I'll Stand By You

The Pretenders

Oh, why you look so sad?
Tears are in your eyes
Come on and come to me now
Don't be ashamed to cry
Let me see you through

'Cause I've seen the dark side too
When the night falls on you
You don't know what to do
Nothing you confess
Could make me love you less

I'll stand by you
I'll stand by you
Won't let nobody hurt you
I'll stand by you

So if you're mad, get mad
Don't hold it all inside
Come on and talk to me now
Hey, what you got to hide?
I get angry too

Well I'm a lot like you
When you're standing at the crossroads
And don't know which path to choose
Let me come along
'Cause even if you're wrong

I'll stand by you
I'll stand by you
Won't let nobody hurt you
I'll stand by you
Take me in, into your darkest hour
And I'll never desert you
I'll stand by you

And when
When the night falls on you, baby
You're feeling all alone
You won't be on your own

I'll stand by you
I'll stand by you
Won't let nobody hurt you

I'll stand by you
Take me in, into your darkest hour
And I'll never desert you
I'll stand by you
I'll stand by you
Won't let nobody hurt you
I'll stand by you
Won't let nobody hurt you
I'll stand by you
I'll stand by you
Won't let nobody hurt you
I'll stand by you
Take me in, into your darkest hour
And I'll never desert you
I'll stand by you


Lyrics submitted by Idan, edited by ReineMan, askingtoomuch

I'll Stand by You Lyrics as written by Christine Hynde Thomas Kelly

Lyrics © DistroKid, WORDS & MUSIC A DIV OF BIG DEAL MUSIC LLC

Lyrics powered by LyricFind

I'll Stand By You song meanings
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45 Comments

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  • +6
    General Comment*cries* This song is the way you hope someone feels about you.
    SomthinCorporaton October 13, 2002   Link
  • +3
    General CommentThis song really shows what a fantastic voice Chrisse has, something that she does not always make the most of. Absolutely laden with emotion, not just as an "act", but I suspect that she feels it genuinely.

    I think it may be based on dealing with depressive-type illnesses, being prepared to stand by someone whatever, through whatever, however dark it gets ( and it can get very dark ).

    "Take me into your darkest hour And I'll never desert you I'll stand by you" - an invitation to talk and share at the lowest of times. I know that this is an astoundingly intense declaration.

    "And when When the night falls on you, baby You're feeling all alone You won't be on your own" That is so awesome it hurts.
    Schroedingeron June 02, 2009   Link
  • +2
    General CommentMy sister had to tell me the worst new you can tell someone " that she had HIV." When she did tell me I freaked out and wasn't there for her. I heard this song months later on the way to see her. I cried so hard I missed the turn three times. It to me was exactly what I needed her to know but could'nt find it in myself to tell her. A few years later we were in the car together and this song came on, I finally told her this is what needed to be said.She died a few years later, but I had the chance to tell her "I'll stand by you" and she new what I was saying along with "I love you"
    gulfvilleon October 11, 2011   Link
  • +1
    General CommentThis is the song of the most ultimate form of friendship. You can also use love in this. I mean, they're saying they'll be there through thick and thin, even if the person they're talking to wants to rip thier guts out, they'll stay there and be by them forever.
    TasChiBandGirlon May 28, 2002   Link
  • +1
    General CommentWell at first it was just another song...but today perhaps just a depressing day, the kind when it just seems nothing can go right, and nothing won't go wrong i came home...just hoping to calm down relax and have some special k cereal...yes dweeby, but hey! i opened the fridge only to find we had no milk, and i just started crying nonstop uncontrolably! well nonetheless it was my sister mary who came to the rescue, just listening to me and apologizing for not being able to say anything that would make me feel better. Later when i came up to the computer she had i'll stand by you highlighted and ready to play on the computer and left a note that said,"ya know how i said i didn't know what to say? well, this is exactly iy. Press play and turn it up!" my sister is going to college next semester and i will always remember this song and think of her! this song was the 1st thing all day that was capable of making me smile!
    girlathomeon May 31, 2002   Link
  • +1
    General CommentThis song reminds me of my relationship with my mom. It's like her telling me that I can always come to her and she'll always stand by me... ;)
    zacsteron September 24, 2002   Link
  • +1
    General CommentI think this song defines what friendship, true friendship really is. There's nothing more to say.
    DrunkNmunkyon May 05, 2004   Link
  • +1
    General CommentFor me its about the love that a true friendship can share and how you will be there for each other no matter what, you're in it for the long run. knowing you share that kind of love and support is amazing and very beautiful
    Lyndseyon May 27, 2005   Link
  • +1
    General CommentAwesome song, a true friend helping out another when they are hitting rock bottom. Never betraying their friendship and no matter what happens, they will always be there. Sticking up for them and letting them know it's ok to break down and tell them everything, knowing it will be confidential.

    This reminds me of Jame's Taylor's "You've Got A Friend".
    Coronaboyon March 06, 2007   Link
  • +1
    My InterpretationThe lyrics and music of this song are profound. It's about parenting our own inner child. For those who don't know what that is, well, basically you can't truly love anyone else in a healthy way unless you learn to love yourself first. Usually this realisation comes about through recovery, after experiencing great sadness of some kind or loss of a loved one. That's why anyone who has suffered and listens to this song can relate to it and is deeply moved.
    fireangelon January 30, 2010   Link

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