Stand By Me
Ben E. King · Golden Legends [2000]
When the night has come
And the land is dark
And the moon is the only light we'll see
No I won't be afraid, Oh I won't be afraid
Just as long as you stand, stand by me
(Chorus)
So darling, darling
Stand by me, oh, stand by me
Oh stand, stand by me,
Stand by me.
if the sky that we look upon
Should tumble and fall
Or the mountains should crumble to the sea
I won't cry, I won't cry
No I won't shed a tear
Just as long as you stand, stand by me
(Chorus) x2
Whenever you're in trouble won't you stand by me
Oh stand by me, oh won't you stand now, stand by me
And the land is dark
And the moon is the only light we'll see
No I won't be afraid, Oh I won't be afraid
Just as long as you stand, stand by me
(Chorus)
So darling, darling
Stand by me, oh, stand by me
Oh stand, stand by me,
Stand by me.
if the sky that we look upon
Should tumble and fall
Or the mountains should crumble to the sea
I won't cry, I won't cry
No I won't shed a tear
Just as long as you stand, stand by me
(Chorus) x2
Whenever you're in trouble won't you stand by me
Oh stand by me, oh won't you stand now, stand by me
Stand By Me
Ben E. King's 'Stand By Me' stands as a cornerstone of doo-wop and soul music, defined by its haunting melody and King's distinctive falsetto. Originally recorded in 1961, the track became an enduring anthem of resilience and friendship, transcending its era to become a staple across countless genres. The song's emotional depth and catchy structure have ensured its widespread adoption, from cover versions by punk and indie acts to its inclusion in major motion picture soundtracks. Its legacy is cemented not just by its initial release but by its continuous presence in the collective musical consciousness, serving as a timeless reference point for artists exploring themes of loyalty and human connection.