Music Blog, Theme Prompt, Writing Challenge, Writing Prompts

Lean On Me: Song Lyric Sunday

Nancy's Notes 🖊️♬

Written for Song Lyric Sunday –
“Recipe For Success”

This week at Jim Adams’ Song Lyric Sunday, the theme is “Recipe for Success”. Our challenge is to write about a song that includes the act of depending, leaning, relying, or trusting. I have chosen two songs which are totally different but I think work perfectly together.

Image by Me & ChatGPT

First up this week is Kings of Leon, an American rock band formed in Nashville, Tennessee in 1999. The band consists of brothers Caleb, Nathan, and Jared Followill, alongside their cousin Matthew Followill. Their sound is a blend Southern rock, garage rock, and alternative rock. The band’s name is a tribute to their paternal grandfather, Leon Followill. In the early days, as the band was emerging from its deeply religious roots (dad was a Pentecostal minister), their sound was more southern rock. But as the years passed and the band earned more and more acclaim, their sound grew into something more befitting of the arenas and giant venues they packed. Early on, Kings of Leon earned fame in the UK; by 2008, the group was garnering fame in the US as well, with songs like “Use Somebody” and “Sex on Fire.” To date, the band has won multiple awards, including four Grammys and two BRIT Awards.

Released in late 2008 on the album Only by the Night, Kings of Leon’s “Use Somebody” is a multi-platinum, Grammy Award-winning alternative rock power ballad. Written about the universal feelings of loneliness, isolation, and the desperate need for genuine connection while navigating the demands of fame, the track became a massive global breakthrough that dominated both rock and pop charts. The single became the first song in years to top four different US radio formats simultaneously. At the 2010 Grammy awards, it took home three massive wins: Record of the Year, Best Rock Song, and Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.

This is “Use Somebody” by Kings of Leon
Writer(s): Jared Followill, Caleb Followill, Nathan Followill, Matthew Followill

Up next is a group that needs no introduction other than to say they are the Kings of Rock ‘n’ Roll! I’m talking about the Rolling Stones. The song I’ve chosen this week is ”Let It Bleed”  from the album of the same name. Released in 1969, the song serves as a loose, provocative exploration of emotional dependency, drugs, and sex, set against the chaotic backdrop of the late 1960s. It highlights the band’s signature bluesy swagger and features standout slide guitar. The recording sessions took place throughout 1969 during a highly tumultuous time. Founding guitarist Brian Jones was struggling with substance abuse and erratic behavior, which led to his firing during the recording (and his subsequent death shortly after). The lyrics feature references to “coke and sympathy” and “junkie nurse,” with the narrator willing to offer emotional support despite the chaotic circumstances. Mick Jagger intentionally crams the chorus with sexual innuendos, offering a partner to “bleed on,” “cream on,” and “come on”. However, to music critics, the song is mainly about emotional dependency, with Jagger willing to accept a partner who wants to lean on him for emotional support. You decide.

This is “Let It Bleed” by The Rolling Stones
Songwriters: Keith Richards, Mick Jagger

Bonus Track: This is “Stand By Me” by John Lennon (Old Grey Whistle Test)


LYRICS

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
No, I won’t be afraid
Just as long as you stand
Stand by me

And darling, darling, stand by me
Oh, now, now, stand by me
Stand by me
Stand by me

If the sky that we look upon should tumble and fall
And 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 darling, darling stand by me
Oh, stand by me
Stand by me
Stand by me
Stand by me, yeah

Whenever you’re in trouble
Won’t you stand by me?
Oh, now, now, stand by me
Oh, stand by me
Stand by me
Stand by me

Darling, darling, stand by me
Stand by me
Oh, stand by me
Stand by me
Stand by me

Source: Musixmatch
Songwriters: Jerry Leiber/Mike Stoller/Ben E King
Stand By Me lyrics © Sony/atv Songs Llc

Image by Me & ChatGPT
Recipe For Success

Big thanks to Jim Adams for hosting another great Song Lyric Sunday this week and every week. Be sure to follow his link and check out his site.

Thanks for stopping by and listening to some great music. I hope you enjoyed the theme for this week as well as the information and songs I featured.

That’s all she wrote, kids. See you on the flip side. 😎

NAR©2026

Everything on The Elephant’s Trunk was created by me, unless otherwise indicated. Thank you for your consideration. NAR©2017-present.



30 thoughts on “Lean On Me: Song Lyric Sunday”

  5. Thanks for sharing your music again, Nancy and I should listen to some more Kings of Leon songs, as I really liked this one. I love Let It Bleed, but Jagger does sound a bit gay saying, “why don’t you cream on me.” Lennon did a great cover of the Ben E. King song.

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      1. I know the song is about leaning, dreaming, feeding, and bleeding and that is used to paint a picture of rock-and-roll codependency and offering comfort to a partner. But Jagger often played with androgynous personas and challenged traditional sexual boundaries, and lines like this frequently led listeners to discuss his sexuality, bisexuality, and queer undertones.

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  7. Lovely shares today Nancy. Thank you for the Kings of Leon song. It’s a favorite of mine. I really enjoy listening to the music from the beginning of the millennium. Just think all those young guys are now middle aged! 🤣🥰

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    1. Oh, you said a mouthful, Christine! I’ve loved Kings of Leon since the beginning, and it blew my mind when I was reminded they got their start 27 years ago! How is that possible? I am very glad to know you enjoyed listening to my music today. Thanks very much. 💕

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  8. First of all, I didn’t even know John Lennon did Stand by me- I had never heard this incarnation.

    Next I love the placement of the songs you chose on the dependency scale- both Use Somebody and Let it Bleed are not exactly about a healthy dependency- neither portrays a storybook romance- and I can so much more relate to these kinds of relationships.

    I chose a song that talks about a definitely unhealthy dependency- and I am not sure everyone will get the connection to the theme- but anyone who has been there (or watched someone go through it) will get it.

    Great choices Nancy.

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    1. It always delights me when I can introduce something new; so glad you enjoyed John’s cover of this classic. Thanks for picking up on the placement of my songs, which was definitely intentional. I absolutely love it when I see people are paying attention! No hearts and flowers for me today …. just keeping it real. Thanks, my friend. 😌

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  9. You’ve chosen two absolutely super songs and artist, and a wonderful bonus as well my friend … this is a heartfelt personal favourite …

    “If I Didn’t Have Your Love” Lyrics

    If the sun would lose its light
    And we lived an endless night
    And there was nothing left that you could feel
    That’s how it would be
    What my life would seem to me
    If I didn’t have your love to make it real

    If the stars were all unpinned
    And a cold and bitter wind
    Swallowed up the world without a trace
    Ah, well that’s where I would be
    What my life would seem to me
    If I couldn’t lift the veil and see your face

    And if no leaves were on the tree
    And no water in the sea
    And the break of day had nothing to reveal
    That’s how broken I would be
    What my life would seem to me
    If I didn’t have your love to make it real

    If the sun would lose its light
    And we lived in an endless night
    And there was nothing left that you could feel
    If the sea were sand alone
    And the flowers made of stone
    And no one that you hurt could ever heal
    Well that’s how broken I would be
    What my life would seem to me
    If I didn’t have your love to make it real

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  10. 🙌 What a trio all wonderful songs sung by icons – I have to say listening and watching John took me back and although not one of his own songs I think it belongs to him – loved this thanks Nance 🥰

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