Lean On Me

Bill Withers

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)


Lyrics submitted by Nelly

Lean on Me Lyrics as written by Bill Withers

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Capitol CMG Publishing, Songtrust Ave

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Lean On Me song meanings
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18 Comments

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  • +7
    General Comment
    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.
    inthenewyearon August 25, 2009   Link
  • +5
    General Comment
    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.
    quarter_past_threeon March 19, 2006   Link
  • +2
    General Comment
    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.
    Grim_Poeton May 22, 2006   Link
  • +2
    General Comment
    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
    that_sullen_girlon May 26, 2006   Link
  • +2
    General Comment
    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.
    jeanraymondon July 04, 2011   Link
  • +1
    General Comment
    A friend to a song about how you'll always be there for him. It's so beautiful *tear*
    thinkitbeiton July 23, 2002   Link
  • +1
    General Comment
    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.
    mike_81on January 06, 2005   Link
  • +1
    General Comment
    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.
    Karakalpakon May 11, 2014   Link
  • +1
    General Comment
    Compassion. Not passion.
    sdz896542on January 16, 2016   Link
  • +1
    General Comment
    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.
    OldFurTrapperon July 17, 2019   Link

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