Sometimes being in a choir exposes me to songs that I thought I already knew. There’s a bit of a sound experiment going on tomorrow, and our choir leader has asked us to refresh our memories on Royals (from a year or so ago), When Doves Cry (from this term), and Lean On Me (which they sang before I joined). It’s the last one that has lyrics that speak to me now. I doubt I’d have thought about them in the same way before losing Mum and Dad. But now they resonate so deeply.

The full lyrics are here, but the verse that calls out to me is this one:

   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

And when I first listened, properly listened to the words I cried. This verse speaks of vulnerability to me. If you don’t allow yourself to be vulnerable, to take emotional risks, people can’t fully support you.

And then the chorus:

   Lean on me when you’re not strong
   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

Which is the bit that says this is a partnership, it’s a sharing thing. I’ll help you today. Maybe you can help me tomorrow.

This might become my anthem!