Lean On Me Poetic Devices

Everybody has one song that stands out from all of the countless others. Whether it pumps someone up or brings someone back to the “good old days,” that one song means more to a person. For me, that song is “Lean On Me” by Bill Withers. It contains poetic devices, which lead to a deeper meaning behind the lyrics, and makes a connection to my personal life. In the song, Withers works many poetic devices into his song. One of the devices is apostrophe. The entire song is being directed to someone, but they are not there or not mentioned in the song. Withers makes this device powerful in the song by telling someone that they have himself as an option to go to when times are rough. Another poetic device used in “Lean On Me” is repetition. In the final stanzas, the only words mentioned are “call me.” Withers emphasizes his point through repetition by saying that if someone ever needs help, he is more than happy to. Withers also uses consonance, such as “strong” and “long” so make the song flow easier and sound better.

The main meaning in this song is about being a good friend so someone. Withers is singing to someone who is saddened or depressed, and telling him that he can express their feelings to him. One powerful verse in this song is “Please swallow your pride, if I have things you need to borrow, for no one can fill those of your needs, that you won't let show.” Withers is stating that if the person whom he is singing to need something, he should tell him do that he can help. This verse is powerful because people tend to have a hard time talking to other people to get help when they are emotional. If people express themselves, however, they will usually end up with a shoulder to lean on. Some other meanings behind this song are, love, compassion, and