We sung ‘Lean on Me’. At ‘Singing for Wellbeing’ on Friday. Helen, who leads the group, introduced the song saying that that’s what our group is about – helping each other, supporting each other. We sung:
Sometimes in our lives, we all have pain, we all have sorrow.
But if we are not wise, we know that there’s always tomorrow.
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 ‘til I’m gonna need
Somebody to lean on.
Bill Withers wrote ‘Lean on Me’ in 1972. The story goes that he’d moved to Los Angeles, but he missed his home where he grew up, in a coal mining town in West Virginia. He’d lived in a decrepit house in the poor section of town, but there was a strong sense of community – with people he could lean on.
It’s a song that admits that life can be tough. Many say we need to be strong, independent, resilient. Bill Withers says that in our pain, sorrow and weakness, it’s OK to admit our vulnerability and ask for help.
It’s a song that’s been covered by many artists. I like this version because it includes people from many different ages and cultures. ‘Lean on Me’ is a lesson here of acceptance and mutual dependence that’s relevant in many contexts – from small village communities to international politics.
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 ‘til I’m gonna 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.
There’s a message here for me – to be humble enough to swallow my pride and call out for help when I need to… but also to be reliable, available and strong enough for others to lean on. Getting the balances between leaning on others and being leant on isn’t always easy…
In the Good Friday narrative Jesus was disappointed with His friends who let him down when He couldn’t lean on them…
Earlier he said: ‘Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.’
Jesus calls us to lean on Him. As one who, with His strength and inspiration, would follow Him and His example, I seek to be one who is dependable, loyal, available for others to lean on.
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