In 1972 Rickfors joined popular British rock group The Hollies as a replacement for lead singer Allan Clarke who had left to pursue a solo career. Rickfors soon achieved an international hit as his first single with the group The Baby reached no. 26 in the UK as well as charting in various other territories. The band followed up by releasing the album Romany, with one song, Touch, written by Rickfors. This was a transitional period in the band's history and though the group seemed to be winning a new found in respect in the United States their fortunes in the single market were declining.
The group suddenly received an unexpected boost as a single extracted from the group's previous album shot up the American charts. This created a problem as the song featured former singer Allan Clarke's distinctive vocals. The Hollies were now forced to undertake their first major US tour without their signature vocalist. The tour was not a commercial success.
The band then recorded a second album, Out on the Road which featured a major song writing contribution from Rickfors. On both albums and on stage Rickfors also sang, played guitar, bass, congas and keyboard. Out On The Road was effectively shelved, however, only being released in Germany and Spain.
The experiment having seemingly failed, Rickfors departed The Hollies as Allan Clarke rejoined.
In 1975 Rickfors released the first of eleven solo albums. 1988 saw the release of his hugely successful Vingar album. In 1990, he embarked on his first collaboration as part of the Swedish supergroup Grymlings (named after Rickfors' farm).
Lean on me
Mikael Rickfors Lyrics
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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, for it won't be long 'til I'm gonna need somebody
to lean on.
Please swallow your pride, if have things you need to borrow.
For no one can fill those needs that you won't let show.
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 if you need a friend.
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
Mikael Rickfors's "Lean on me" is a powerful song that conveys the message of the importance of support and the unity of humanity in times of need. The opening lines "Sometimes in our lives, we all have pain, we all have sorrow" highlight the universality of hardship and the human experience, binding all people together. The song encourages individuals to seek comfort and support from others during times of struggle. Rickfors emphasizes the importance of wisdom in recognizing that there will always be a tomorrow and that one can overcome their pain and sorrow with help from others.
The chorus draws clear emphasis on the titular line "lean on me when you're not strong and I'll be your friend." Here, Rickfors tells listeners that they can rely on him and that he will support them when they need someone to lean on. The song emphasizes the importance of swallowing one's pride and asking for help when needed, for no one can fill needs that are kept hidden. The last portion of the song emphasizes the two-way nature of support that emphasizes that although one may be helping someone else today, they might need the same help themselves tomorrow.
In all, the lyrics of "Lean on me" serve as a reminder of the human bonds of empathy and compassion that bring us together in times of trouble. It encourages individuals to ask for help and support when they need it while emphasizing that supporting one another is a two-way street.
Line by Line Meaning
Sometimes in our lives, we all have pain, we all have sorrow.
It's common to experience emotional pain and sadness at some point in life.
But if we are wise, we know that there's always tomorrow.
If we have the wisdom to see beyond our current struggles, we'll recognize the hope for a better future.
Lean on me, when you're not strong and I'll be your friend.
Not everyone can hold their own all the time, and that's okay. Lean on me, and I'll help you get through it.
I'll help you carry on, for it won't be long 'til I'm gonna need somebody to lean on.
I'll be there for you now, because I know that at some point, I may need that same support in return.
Please swallow your pride, if have things you need to borrow.
It's okay to ask for help when you need it, even if it goes against your pride.
For no one can fill those needs that you won't let show.
If you keep your true needs hidden, no one can give you the kind of help that you truly need.
You just call on me brother when you need a hand.
My door is always open to you, and I'll readily lend you a helping hand.
We all need somebody to lean on.
No one can get through life alone, and we all need the support of others sometimes.
I just might have a problem that you'll understand.
There may come a time when I need your help too, and I hope you'll be understanding of my struggles.
If there is a load you have to bear that you can't carry.
If you're struggling with a burden that's too heavy to bear, I'm here to help.
I'm right up the road, I'll share your load if you just call me.
I'm nearby and willing to help you carry your burdens if you just reach out to me.
Call me (if you need a friend)
Don't hesitate to call me if you need help or just need a friend to talk to.
Call me (if you need a friend)
I'll always be here for you, so don't hesitate to reach out when you need someone to lean on.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group, BMG Rights Management
Written by: Bill Withers
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind