5 Uses of the Verb "Lean"

Our topic for today is a song from the 1970s. This song is what we call a “golden oldie.” This means that the song is old but it’s good.

The title of the song is “Lean On Me.” It was written and sung by American artist Bill Withers. During its time, the song scored No.1 among all the R&B Songs and in the Billboard Hot 100 charts.

According to Rolling Stone magazine, it’s one of “The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.”

Here are the complete lyrics of the song:

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)

Call me (if you need a friend)

Call me (if you ever need a friend)

Call me (call me)

Call me

Call me (if you need a friend)    

“Lean On Me” is often played at charity events. Many versions of this song have also been made by different artists.

In fact, the musical TV series Glee also recorded their own version of this song for one episode.

Here’s a video from Youtube featuring Glee’s new version:

Friendship

This song is all about friendship. It’s a good song for true friends.

The writer of the song, Bill Withers, grew up in the poor area of a coal mining town. But when he moved to Los Angeles, he missed the togetherness and closeness of the community in his hometown.

This was the inspiration for the song “Lean On Me.”

You can feel it from the words in the song’s chorus:

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

These words are very positive and will give encouragement to your friend when he has some trouble. This message will cheer him up and give him strength.

About the Word “Lean”

The Verb “lean” has at least 5 different meanings. They are:

1.

Meaning: To move or bend the body in one direction

Structure:

S + lean + Adverb

S + lean + Preposition + someone

S + lean + Preposition + something

Examples:

If you want to relax, just lean back.

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He leaned forward.

She leaned toward me.

He leaned across the table.

2.

Meaning: To support yourself or something in a sloping position against a wall or other surface

Structure:

S + lean + against + something

S + lean + on + something

S + lean + something + against + something

S + lean + something + on + something

Examples:

He’s leaning against the wall.

The bikes are leaning against the wall.

He’s leaning his bike against the wall.

3.

Meaning: To slope or bend, not stand straight

Structure:

S + lean

Examples:

The tree is leaning a little.

The Tower of Pisa leans.

4.

Meaning: To depend on someone

Structure:

S + lean + on + someone

Examples: 

You can lean on me.

He leans on his friends when he has a problem.

5.

Meaning: To tend to support something

Structure:

S + lean + toward + Noun / Ving

S + lean + to + Noun / Ving

S + lean + in favor of + Noun / Ving

Examples:

The country is leaning towards military action.

The board of directors is leaning in favor of supporting the merger.

Hope You Learned Something!