Jul
5
Lean on Him
Homily, Fourteenth Sunday of Ordinary TIme
It became the first and only song to be #1 on both the R&B and Billboard Hot 100 charts. Numerous cover versions have been recorded, including one by the cast of the TV Show Glee. It is one of only 9 songs to hit No. 1 with versions recorded by two different artists. Mary J. Blige covered the song and sang it at the last presidential inauguration.
The chorus of this Bill Withers goes like this:
“ 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”
Why was this song, Lean on Me, so popular when I was a teenager and why has it endured for 40 years? The original vocals and musical arrangement are very, very simple. The tune is not catchy.
It became the first and only song to be #1 on both the R&B and Billboard Hot 100 charts. Numerous cover versions have been recorded, including one by the cast of the TV Show Glee. It is one of only 9 songs to hit No. 1 with versions recorded by two different artists. Mary J. Blige covered the song and sang it at the last presidential inauguration.
The chorus of this Bill Withers goes like this:
“ 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”
Why was this song, Lean on Me, so popular when I was a teenager and why has it endured for 40 years? The original vocals and musical arrangement are very, very simple. The tune is not catchy.
