Lean on Me

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

Lyrics:

Vocabulary in this song:

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.

Grammar:

• 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.