Lean on Me

Single by ArtistsCAN featuring Avril Lavigne, Bad Child, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Bryan Adams, Command Sisters, Dan Kanter, Desiire, Donovan Woods, Fefe Dobson, Geddy Lee, Jann Arden, Johnny Orlando, Josh Ramsay, Jules Halpern, Justin Bieber, Marie-Mai, Michael Bublé, Olivia Lunny, Ryland James, Sarah McLachlan, Scott Helman, Serena Ryder, Shawn Hook, TIKA, The Tenors, Tyler Shaw, and Walk Off the Earth

### **Producer(s)**

* Tyler Shaw
* Fefe Dobson
* Dan Kanter
* Jon Levine
* Danny Reiner

"**Lean on Me'**" is a charity single by ArtistsCAN, featuring Canadian singers Avril Lavigne, Bad Child, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Bryan Adams, Command Sisters, Dan Kanter, Desiire, Donovan Woods, Fefe Dobson, Geddy Lee, Jann Arden, Johnny Orlando, Josh Ramsay, Jules Halpern, Justin Bieber, Marie-Mai, Michael Bublé, Olivia Lunny, Ryland James, Sarah McLachlan, Scott Helman, Serena Ryder, Shawn Hook, TIKA, The Tenors, Tyler Shaw, and Walk Off the Earth. It was released by Sony Music Canada on April 26, 2020, the cover of Bill Withers' song under the same name. The track was produced by Shaw, Fefe Dobson, Dan Kanter, Jon Levine, and Danny Reiner. All proceeds of the song went towards COVID-19 relief for the charity organization, Canadian Red Cross.

## Background

Tyler Shaw and Fefe Dobson brought up the idea of a collaborative song, which led to the track being created in three weeks, artists recording from the safety of their own homes. Shaw shared in a press release, "When I heard of Bill Withers' passing, I was listening to all his legendary music, and I really dove into the lyrics of 'Lean On Me,' a song I've heard hundreds of times, but now in this current climate, the lyrics seem more profound than ever. I wanted to cover it; I wanted to help. I called Fefe, we called more people, and more people. And in a really short time we had this incredible song, with a message I think people need to hear right now, all while raising money for something every single one of us is affected by." Dobson continued, "We know there a lot of people who are struggling, who have lost their jobs, who can't financially contribute. So this is a way to help because by just streaming the song, or watching the video, the proceeds go directly to the Canadian Red Cross to help fight this virus."

In an interview with *CelebMix*, Shaw said, "It was an amazing feeling having so many legendary artists come together for one cause; COVID relief. I truly enjoyed the experience of putting the cover together and am super grateful for. We pulled it off in under three weeks, between artist outreach, recording vocals, mixing the song and capturing a music video for a national Canadian broadcast premiere. The challenge was different time zones, and not every artist was conveniently isolating during the thick of COVID in a studio setting. We pulled off nothing short of a miracle. Ultimately, I'm proud to have orchestrated it and been a part of a historic music moment and grateful to all of the artists who contributed."

The accompanying music video was produced by The Young Astronauts and included hommade footage from each artist, along with other Canadians. It opened with a message in tribute to Withers: "Thank you for your lyrics and inspiring message. We are grateful to lean on music during our time of need. Your musical legacy lives on through us."

## Lyrics

**Lyrics**
[Verse 1: Justin Bieber, Michael Bublé]

Sometimes in our lives, we all have pain

We all have sorrow

*But if we are wise*

*We know that there's always tomorrow*

[Chorus: Bryan Adams, *Justin Bieber*, **Fefe Dobson**]

Lean on me, when you're not strong (*When you're not strong*)

And I'll be your friend

I'll help you carry on (*Carry on*)

**For it won't be long**

**'Til I'm gonna need** (*Gon' need*)

**Somebody to lean on**

[Verse 2: Avril Lavigne, *Sarah McLachlan*]

Please swallow your pride

If I have things that you need to borrow

*For no one can fill*

*Those of your needs*

*That you won't let show*

[Bridge: Tyler Shaw, The Tenors, *Serena Ryder*, **All**]

You just call on me brother, when you need a hand

We all need somebody to lean on

*I just might have a problem that you'll understand*

**We all need somebody to lean on**

[Chorus: Geddy Lee, All]

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 (Carry on)

For, for it won't be long

'Til I'm gonna need

Somebody to lean on

[Bridge: Ryland James, Marie-Mai]

You just call on me brother (Call on me brother)

When you need a hand (When you need a hand)

We all need somebody to lean on

On a tous les mêmes problèmes Pour qu'on se comprenne

We all need somebody to lean on (Yeah)

[Verse 3: Avril Lavigne, *Serena Ryder*, **Shawn Hook**]

If there is a load you have to bear

*That you can't carry*

**I'm right up the road**

**I'll share your load**

**If you just call me**

[Outro: All]

(Call me) If you need a friend

(Call me) Call me, uh-uh, uh-uh

(Call me) If you need a friend

(Call me) If you ever need a friend

(Call me) Call me

(Call me) Call me

(Call me) Call me

(Call me) Call me

(Call me) If you need a friend

(Call me) Call me

(Call me) Call me

(Call me) Call me

(Call me) Call me

(Call me)

## References

1. ↑ Wallis, Adam (April 27, 2020). "Canadian artists come together in 'Lean on Me' cover for coronavirus relief". *Global News*.
2. ↑ "ArtistsCAN "Lean on Me"". *Sony*. April 26, 2020.
3. ↑ "EXCLUSIVE: Tyler Shaw Opens Up About New Single". *CelebMix*. September 24, 2020.