Inspiration Behind Lean on Me:
The lyrics of Lean on Me was inspired by Bill Withers rural upbringing in West Virginia. Bill recalls the strong sense of community that surrounded him growing up. This part of West Virginia was filled with friendship, mutual support and the importance of being there for one another in times of need. When Bill moved to Los Angeles to pursue his musical career, he initially felt isolated, lost in a big city. This is the context which led Bill to write Lean on Me, paying tribute to his past.
Biblical Application:
In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”[a] 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you, 1 Peter 5:5-7.
Exegesis of Lean on Me:
Hmm… hmm-hmm-hmm-hmm
Hmm-hmm-hmm-hmm
Hmm-hmm-hmm-hmm-hmm
Sometimes in our lives
We all have pain
We all have sorrow
Bill is likely thinking about his struggle to adjust to living alone in California.
But if we are wise
We know that there’s always tomorrow
Bill looks to his past to find hope for the future.
Lean on me
When you’re not strong
And I’ll be your friend
I’ll help you carry on…
This is what Bill experienced while growing up in West Virginia.
For it won’t be long
Till I’m gonna need somebody to lean on
Repay the encouragement that you have received from others.
Please swallow your pride
If I have things you need to borrow
It’s okay to ask for help.
For no one can fill
Those of your needs that you won’t let show
Don’t be afraid to open up and share what’s really going on in your life.
You just call on me brother when you need a hand
We all need somebody to lean on
Be available for a friend.
I just might have a problem that you’ll understand
We all need somebody to lean on
Reach out to others who have gone through what you are currently dealing with.
Lean on me
When you’re not strong
And I’ll be your friend
I’ll help you carry on…
It’s okay to show signs of weakness.
For it won’t be long
Till I’m gonna need somebody to lean on
We all need help at some point in life.
You just call on me brother
When you need a hand
We all need somebody to lean on
Let friends know that you’re only a phone call away from help.
I just might have a problem that you’ll understand
We all need somebody to lean on
Look to a mentor for help in a time of need.
If there is a load you have to bear
That you can’t carry
Lean on Jesus, Matthew 11:28-30.
I’m right up the road
I’ll share your load
If you just call me
Don’t try to carry your burdens alone. Let others lighten your load.
Call me
If you need a friend
(call me)
Call me (call me)
If you need a friend
(call me)
If you ever need a friend
(call me)
Call me
(call me) Call me
(call me) Call me
(call me) Call me
(call me)
Friends are just a text or phone call away.
If you need a friend
(call me)
Call me
(call me) Call me
(call me) Call me
(call me) Call me
(call me)
Make yourself available for friends.
Final Thoughts:
My high school youth group taught me to lean on my friends. While I was raised Catholic, I started attending a Methodist youth group in the middle of my sophomore year. These students and leaders became like a second family to me. During one mission trip, I shared secret scars that I tried to carry on my own. These friendships led me into youth ministry and helped me understand the importance of leaning on Jesus on other people.
by
ExpressYourself4Him 