Korte 1

Ashley Korte

Mr. Flores

ENG 1201

9/11/21

Lean on Me

Today’s society you often hear about shootings, killings, robberies, and fighting. The

song “Lean on Me” that was originally written by Bill Withers in 1972, brings a sense of needed

truth to the world. We need to stop fighting and learn to lean on each other. The song describes

that no matter what issues that are going on in your life, whether sadness, struggle, anger, or

negative feelings, everyone deserves a friend that you can call upon and lean on.

In this crazy time, that we call life, we all at one point in time are in a need of someone’s

shoulder. We forget that everyone struggles and that everyone has feelings. We often see people

struggling on the streets or being bullied because of the way they look or act. This song reminds

you that you should always offer your hand to a person in need. To stick up for those who are

pushed down, to help them back up. Whether it is your friend, stranger, or enemy. If you see that

someone is struggling swallow your pride and offer some help, because you never know when

you will need the favor returned. It doesn’t matter how strong you think that you are, you will

have a day that you will need a friend to help pick you back up. You should always think of

others.

In 1987, 15 years after Withers first created the song, Club Nouveau remade the song.

The words are the exact same, but the music behind the words is more upbeat and easier to dance

to. Both songs tell the same story, that we should all come together in a time of need. But with

the newer version the upbeat music draws the attention of a younger generation. Those who
 Korte 2

enjoy listening to hip-hop genre making the message easier to be heard. The upbeat music also

makes it easier for it to get “stuck in your head” and easier to remember the lyrics.

Club Nouveau also made a music video. In the video you can see people of all races

dancing and having a good time. You see children of different races holding hands and laughing.

The video makes the song just as powerful as ever, there is always someone there to help you

through the hard times and to make you laugh. Also, when watching the video, you never see

someone by themselves. This brings a sense that there will always be someone there for you and

that you will never be alone.

When it came to the original version that Bill Withers created, the music is much more

subtle and slow. When I listen to both songs, I have different feelings behind both. With the Bill

Withers version, I feel that the song is more serious. A song that you sit down and listen to and to

feel what he is saying. His song is more emotional to me. Where Club Nouveau version has a fun

twist to it. You should be dancing and enjoying the music. Oddly enough, even though both

versions give off different vibes, the conclusions are still the same.

When it comes to the audience of the two different versions, you would hear Club

Nouveau version in a club or concert with young adults and teens. This song could be played at

school functions. Whereas the original version would be heard by an older generation. One who

enjoys sitting and listen to music. To feel the words behind the music.

I believe this song should be heard in schools where bullying takes place the most.

Maybe with listening to this song, kids will realize that they should be helping each other instead

of putting each other down. Maybe this song can change the outlook of kids futures.
 Korte 3

Whether you enjoy older generation music, or newer hip-hop type of music, this song

goes a long way and across severe generations of people. Whether you enjoy slow down to earth

music, or lively upbeat music, this song is for everyone. The newest version came out in 1987

but can still be heard today in 2021.

After comparing the two songs, the words do not change. The difference of the songs is

heard through the beats of the songs, the tones in the singers’ voices, and the number of people

who are singing. When it comes to the original song, the singer has a gentler soft voice. The new

version has a multiple of people singing the same words, but the tone is a lot louder. Almost

yelling in a since.

When it comes to listening to the two versions, while watching a music video, you can

tell a huge difference between the two songs. The original version does not contain any action.

But just Bill Withers sitting in front of his microphone singing. He is not dancing around on a

stage, or in front of a background. In the new version however, Club Nouveau did create a music

video. The video included several people out in the public interacting with each other. There

were not microphones present. It wasn’t just singing words. But instead acting out the words that

brought the song to life. You are able to get an emotional side to the song through sight and not

just hearing.
 Korte 4

Works Cited

Bill Withers “Lean on Me.” Still Bill 1972

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qkaexjc-1os  

Club Nouveau “Lean on Me” Life, Love & Pain 1987

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