Song written and recorded by Bill Withers.
It was released in April 1972 as the first single from his second album, ‘Still Bill’. It was a number one single on the Billboard Hot 100 in the USA and reached number 18 in the UK singles chart. Numerous other versions have been recorded, and it is one of only nine songs to have reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 with versions recorded by two different artists: Club Nouveau released their version in 1987 and topped the chart in the USA with it.
Kim Wilde version
Kim Wilde performed the song live during a concert for Tilehouse Counselling centre in Hitchin, together with guitarist Benny Smith, on 27 September 2019. It was the only time she performed the song.
Lyrics
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
Till I’m gonna need somebody to lean on
Please swallow your pride
If you 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
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
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
If you need a friend
Call me
Call me
Call me
If you need a friend
Call me
Call me