The song lyrics were written by the band Van Halen, as they were asked to write a song for the 1979 movie "Over the Edge" starring Matt Dillon. The movie (and the lyrics, although more obliquely) are about bored, rebellious youth with nothing better to do than get into trouble. If you see the movie, these lyrics will make more sense. It's a great movie if you grew up in the 70s/80s you'll definitely remember some of these characters from your own life. Fun fact, after writing the song, Van Halen decided not to let the movie use it.
Sometimes in our lives we all have pain
We all have sorrow
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 I have things you need to borrow
For no one can fill those of your needs
That you won't let show
You just call on me brother, when you need a hand
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, when you need a hand
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) call me uh huh (call me) if you need a friend (call me)
If you ever need a friend (call me)
Call me (call me) call me (call me) call me
(Call me) call me (call me) if you need a friend
(Call me) call me (call me) call me (call me) call me (call me) call me (call me)
We all have sorrow
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 I have things you need to borrow
For no one can fill those of your needs
That you won't let show
You just call on me brother, when you need a hand
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, when you need a hand
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) call me uh huh (call me) if you need a friend (call me)
If you ever need a friend (call me)
Call me (call me) call me (call me) call me
(Call me) call me (call me) if you need a friend
(Call me) call me (call me) call me (call me) call me (call me) call me (call me)
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The more i listen to this song, the more I see Withers' race as a crucial element. True, the song's message is strong regardless context, but it's the context that really makes "Lean on Me" powerful. The song's direct addresses to the listener--"please, swallow your pride" in particular--mean much more coming from an African-American male feeling disconnected from his community in 1972. When Bill Withers sings it, "Lean On Me" isn't just an inspirational musical greeting card: it's a plea to an entire community who, Withers saw, were defeating themselves through mistrust and stubbornness, and it's a powerful commentary on the isolated condition of the black American male.
Yeah, pretty obvious it's about mutual friendship and giving and receiving help. I think he's just saying it's ok to ask for help, it isn't a problem.
This song is amazing. At a leadership conference I went to, the "counselors" put on a skit for us that hit us pretty hard because it was about sex, drugs, sucide and we could all relate. Afterward we played this song and we just all sang together and cried.
The meaning is straight foward but it can go so deep.
Neither drugs nor suicide can bring the kind of peace of mind and "soothing of the soul" that comes from having good friends who care about you.
Sometimes, in our lives We all have pain, we all have sorrow But, if we are wise We know that there's always tomorrow
I really love those lines. Great song
It's pretty self-explanatory when you listen to the song - but as "inthenewyear" mentioned, it definetly gives more meaning considering its coming from a black male in the early 70's. Great song none the less, lyrics that we all can relate to no matter race or gender.
A friend to a song about how you'll always be there for him. It's so beautiful tear
Great song. simple meaning, ill be here for you when your down, just call on me and ill be there, becasuse one day i might be the one who needs someone to be there for me. simple, classic, great song.
Timeless song about friendship and what it really means to be a good friend. Cuz it ain't what we have in our lives that matters most, it's WHO.
Compassion. Not passion.
A new take on this is for those with PTSD and those contemplating suicide. We lose too many vets every day to suicide. The lyrics encourage friends knowing friends in trouble to reach out and lean on them for support.