About the song
“Stand By Me” is a song that has resonated across generations and cultures, and the rendition by Playing For Change titled “Stand By Me | Song Around The World” is no exception. Originally written by Ben E. King, along with Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, “Stand By Me” was first recorded and released by King in 1961. This soulful classic has since become an anthem of unity and support, transcending boundaries and languages.
Playing For Change is a multimedia music project created to inspire and connect the world through music. The project brings together musicians from various backgrounds and corners of the globe to perform songs that highlight universal themes. Their version of “Stand By Me” epitomizes this mission by featuring artists from different countries, each adding their unique touch while harmonizing seamlessly with one another.
This particular version of “Stand By Me” is part of the “Songs Around The World” series by Playing For Change. The series aims to demonstrate the unifying power of music, bridging gaps between diverse cultures and fostering a sense of global community. The video for this rendition has garnered millions of views on platforms like YouTube, showcasing the collective spirit and talent of musicians from nations such as the United States, South Africa, India, and Italy, among others.
In terms of accolades, the original “Stand By Me” by Ben E. King has enjoyed significant success, reaching the top 10 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart twice: once in 1961 and again in 1986, following its inclusion in the soundtrack of the film “Stand By Me.” The song has been covered by countless artists over the years, solidifying its status as a timeless classic.
The Playing For Change rendition captures the essence of the song’s enduring message of solidarity and mutual support. It is a testament to the song’s lasting impact and its ability to bring people together, regardless of their backgrounds or circumstances. This powerful project not only celebrates the beauty of “Stand By Me” but also reinforces the idea that music is a universal language capable of fostering connection and understanding among people worldwide.
Video
Lyrics
This song says, no matter who you are,
No matter where you go in your life
At some point you’re going to need
Somebody to stand by you.
Oh yeah! Oh my darlin’ stand by me!
No matter who your are, no matter where you go in life
You gon’ need somebody, to stand by you.
No matter how much money you got, or the friends you got,
You gon’ need somebody, to stand by you
When the night has come, and the way is dark,
And that moon is the only light you see.
No I won’t be afraid, no I-I-I won’t be afraid
Just as long as the people come and stand by me.
Darlin’ darlin’ stand by me, ooh stand by me Oh stand
Stand stand by me C’mon stand by me stand by me
If the sky that we look upon
Well should tumble and fall
And the mountains should crumble to the sea
I won’t cry, I won’t cry, no I won’t she’d a tear
Just as long as you stand, stand by me
Oh darling, darling stand by me, oh stand by me,
Oh please stand, stand by me, stand by me.
Oh darling, darling stand by me, oh stand by me,
Please stand, stand by me, stand by me.
Oh baby, baby
Oh darlin’ darlin’ stand la la nomie
Ooh stand la la nomie, O stand O stand stand
Stand by me c’mon stand by me, stand by me.
Stand la la nomie, oh won’t you stand, la la nomie,
Oh stand la la nomie, stand by me, c’mon stand by me.
When the night has come, and the way is dark
And the moon, is the only light you see
I won’t be afraid, lala nomie, I won’t be afraid
Not as long, not as long as you stand by me.