R.I.P. Bill Withers

[Big Magilla]

Bill Withers' "Lean on Me" was released in April 1972 as the first single from his second album, Still Bill. It was his first and only number one single on both the soul singles and the Billboard Hot 100.

Sometimes in our lives we all have pain
We all have sorrow
But if we are wise
We know that there's always tomorrow

Lean on me, when you're not strong
And I'll be your friend
I'll help you carry on
For it won't be long
'Til I'm gonna need
Somebody to lean on

Please swallow your pride
If I have things you need to borrow
For no one can fill those of your needs
That you won't let show
You just call on me brother, when you need a hand
We all need somebody to lean on

I just might have a problem that you'll understand
We all need somebody to lean on
Lean on me, when you're not strong
And I'll be your friend
I'll help you carry on
For it won't be long
'Til I'm gonna need
Somebody to lean on

You just call on me brother, when you need a hand
We all need somebody to lean on
I just might have a problem that you'll understand
We all need somebody to lean on

If there is a load you have to bear
That you can't carry
I'm right up the road
I'll share your load
If you just call me (call me)
If you need a friend (call me) call me uh huh(call me) if you need a friend (call me)

If you ever need a friend (call me)
Call me (call me) call me (call me) call me
(Call me) call me (call me) if you need a friend
(Call me) call me (call me) call me (call me) call me (call me) call me (call me)

[danfrank]

The Bill Withers song that always brings a tear to my eye is Lovely Day:

Then I look at you
And the world’s all right with me

I spent a good many hours listening to Bill Withers albums in my youth. He was a great talent without an ounce of pretense.

[Sonic Youth]

No one posted this yet? An abomination! He was - briefly - one of the great recording artists of the early 70s. Unfortunately, he proved to be a flash in the pan, but for a few short years he was so much more than "Lean on Me" and "Ain't No Sunshine". I dare you to listen to this live version of "Grandma's Hands" and not weep. Gets me every time.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5W-xtHYXE7A