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Kenisha Brown

Sandra Riley

English 1201

September 24,2021

Lean on Me VS Lean on Me

Lean on me was written between the years 1972 and 1973 by Bill Withers and was re

written in 1987 by a group known as Club Nouveah. “Call me if you need a friend” (Withers),

instantly places you in the mindset of togetherness and friendships. The song depicts the need

for the presence and company of other individuals. Often, we attempt to face the challenges of

life alone when in fact there is someone who is probably dealing with a similar situation that

may could ease the transition and remove some of the burden. Leaning on those we love in

times of need can provide great benefit if you're open to sharing.

Bill Withers is standing alone on a boat dock explaining how “we all need somebody” is

contradictory, you would expect someone to join him at some point to help aid with the visual

of needing someone, but you never will. The monotone rhythm that is maintained throughout

the video is somewhat depressing giving you the urge to pick up the phone and call a friend just

to get a quick laugh. Only during the main verse do you get a sense of excitement then back to
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that depressing, lonely feeling of needing someone. The gloomy sky and still water is a far

stretch from what Club Noveau has to offer!

A soft harmonic melody takes over your ear drums as you are presented with the visual

of multiple races enjoying one another with a soft dance. Then boom an upscale beat comes in

with faster dancing that’s makes you move your feet and crack a smile. Unlike Withers version I

couldn’t ignore the presence and company of other individuals making the video more

intriguing. As Club Nouveah sings about their sorrows they are smiling from ear to ear excited

about the opportunity that tomorrow offers, oppose to Withers flat affect and monotone.

One of the artists makes the comment to “swallow your pride” which takes me back to

my statement of being open to sharing. True enough this world can be a lonely place but way to

often sharing hurts you more than helps you, especially if you don’t choose wisely who you

confide in. This is why the message in this song is well needed to extend an invitation for a

solid friendship and someone who understands. The groups also offer the notion that you’ll

lean on me with the idea that I will someday need you as well.

Both versions are claiming the same thing which is that “we all need someone” but the

messages are represented fairly different. My initial encounter of the song was developed

when I watched the movie Lean on Me as child staring Morgan Freeman. The Film told a tale

about a troubled high school in an urban area that was facing drugs, gang violence, teenage

pregnancy, and a system of failure. The new principal of the school (Morgan Freeman)

implemented a change making the song lean on me the school song anthem encouraging unity
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of the students to strengthen one another VS going against one another like they had been.

Giving numerous examples of how we can relate to one another way more than we are able to

realize in our times of trouble.

I’m glad to have had the film experience to use as a representation of the song

otherwise I’m not sure if I would have been a fan. This cold world has a lot to offer but it can’t

be faced alone! As dull as Withers version of the song is, the message is clear. Be willing to

engage and open up, because someone just might understand and appreciate the ability to

relate to your problem. Even in historic times music was a way to unite, praise and embrace

one another regardless of race, sex or age.

The saying lean on me will forever live with great pride and rejoice. Uplifting people and

strengthening in time of sorrow and needs. Even in the rough times of today surrounding the

chaos of black lives matters etc. we are all still able to look beyond our own selfish needs, and

beliefs to conform together, leaning on one another! Songs like this will forever hold its value.

In conclusion both versions appealed emotionally as pathos to multiple audiences of different

sexes, races and ages, and the message remains the same regardless as to how it is presented.

We all need somebody.

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Works Cited

“Bill Withers - Lean on me (1973).” YouTube, uploaded by Les archives de la RTS, 24 September

2021, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lzoqh-9DlHQ.

“Club Nouveau - Lean on Me (Official Music Video).” YouTube, uploaded by Tommy Boy, 24

September 2021, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kbyjaUJWWmk .