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 don't let show
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
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
So 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'd 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
Till I'm gonna need
Somebody to lean on
Lean on Me
Lean on Me Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Bill Withers' timeless song "Lean on Me," originally released in 1972, carries a powerful and universal message of human connection and mutual support. The lyrics speak directly to the difficulties everyone faces, acknowledging that pain and sorrow are inevitable parts of life. However, they quickly shift to the core theme: the importance of relying on others during challenging times. The song posits a simple yet profound truth – that when one person is not strong, a friend is there to help carry the load.
The meaning of "Lean on Me" revolves around the reciprocal nature of friendship and community. It encourages listeners to overcome pride and ask for help when needed, recognizing that unspoken needs cannot be met. The song emphasizes that this support is not one-sided; the person offering help understands that there will come a time when they too will require someone to lean on. This exchange of support creates a bond built on empathy and shared vulnerability, highlighting the idea that everyone, regardless of their apparent strength, needs assistance sometimes.
The background of "Lean on Me" is rooted in Bill Withers' own experiences. Growing up in Slab Fork, West Virginia, a coal mining town, he witnessed firsthand the strong sense of community where people genuinely relied on each other to survive and thrive. This environment of interdependence and mutual aid deeply influenced his songwriting, culminating in this anthem of solidarity. The song's enduring popularity across generations and cultures underscores its resonant message about the fundamental human need for connection and support. The video released in 2014 is one of many visual interpretations that have accompanied the song throughout its history, bringing its message to new audiences.
The themes presented in "Lean on Me" align with various scripture verses that address the importance of bearing one another's burdens and offering support within a community. Passages like Galatians 6:2, which calls followers to "carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law," reflect the song's central plea for shared responsibility in times of difficulty. Similarly, Romans 15:1-2 speaks to the strong helping the weak and building each other up, echoing the song's message of using one's strength to support a friend who is not strong. The concept of mutual encouragement found in 1 Thessalonians 5:11, "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up," also resonates with the song's call for reciprocal support and upliftment during challenging moments, reinforcing the idea that communal care is essential for navigating life's struggles.
