Lean On Me

Been watching the news, and the discussions of race in the US and elsewhere.

At some point in Washington D.C., there was a performer singing “Lean On Me” by Bill Withers. He stopped singing, and the crowd went along singing without him. I realized that I knew all the words and I could have joined in, too.

I learned the song in 7th or 8th grade with our music teacher. She also had us learn “We Shall Overcome”. I don’t remember much about the teacher, but the songs remain. I wonder if she had been active in the 60’s, and what her background was.

The images of people singing together made me cry. Here are the words:

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