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A B C DO RE MI Sa Re Ga 1 2 3

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Stand By Me

Ben E King Pop

"Stand By Me" by Ben E. King is typically performed in the key of A major. Released in 1961, the song was written by King along with Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. It quickly became a classic in the realm of rhythm and blues, reaching high positions on music charts and earning widespread acclaim for its soulful vocals and heartfelt lyrics. Interestingly, the song's melody and chord progression are based on a gospel hymn called "Lord Stand by Me," showcasing King's ability to infuse elements of gospel music into a secular context. "Stand By Me" has since become a timeless anthem of friendship and solidarity, resonating with audiences across generations.

Stand By Me - Ben E. King

Intro:

a a
e g# a a
a g# f# f#
e f# f#
f# e d d
d f# e e
e g# a a
e g# a a

Verso:

c# e f#
When the night
c# e
Has come
a b c# b a
And the land is dark
a b c# a
And the moon
a c# b a
Is the only
b a a
Light we’ll see

c# e f#
No, I won’t
e f#
Be afraid
c# d c# b - a - b c#
Oh, I won’t
a b a
Be afraid
a b b a
Just as long
b c# b a
As you stand
c# b a
Stand by me

e f# e a g# f# e f#
So darlin’, darlin’ stand
f# e f#
By me
f# e b a c#
Oh, stand
b a
By me
b c# a
Oh, stand
c# b a
Stand by me
c# b a
Stand by me

c# e f#
If the sky
c# d e f# e f#
That we look upon
b c# c# b a
Should tumble and fall
a b c# a
Or the mountain
b c# b a
Should crumble
a b a
To the sea

c# e f#
I won’t cry
c# f# f#
I won’t cry
e f# e b a c#
No, I won’t
a b a
Shed a tear
a b c# a
Just as long
b c# b a
As you stand
c# b a
Stand by me

e f# e a g# f# e f#
And darlin’, darlin’ stand
f# f#
By me
f# e b a c#
Oh, stand
b a b a
By me
f# b a - b - a
Oh, stand now
c# b a
Stand by me
c# b a
Stand by me