I'll Stand by You

"I'll Stand By You" is a song by The Pretenders. It was released in 1994. It was for their sixth studio album, Last of the Independents. It was written by Chrissie Hynde with help from Tom Kelly and Billy Steinberg. "I'll Stand By You" became a hit song for the group and their most popular recording. It became their last successful single in North America.

The song is a power ballad. It talks about love and faithfulness in times of feeling down or worthless. Since its release, the track had also became a major hit for the British girl group Girls Aloud in 2004. American singer Carrie Underwood recorded the song in 2007. She did so as a charity single to help others. Colombian singer Shakira recorded the song as a charity single as well. It was to raise money for the victims of the 2010 Haiti earthquake.

 The Pretenders' version 
Charts

Peak positions
Chart (1994)Peak positionAustralian ARIA Singles Chart8UK Singles Chart10U.S. Billboard Hot 10016U.S. Billboard Modern Rock Tracks21Swedish Top 60 Singles21

End of year charts
End of year chart (1995)PositionU.S. Billboard Hot 10095

 Girls Aloud version 
Charts

Chart (2004)Peak position

Year-end chart
Chart (2004)PeakpositionUnited Kingdom (2004) 34

Certification
 Country Certification(sales thresholds) United Kingdom Silver

Chart procession and succession

 Carrie Underwood version 
Charts
Chart (2007)Peak position
 A Charted from unsolicited airplay.

 Shakira version 
Chart performance
Chart (2010)Peakposition

Other versions
Patti Labelle (2005)
Rod Stewart (2006)
American Idol Season 6 contestant Gina Glocksen performed the song in the Top 10 round.
The cast of Glee (2009)
The girl group "Belle Amie" performed the song in the 2010 X Factor finals.
One of American Idol Season 10 Top 24 Girls, Pia Toscano, performed this song, in which the judges made their first standing ovation of the season.
Kim Wilde (2011)
 Girl Group Fifth Harmony performed the song on the second season of The X Factor USA during Thanksgiving week.
During the 12th season of American Idol, contestant Angela Miller performed the song.

 References 

Category:1994 songs
Category:1990s ballads
Category:Rock ballads
Category:The Pretenders songs
Category:Rod Stewart songs
Category:Kim Wilde songs
Category:Girls Aloud songs
Category:Shakira songs
Category:Carrie Underwood songs