[Bono] Oooooohhh
[Kirk] This is for that little child with no father
For that man that doesn't have a place to stay
For that little boy living with AIDS
[R. Kelly] let me tell you a story, tell you a story
[Kirk] You can lean on me
[R. Kelly] There's a man (oh yes)
Standing on the corner
He has no home
He has no food
And his blue skies are gone (yes it is)
Can't you hear him cryin' out
[Crystal Lewis] He met a girl
Searching for a father like a friend
Praying that the storm someday will end
But instead of walking away
Open up your heart and say
[Chorus:]
[Choir] I am here
You don't have to worry
I can see...
[Kirk] I can see your tears
[Choir] ....your tears
I'll be there in a hurry when you call
[Kirk] Yes I will
[Choir] Friends are there to catch you when you fall
[Kirk] Here's my shoulder
[Choir] Here's my shoulder, you can lean on me
[Kirk] halleluia
[Mary J. Blige] Ooooohhhhh
[Kirk] Listen
[Mary J. Blige] Oh, there's a child
Who is sick and begging to be free
But there is no cure for his disease
He looks up to his mother and
[Choir] As she hold (holds), his hand (hand)
[Bono] Prayin' that someday
The sun will shine again
[Kirk] And the pain?
[Choir] And the pain will end
[Kirk] Pain will end....Come on
[Choir] I am here
[Mary J. Blige] I am here
[Choir] You don't have to worry
[Mary J. Blige] You don't have to worry
[Choir] I can see...
[Mary J. Blige] I see...
[Choir] ....your tears
[Mary J. Blige] ....your tears, yeah
[Choir] I'll be there in a hurry when you call
[Mary J. Blige] I'll be there in a hurry when you call
[Choir] Friends are there to catch you when you fall
[Mary J. Blige] I'm your friend and I'll catch you when, when, when you fall
[Choir] Here's my shoulder, you can lean on me
[Mary J. Blige] Here's my shoulder, you can lean on me
[Bridge:]
[R. Kelly] Tell me, how can I, how can I love Jesus
When I've never seen His face
[Bono] Yeah, I see you dying
[Crystal Lewis[ And I turn and walk away
[Crystal] So hold my hand
[Mary J. Blige] Oooooohhhhh
[Bono] Let me take you to a friend of mine
[R. Kelly] He's waiting just to ease your troubled mind
[Kirk] Yeah, yeah, He loves you more than you'll ever know
[Bono] 'Stead of walking away
[Kirk] Open up
[Crystal Lewis] Open up your heart and say
[Kirk] Come on
[Chorus:]
[Choir] I am here
[R. Kelly] I am here
[Choir] You don't have to worry
I can see your tears
I'll be there in a hurry when you call
[Kirk] Alleluia
[Choir] Aaaaaaah
[Tamila Mann - Family] When you call, friends will be there to catch you when, catch you when you fall
[Choir] Here's my shoulder, you can lean on me
[Dalon Collins - Family] Thank you Jesus, yeah
[R. Kelly] OhYeah, oh yeah
[Choir] Here's my shoulder, you can lean on me
Here's my shoulder, you can lean on me
[Bono] You can lean on me
[R. Kelly] Lean on me, yeah, yeah Intro
[Bono] Oooooohhh
[Kirk] This is for that little child with no father
For that man that doesn't have a place to stay
For that little boy living with AIDS
[R. Kelly] Can I tell you a story, tell you a story
[Kirk] You can lean on me
Lean On Me
Lean On Me Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Kirk Franklin's "Lean On Me" is a powerful and collaborative musical tapestry weaving together themes of human vulnerability, empathy, and spiritual support. Featuring a diverse array of artists including Bono, R. Kelly, Mary J. Blige, Crystal Lewis, and a dynamic choir, the song opens with Kirk Franklin personally dedicating the piece to those suffering – a child without a father, a homeless individual, and a young boy living with AIDS – immediately setting a tone of compassion and addressing specific forms of hardship faced in the world.
The verses vividly paint pictures of individuals facing profound challenges. We hear of a man on the street, devoid of home and hope, his "blue skies gone." A young girl is portrayed searching for guidance and security, desperate for an end to her personal "storm." Later, the poignant image of a sick child with an incurable illness is presented, highlighting the pain and helplessness felt by both the afflicted and their loved ones, particularly a mother praying for relief. These narratives lay bare the raw struggles of life, underscoring the deep need for connection and support.
At the heart of the song is the powerful chorus, a collective declaration of unwavering support. The choir, joined by various artists, assures the listener, "I am here," promising presence and ease from worry. The line "I can see your tears" emphasizes empathy and understanding, while the commitment to be there "in a hurry when you call" signifies prompt and reliable help. The chorus culminates in the iconic offer, "Here's my shoulder, you can lean on me," providing a simple yet profound image of solidarity and the tangible support available from friends and community when one is faltering.
The bridge introduces a crucial spiritual dimension, shifting from purely human struggle to the question of faith and the source of ultimate comfort. R. Kelly's line questioning how one can love an unseen Jesus while seeing others suffer and being tempted to "turn and walk away" confronts the challenge of inaction. The response offered is an invitation to "hold my hand" and be led to "a friend of mine," explicitly identified as Jesus, who loves unconditionally and can ease a "troubled mind." This section elevates the theme, suggesting that human support is not only essential but is also connected to a higher love that empowers individuals to open their hearts and offer help instead of succumbing to indifference.
Released as a video on August 12, 2015, this version of "Lean On Me" visually reinforced its message by often depicting scenes aligning with the lyrical themes of hardship and communal uplift. The blending of various musical styles, from gospel choir might to R&B and rock influences, mirrors the diversity of the featured artists and underscores the song's universal message of unity and shared humanity in the face of adversity. The dynamic shifts and call-and-response elements common in gospel music enhance the feeling of collective strength and resilience.
The song's enduring message aligns strongly with scriptural calls to compassion, mutual aid, and the love of God. The concept of bearing one another's burdens is a foundational principle found in many faith traditions, encouraging believers to support those who are struggling. The song echoes the sentiment that love, both human and divine, is a powerful force capable of offering comfort, hope, and strength to those in despair, reminding listeners that they are not alone and that reaching out for help, and offering it, is a profoundly loving act. Ultimately, "Lean On Me" serves as both a comforting anthem for those in need and a stirring call to action for listeners to be the embodiment of support and empathy in the lives of others.
