The Drifters – Stand By Me

About the song

The Drifters and the Soul of “Stand By Me”

When it comes to classic soul music, few songs are more beloved and instantly recognizable than “Stand By Me.” Written by Ben E. King and Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, the song has been covered by countless artists over the years, but it is The Drifters’ version that remains the definitive one.

The Drifters were a vocal group formed in New York City in 1953. The group’s original lineup included Clyde McPhatter, Bill Pinkney, Charlie Thomas, and Andrew “Dice” Davis. With their smooth harmonies and energetic stage presence, The Drifters quickly became one of the most popular vocal groups of the 1950s.

In 1960, The Drifters released “Stand By Me.” The song was an instant hit, reaching number four on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It has since become one of the most popular and enduring songs of all time.

“Stand By Me” is a simple song, but it is also a powerful one. The song’s lyrics speak to the importance of friendship, love, and loyalty. The song’s melody is catchy and memorable, and The Drifters’ vocals are soulful and expressive.

The song’s message is one of hope and resilience. The narrator of the song is facing a difficult time, but he knows that he can count on his friends and loved ones to be there for him. The song is a reminder that we are never truly alone.

“Stand By Me” has been used in countless films and television shows, and it has been covered by artists of all genres. It is a song that has truly stood the test of time.

Key takeaways:

• “Stand By Me” is a classic soul song written by Ben E. King and Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller.
• The song was released by The Drifters in 1960 and became an instant hit.
• The song’s lyrics speak to the importance of friendship, love, and loyalty.
• The song’s message is one of hope and resilience.
• “Stand By Me” has been used in countless films and television shows, and it has been covered by artists of all genres.

Additional information:

• The Drifters were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988.
• The song “Stand By Me” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1998.
• In 2004, “Stand By Me” was ranked number four on Rolling Stone magazine’s list of the “500 Greatest Songs of All Time.”

Video

Lyrics

“Stand By Me”

 

When the night has come
And the land is dark
And the moon is the only light we will see
No I won’t be afraid [x2]
Just as long as you stand, stand by me

And darling, darling stand by me
Oh stand by me
Oh stand, stand by me, stand by me

If the sky that we look up on
Should crumble and fall
Or the mountain should tumble to the sea
No I won’t be afraid [x2]
Just as long as you stand, stand by me, stand by me

And darling, darling stand by me, oh stand by me
Oh stand, stand by me, stand by me

When all your friends are gone
And you’re left all alone
Oh stand, stand by me, stand by me

Whenever you’re in trouble won’t you stand by me
Oh stand by me
Oh stand, stand by me, stand by me