About the song
“Stand by Me” is a timeless song first performed by Ben E. King in 1961, with King co-writing the song alongside Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, who used the pseudonym Elmo Glick. The song draws inspiration from a gospel hymn called “Stand by Me Father,” performed by Sam Cooke and the Soul Stirrers. The song’s lyrics emphasize loyalty and support, a theme that resonates deeply with many listeners.
The song was not initially intended for King to record; it was originally written for The Drifters, but after they passed on it, King recorded it during a leftover studio session. The track features a distinctive bass line and soulful melody, which were developed by Leiber and Stoller. The song’s instrumentation includes saxophone, piano, guitar, and a string arrangement, all contributing to its rich, emotive sound.
“Stand by Me” achieved significant success upon its release, reaching number one on the R&B charts and peaking at number four on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1961. The song experienced a resurgence in popularity in 1986 when it was featured in the soundtrack of the film *Stand by Me*. The re-release helped the song to reach number nine on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the charts in Canada, Ireland, and the UK.
The song’s enduring appeal was further cemented by its use in a 1987 Levi’s 501 jeans commercial, which increased its popularity across Europe. By 2012, the royalties for “Stand by Me” were estimated to have surpassed $22.8 million, highlighting its lasting impact. That same year, it was inducted into the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress for its cultural significance.
With over 400 recorded versions by various artists, including Otis Redding, John Lennon, and Tracy Chapman, “Stand by Me” remains a cherished piece of music history. It was ranked 122nd on Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time and was honored with several awards, including the Grammy Hall of Fame induction in 1998. The song’s universal themes of companionship and resilience continue to resonate with audiences, making it a true classic.
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Lyrics
When the night has come
And the land is dark
And the moon is the only light we’ll see
No, I won’t be afraid
Oh, I won’t be afraid
Just as long as you stand
Stand by me
So darlin’, darlin’, stand by me
Oh, stand by me
Oh, stand
Stand by me, stand by me
If the sky that we look upon
Should tumble and fall
Or the mountain should crumble to the sea
I won’t cry, I won’t cry
No, I won’t shed a tear
Just as long as you stand
Stand by me
And darlin’, darlin’, stand by me
Oh, stand by me
Oh, stand now
Stand by me, stand by me
And darlin’, darlin’, stand by me
Oh, stand by me
Oh, stand now
Stand by me, stand by me
Whenever you’re in trouble won’t you stand by me
Oh, stand by me
Won’t you stand by