From the first time I heard this song to the present, it became an underlining of the importance of "being there" for friends who found themselves in troubled times. I have always found profound meaning in it. Someone said to me, recently, "What I appreciate about you is that you show up when we need you." What greater compliment could a person get? The truth in "Lean On Me" can't be overemphasized. And to discover through W&S that Withers is a man of integrity in a cut-throat business is an unexpected little gem today. Thanks so much for featuring him and his music.
I thought of “Grandma’s Hands” the other day! I was looking at my own hands, spotted, blotchy, and arthritic; an examination of conscience ensued. Thank you Debra!
Thank you for introducing us to Bill Withers, his story and his songs. I liked "Lean on Me", then dug a bit further and found "Aint no sunshine" and "Grandma's hands". Bill's delivery is heartfelt, the backing group gentle and harmonious, the delivery feels true. Short and sweet.
Katey, I'm glad! This song really does touch the heart, doesn't it? I'm always so pleased to find out that singer and musicians I like are also really fine human beings.
Good reading. It is a good song though I never thought about it. It’s one of those pop/soul numbers easily taken for granted as part of the landscape with nary a thought for the singer or writer. Once again, Word and Song keeps its readers on our toes!
I do try, Amy! I agree about you assessment: in the middle of things when there still was good contemporary popular music, there were some fine if a little low-key talents. I listened to Bill Withers' song "Grandma's Hands" while I was looking into this week's song, and I recalled it for the first time in many years. I said to Tony that I could hear the gospel influence in it -- and then I read that Withers sang in the choir as a boy. Bingo!
i think you might enjoy this article by a fellow i follow about Mr. Withers' greatest impact: https://scottbradlee.substack.com/p/aint-no-sunshine-my-essay-for-the/comments
From the first time I heard this song to the present, it became an underlining of the importance of "being there" for friends who found themselves in troubled times. I have always found profound meaning in it. Someone said to me, recently, "What I appreciate about you is that you show up when we need you." What greater compliment could a person get? The truth in "Lean On Me" can't be overemphasized. And to discover through W&S that Withers is a man of integrity in a cut-throat business is an unexpected little gem today. Thanks so much for featuring him and his music.
I thought of “Grandma’s Hands” the other day! I was looking at my own hands, spotted, blotchy, and arthritic; an examination of conscience ensued. Thank you Debra!
Thank you for introducing us to Bill Withers, his story and his songs. I liked "Lean on Me", then dug a bit further and found "Aint no sunshine" and "Grandma's hands". Bill's delivery is heartfelt, the backing group gentle and harmonious, the delivery feels true. Short and sweet.
Thank-you ~ I love this song. Thanks for highlighting it for us this day.
God bless you both!🎵🎶
Katey, I'm glad! This song really does touch the heart, doesn't it? I'm always so pleased to find out that singer and musicians I like are also really fine human beings.
Good reading. It is a good song though I never thought about it. It’s one of those pop/soul numbers easily taken for granted as part of the landscape with nary a thought for the singer or writer. Once again, Word and Song keeps its readers on our toes!
I do try, Amy! I agree about you assessment: in the middle of things when there still was good contemporary popular music, there were some fine if a little low-key talents. I listened to Bill Withers' song "Grandma's Hands" while I was looking into this week's song, and I recalled it for the first time in many years. I said to Tony that I could hear the gospel influence in it -- and then I read that Withers sang in the choir as a boy. Bingo!