Lean on Me

I have a checklist in life of things I'd like to do. I wanted to see the Pyramids; I did that. I want to see the Great Wall of China; I've yet to do that. My list, of course, go beyond things I'd like to see, there are also actions I'd like to do. I had an epiphany yesterday for my to-do list. I want to organize a stadium-sized crowd to sing "Lean on Me" together.

Like the auditorium scene in the movie of the same name, I think the song has a bonding effect; it is a song of unity and support. Couldn't we all use somebody to lean on? At times I believe a reminder that we are not alone in life is worthwhile for all of us. What better way than a feel-good campfire song?

On the road to a band competitions my freshman year of high school, there was an instance when the bus I was riding on burst into song. One person began singing "Lean on Me" and the rest of the bus soon followed; almost all of us knew the words. That scene is burned in my head, we were clapping and singing and I just can't forget the smiles on that bus. For that moment we were all so happy.

I confess, that episode was the inspiration for my idea. I'm just trying to expand the happiness that moment brought to a small group of people. It worked in the movie for even a larger group of people. I believe bringing that happiness, even for a moment, to a huge crowd of people, even for a moment, would be a noble endeavor. Perhaps before a sporting game, or a concert, I could start singing the song and hopefully the group of people sitting around me would follow, and the domino effect would I hope ensue so that soon tens of thousands were following, all singing "Lean on Me" together, all singing a simple song and just being happy together, all connected by music with thousands other people. I think that would even be greater than the Great Wall.

Lean on me
when you're not strong
and I'll be your friend (I'll be your friend!)
I'll help you carry on
(lean on me!)
for it won't be long
'til I'm gonna need
somebody to lean on