About the song
“Stand by Me” is a legendary song first performed in 1961 by American singer-songwriter Ben E. King. Written by King along with Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, who used the pseudonym Elmo Glick, the song draws its title and inspiration from a spiritual by Sam Cooke and J.W. Alexander called “Stand by Me Father,” originally recorded by the Soul Stirrers.
The song’s enduring popularity has been demonstrated by its numerous chart successes and cultural appearances. Upon its initial release, “Stand by Me” reached number one on the R&B charts and peaked at number four on the US Billboard Hot 100. Its appeal spanned decades, re-entering the charts and reaching number nine in 1986, following its inclusion in the soundtrack of the film “Stand by Me.” This re-release also propelled the song to the top of the charts in Canada, Ireland, and the United Kingdom.
“Stand by Me” has been covered by over 400 artists, including Otis Redding, John Lennon, Tracy Chapman, and Florence and the Machine. Its versatility across genres and generations highlights the song’s universal message of steadfast love and support. Notably, King’s original version was inducted into the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress in 2015, recognizing its cultural, historical, and aesthetic significance just weeks before King’s death.
The creation of “Stand by Me” is a testament to Ben E. King’s talent and the serendipity of musical history. Originally intended for the Drifters, who passed on it, King recorded the song himself during a leftover studio session from the “Spanish Harlem” recording. The song’s producers, Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, were so impressed with King’s piano rendition that they immediately called the musicians back to record it.
The song’s influence extended beyond the music charts. In 1987, a European commercial for Levi’s 501 jeans featured “Stand by Me,” further cementing its success and broadening its audience. Its royalties, estimated to have topped $22.8 million in 2012, underscore its lasting impact. In 1999, BMI named it the fourth most-performed song of the 20th century, with around seven million performances.
“Stand by Me” has also received numerous accolades, including induction into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1998. It was ranked 122nd on Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time and has been celebrated as one of the best love songs of the 1960s by Smooth Radio in the UK.
Ben E. King’s “Stand by Me” is more than just a song; it is a cultural touchstone that continues to resonate with audiences around the world. Its message of unwavering support and love, combined with its memorable melody and heartfelt lyrics, ensures its place in the pantheon of music history.
Video
Lyrics
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
So darlin’, darlin’, 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 mountain 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
And darlin’, darlin’, stand by me
Oh, stand by me
Oh, stand now
Stand by me, stand by me
And darlin’, darlin’, stand by me
Oh, stand by me
Oh, stand now
Stand by me, stand by me
Whenever you’re in trouble won’t you stand by me
Oh, stand by me
Won’t you stand by