Tracy Chapman’s “Stand by Me” cover is a captivating interpretation of Ben E. King’s 1961 hit classic. With over 400 covers to its legacy—hell, even Muhammad Ali has a version, it’s a passable rendition, but forgettable—this is a song that really needs no introduction. I’m willing to bet anyone over 20 years of age can share some meaningful life event regarding this song and at least one of its 400 recorded covers. Chapman’s version from Letterman is my favorite.
Oh darlin’, darlin’, stand by me, oh stand by me
—Ben E. King, as performed by Tracy Chapman
Oh stand, stand by me, stand by me
Stand by me, stand by me
Chapman’s performance captivates me because she has made a simple song her own not by adding to it but by taking away from it. While respecting the original, Chapman pours a range of emotions into this cover: love, hope, and maybe even resignation. I am comforted by the strength of her steady voice. At the same time, I feel her earnest yearning in her subtle vibrato. Her guitar takes a backseat while providing a steady rhythm for her to layer her vocals masterfully on top of.
I learned to play Ben E. King’s version on bass guitar so it will stay special to me for that reason. It’s a simple progression, but I feel like it’s a crucial element of the song. When my wife was sick with terminal cancer in Healdsburg, California, and holding conversations became more difficult for her, I started playing (poorly) an acoustic guitar for her. Even though it was a six-string, I used only the four lowest ones and treated it like a bass. I taught myself “Stand by Me” to play for her.
Surprisingly, I don’t miss the bass in Tracy Chapman’s “Stand by Me.” She plays a reasonable enough substitute on her guitar that to have a bass player accompany her would be superfluous. She lets her voice do all the talking and manages it without oversinging or being melodramatic.
The original song sounds very much like a product of its time (and it sounds wonderful). The 60s hadn’t quite progressed to psychedelic rock yet and the British Invasion was just getting started. Bob Dylan wouldn’t go electric for another four years. Nevertheless, the staying power of that original is quite a testament. However, Tracy Chapman brought the song firmly into the 21st century by playing it from the heart.
I don’t care what your mood is during a hangover, this cover is poignant. Undoubtedly you will think of loved ones when you hear it. Maybe tragedy took some. Likely time and distance have separated you from others. If so, reach out. I’m sure they miss your voice just as much as you do theirs.
As always, please take care of yourself.