Ben E. King – Stand by Me

Introduction

“Stand by Me” is a soul ballad written by Ben E. King and Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. It was originally recorded by King in 1961 and released as a single on the Atco label. The song reached number four on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number one on the Billboard Hot R&B Singles chart. It has since become one of the most popular and enduring songs of all time.

Ben E. King was an American singer-songwriter who was born in Henderson, North Carolina, in 1938. He began his career as a member of the doo-wop group The Drifters, with whom he recorded the hit singles “There Goes My Baby” and “This Magic Moment.” In 1960, King left The Drifters to pursue a solo career.

King’s solo career began with a string of hit singles, including “Spanish Harlem” and “Don’t Play That Song (You Lied).” His biggest hit, however, was “Stand by Me.” The song was a critical and commercial success, and it has since become one of the most covered songs of all time.

King continued to record and release music throughout his career. He had several more hit singles, including “I (Who Have Nothing)” and “Don’t Play That Song (You Lied).” He also released several albums, including Spanish Harlem (1961) and Don’t Play That Song (1962).

King died in 2015 at the age of 76. He was a talented singer and songwriter who left behind a legacy of classic songs. “Stand by Me” is his most enduring song, and it continues to be enjoyed by generations of music lovers.

Did You Know?

• The song was inspired by the spiritual “Stand by Me Father,” which was written by Charles Albert Tindley in 1905.
• The song has been covered by many artists, including John Lennon, Elvis Presley, and Otis Redding.
• The song was used in the films The Bodyguard (1992) and Stand by Me (1986).
• The song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999.

Stand by Me is a timeless classic that has stood the test of time. It is a beautiful and moving song about the power of friendship and love. Ben E. King’s version of the song is definitive, and it is a joy to listen to. If you are looking for a song that will inspire you and give you hope, then “Stand by Me” is the perfect song for you.

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Lyrics: Stand by Me

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

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 now?
Oh, stand, stand by me