Album: Wildfire (2015)

Charted: 37

License This Song 

• (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.

More Songfacts:

Return To SenderElvis Presley

When the Elvis stamps came out in 1993, lots of folks used them to mail letters with bad addresses so they would be Returned To Sender.

Auld Lang SyneTraditional

The New Year's Eve favorite "Auld Lang Syne" is a Scottish song that roughly translates to "Days Of Long Ago."

Space OddityDavid Bowie

David Bowie's "Space Oddity" tells the story of an astronaut who cuts off communication and floats into space. The BBC used it extensively in their coverage of the 1969 moon landing - an odd choice considering the lyrics.

Friends In Low PlacesGarth Brooks

"Friends In Low Places" by Garth Brooks was written by two Nashville songwriters after a meal in a local restaurant. One of them forgot his money, but said not to worry, "I have friends in low places. I know the cook."

YYZRush

The instrumental "YYZ" by Rush got its title from the transmitter code for Lester B. Pearson International Airport in Toronto, near where the band is from.

RhiannonFleetwood Mac

"Rhiannon" is a Welch goddess. Stevie Nicks wrote the song, and it was a huge influence on her image, inspiring her flowing shawls and black outfits she began wearing on stage.

Editor's Picks

Sam HollanderSongwriter Interviews

The hitmaking songwriter/producer Sam Hollander with stories about songs for Weezer, Panic! At The Disco, Train, Pentatonix, and Fitz And The Tantrums.

Jesus In Pop Hits: The Gospel Songs That Went MainstreamSong Writing

These overtly religious songs crossed over to the pop charts, despite resistance from fans, and in many cases, churches.

Divided Souls: Musical Alter EgosSong Writing

Long before Eminem, Justin Bieber and Nicki Minaj created alternate personas, David Bowie, Bono, Joni Mitchell and even Hank Williams took on characters.

Creedence Clearwater RevivalFact or Fiction

Is "Have You Ever Seen the Rain" about Vietnam? Was John Fogerty really born on a Bayou? It's the CCR edition of Fact or Fiction.

The Real Nick DrakeSong Writing

The head of Drake's estate shares his insights on the late folk singer's life and music.

Rupert HineSongwriter Interviews

Producer Rupert Hine talks about crafting hits for Tina Turner, Howard Jones and The Fixx.