“Lean On Me” by Bill Withers

Bill Withers, a soul singer and songwriter, three-time Grammy winner and inductee in both the Rock-and-Roll and Songwriters Hall of Fame, had an active music career from 1971–1985. In those 14 years, he released eight studio albums that left an indelible imprint on the music world, American culture and beyond. Hits such as “Ain’t No Sunshine,” “Lovely Day” and “Lean On Me” have been covered by dozens of musical artists over the years and are strong cultural touchpoints.

Perhaps there is no song more well-known than his Wurlitzer-laden “Lean On Me” from 1972.  Nothing about this song’s lyrics is hidden or up for interpretation — it is a clear pledge of friendship, love and mutual support through bad times. According to the songwriter himself, he wrote it after moving from his small West Virginia town to Los Angeles, when he was missing the supportive community he left behind.

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

This message has made “Lean On Me” an anthem of hope and resilience in times of crisis and tragedy. Following natural disasters, tumultuous events and death, you could rely on “Lean On Me” to be played on the airwaves, at rallies, during memorial services and across the world. And now, the coronavirus pandemic has the socially distanced world singing “Lean On Me” once again.

The most compelling part of this song is its clear message of solidarity. Whether we’re grieving or not, it can be hard for many of us to reach out for help. We may feel like no one understands, or that our pain or issues are “too much.” Bill Withers’s song reminds us that humans are not solitary creatures — we all need someone.

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

Bill Withers died at the age of 81 on March 30, 2020. His musical legacy and songs of both hope and loss will forever have their place in our hearts.