Stand By You

Album: Wildfire (2015)
Charted: 37
Play Video
  • (Even if we can't find heaven, heaven, heaven, heaven)

    Hands, put your empty hands in mine
    And scars, show me all the scars you hide
    And hey, if your wings are broken
    Please take mine so yours can open too
    'Cause I'm gonna stand by you
    And oh, tears make kaleidoscopes in your eyes
    And hurt, I know you're hurting, but so am I
    And love, if your wings are broken
    Borrow mine so yours can open too

    'Cause I'm gonna stand by you
    Even if we're breaking down, we can find a way to break through
    Even if we can't find Heaven, I'll walk through Hell with you
    Love, you're not alone, 'cause I'm gonna stand by you
    Even if we can't find Heaven (hey), I'm gonna stand by you
    Even if we can't find Heaven, I'll walk through Hell with you
    Love, you're not alone, 'cause I'm gonna stand by you

    Yeah, you're all I never knew I needed
    And the heart, sometimes it's unclear why it's beating
    And love, if your wings are broken
    We can brave through those emotions too
    'Cause I'm gonna stand by you

    And oh, truth, I guess truth is what you believe in
    And faith, I think faith is having a reason
    No, no, no, love, if your wings are broken
    Borrow mine so yours can open too

    'Cause I'm gonna stand by you
    Even if we're breaking down (hey), we can find a way to break through
    Even if we can't find Heaven, I'll walk through Hell with you
    Love, you're not alone, 'cause I'm gonna stand by you
    Even if we can't find Heaven (hey), I'm gonna stand by you
    Even if we can't find Heaven, I'll walk through Hell with you
    Love, you're not alone, 'cause I'm gonna stand by you

    And I'll be your eyes 'til yours can shine
    And I'll be your arms, I'll be your steady satellite
    When you can't rise
    Well, I'll cry with you on hands and knees
    'Cause I

    I'm gonna stand by you
    Even if we're breaking down (hey), we can find a way to break through (come on)
    Even if we can't find Heaven, I'll walk through Hell with you
    Love, you're not alone, 'cause I'm gonna stand by you
    Even if we can't find Heaven (hey, hey), I'm gonna stand by you
    Even if we can't find Heaven, I'll walk through Hell with you
    Love, you're not alone, 'cause I'm gonna stand by you
    Love, you're not alone
    No, I'm gonna stand by you
    (Even if we can't find heaven, heaven, heaven)
    Yeah, I'm gonna stand by you Writer/s: Jack Antonoff, Joy Williams, Matthew B Morris, Rachel Platten
    Publisher: Hipgnosis Songs Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Spirit Music Group
    Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind

Comments: 3

  • Marc Sandy Block from CtRachel's "Stand by You" touches a chord. A relationship we all want but that most never know, as giver or receiver. The song is about one person supporting another even if the times are hell, and even if the other is having trouble flying or seeing or standing. The supporter is there but, interestingly, asks for nothing in return. No reciprocity. The supporter is not there for better or worse. He or she senses there might NOT be Heaven here (the better), but will walk through Hell with the other (for the worse). There is no concern for himself or herself but only for the other. In this era of widespread selfishness and self-centeredness and dishonor and dishonesty [heck we had a president divorced twice and a poster child for one-way loyalty (from others) and cultish control of a rudderless party] the song swims upstream. Many hear it and hope it, but won't experience it. It's a song of a lover, a parent, a patriot who values another more than him/herself and is there to go through the loss, the hurt, and the destruction until the other recovers. They'll go through it together. They'll share and overcome the burdens. "Tears make kaleidoscopes in your eyes" is so positive, like drops of sadness becoming beautiful changing images. The message, music, and manner fit together so nicely in this song, to drill through the heart to the head. The puzzle here, for the sake of stereotyping and offending, is that I think many guys can muster the loyalty while many gals can muster the love depicted in the song. "I'll be There" by Jess Glynne is along the same line but the song here by Joy Williams, Jack A, Matt Morris, and Rachel reaches a rare level of empathy and potency that holds a special place (in my opinion).
  • Rachel Platten Fan from UsaDear Rachel Platten,
    If you are reading this then I want to encourage you not to give in to all the haters who say your songs are trash. There are tons of people out there, including me, who love you and your songs. Please do not ever give up and please keep writing more songs to encourage people like me. I just wanted to give you a shout out because I love you and I think what you do is really great. Thanks for always being there. I love you so much.
    Sincerely, Your #1 fan
  • Lily from UsaI love Rachel Platten's 'Stand by You' song so much.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Zakk Wylde

Zakk WyldeSongwriter Interviews

When he was playing Ozzfest with Black Label Society, a kid told Zakk he was the best Ozzy guitarist - Zakk had to correct him.

Emmylou Harris

Emmylou HarrisSongwriter Interviews

She thinks of herself as a "song interpreter," but back in the '80s another country star convinced Emmylou to take a crack at songwriting.

Eagles Lyrics Quiz

Eagles Lyrics QuizMusic Quiz

Lots of life lessons in these Eagles lyrics - can you match them to the correct song?

Joe Elliott of Def Leppard

Joe Elliott of Def LeppardSongwriter Interviews

The Def Leppard frontman talks about their "lamentable" hit he never thought of as a single, and why he's juiced by his Mott The Hoople cover band.

Kiss

KissFact or Fiction

Kiss is the subject of many outlandish rumors - some of which happen to be true. See if you can spot the fakes.

Michael Franti

Michael FrantiSongwriter Interviews

Franti tells the story behind his hit "Say Hey (I Love You)" and explains why yoga is an integral part of his lifestyle and his Soulshine tour.