Lean on Me – English Lyrics

• By: Bill Withers
• Album: Lean on Me: The Best of Bill Withers

Lyrics & Translation

Delve into Bill Withers' timeless classic, "Lean on Me," a song whose simple yet profound lyrics offer universal lessons on human connection and mutual support. Through its straightforward language, you can explore the power of empathy and the beauty of being there for one another. The song's clear narrative and relatable message make it an excellent choice for understanding conversational English and emotional expression in music. What makes it special is its enduring message of solidarity, proving that a heartfelt plea for help and an offer of friendship can transcend generations and cultures.

[English]

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

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 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

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 (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)

If you need a friend

(Call me)

Call me

(Call me) Call me

(Call me) Call me

(Call me) Call me

(Call me)

...

Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary	Meanings
lean /liːn/ A2	verb - to rest or cause to rest against something or someone
lives /laɪvz/ A1	noun - plural of life; the condition that distinguishes organisms from inorganic matter
pain /peɪn/ A2	noun - physical suffering or discomfort caused by illness or injury
sorrow /ˈsɒrəʊ/ B2	noun - a feeling of deep distress caused by loss, disappointment, or other misfortune suffered by oneself or others.
wise /waɪz/ B1	adjective - having or showing experience, knowledge, and good judgement
tomorrow /təˈmɒrəʊ/ A1	noun - the day after today
strong /strɒŋ/ A2	adjective - having the power to move heavy weights or perform other physically demanding tasks
friend /frɛnd/ A1	noun - a person whom one knows and with whom one has a bond of mutual affection
help /hɛlp/ A1	verb - to give assistance or support to someone
carry /ˈkæri/ A2	verb - to support and move (someone or something) from one place to another
pride /praɪd/ B1	noun - a feeling of deep pleasure or satisfaction derived from one's own achievements, the achievements of those with whom one is closely associated, or from qualities or possessions that are widely admired.
things /θɪŋz/ A1	noun - objects that one need or want
borrow /ˈbɒrəʊ/ A2	verb - to take and use (something belonging to someone else) with the intention of returning it
fill /fɪl/ A2	verb - to occupy to the full extent
needs /niːdz/ A2	noun - something that is necessary or essential for life
hand /hænd/ A1	noun - the end part of a person's arm beyond the wrist, including the palm, fingers, and thumb.
problem /ˈprɒbləm/ A2	noun - a matter or situation regarded as unwelcome or harmful and needing to be dealt with and overcome.
understand /ˌʌndərˈstænd/ B1	verb - perceive the intended meaning of (words, a language, or a speaker).
load /ləʊd/ B1	noun - a heavy or bulky thing that is being carried or is about to be carried.
bear /beər/ B2	verb - endure an ordeal or difficulty.
right /raɪt/ A1	adjective - morally good, justified, or acceptable.
share /ʃeər/ A2	verb - have a portion of (something) with another or others.

Key Grammar Structures

• Sometimes in our lives, we all have pain, we all have sorrow.

  ➔ Use of 'all' as a quantifier.

  ➔ The word "all" is used to emphasize that every person experiences pain and sorrow at some point. It signifies a universal experience.

• But if we are wise, we know that there's always tomorrow.

  ➔ Zero Conditional (If + present simple, present simple).

  ➔ This is a general truth. "If" we possess wisdom, "we know" that tomorrow always exists. It expresses a cause-and-effect relationship.

• Lean on me when you're not strong.

  ➔ Imperative + 'when' clause.

  ➔ "Lean on me" is a direct command. The "when" clause indicates the condition under which the action should be taken – when you lack strength.

• For it won't be long till I'm gonna need somebody to lean on.

  ➔ Future Simple with 'won't be long till'.

  ➔ "It won't be long till" is an idiomatic expression indicating that something will happen soon. It expresses an expectation that the speaker will need help in the future.

• Please swallow your pride, if I have things you need to borrow.

  ➔ Imperative + Conditional Clause ('if' + present simple).

  ➔ "Swallow your pride" is an imperative, a direct request or command. The 'if' clause sets a condition: the request is relevant if the speaker possesses something the listener needs to borrow.

• You just call on me brother when you need a hand.

  ➔ Imperative + 'when' clause + informal address ('brother').

  ➔ "Call on me" is an imperative. The "when" clause specifies the time for that action - when assistance is required. 'Brother' adds a sense of camaraderie.

• 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.

  ➔ Relative Clause (that you can't carry) modifying "load" + Future Simple (I'll share).

  ➔ The phrase "that you can't carry" is a relative clause providing extra information about the 'load'. The Future Simple "I'll share" indicates a willingness to help in the future.