subject: An Analysis of the Stand By Me Lyrics [print this page] An Analysis of the Stand By Me Lyrics An Analysis of the Stand By Me Lyrics
One of the greatest openings of any song in any generation is the first few beats of Ben E. King's "Stand By Me." It is a truly show stopping moment, the musical equivalent of a long pause before the dramatic introduction. The first few seconds of notes and drums playing in the song not only match the theme of Stand By Me (its lyrics start by 00:15) but also have become a part of America's musical sensibilities. Not only that but it introduces the chord progression early on, foreshadowing the more dramatic chord changes to occur later on.
When the lyrics start, the simplicity works like a universal call to action, a pretty little speech worthy of Abraham Lincoln, but just as intimate as a husbandly reassurance. The song uses basic imagery and subconsciously unsettling things like night, the sky falling, and mountains crumbling. To an educated mind, these images may seem like something straight out of the bible book of Revelation or at least the worst fears of Chicken Little ("The sky is falling!") to younger listeners.
However, the Stand By Me lyrics go from dark and discouraging to heart-warming and reassuring within a couple of verses. The man expresses to his darling that no matter what happens, he will stand up and stay strong for the coming challenges. One of the most interesting aspects of Stand By Me is that it is not really an inspirational song. It is a rather dark song, judging by Stand By Me lyrics, and its only redemption being that someone cares for you and is willing to stand up and support you even in the your darkest houreven at the end of the world.
This is the sort of witticisms politicians love, but the special types of feelings only very close couples can share. Only a partner, or at least a very close friend, is capable of "being there" for another person when night falls or if the sky "should tumble and fall." It is the type of strong romantic love associated with many 1960s songs, a decade defined by make love not war, peace and poetry, and counterculture for the sake of humanity.
Its lack of cynicism, dark undertones but overall positive message is what makes the Stand By Me lyrics great and unforgettable. Why not download the song right now and listen to Ben E. King belt out those great verses? It will help you feel a little better about tomorrow.
