If I have deceived you in some way


I just want a women who's a lover
I'm looking for a partner who values love


Don't you know me by now
You should understand my character and values by now


Except for my socks I like to dress all in black
Aside from my socks, I prefer to wear black clothing


That's what I do and who I am
It's a part of my identity


If it makes you happy then I'll meet you halfway
I'm willing to compromise to make you happy


But remember babe that clothes don't make the man
Outward appearance doesn't determine a person's worth


So many times we mistake what we said
We often misinterpret what we've said


If you can't hear me, just read the caption above my head
If you're having trouble understanding me, pay attention to my body language and expressions




Lyrics © DistroKid
Written by: Robert Howard

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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