Stand by Me

Born in poverty during the era of slavery in the United States, author and composer Charles A. Tindley had limited opportunities in early life. As a boy, he was hired out to work on plantations where he was forbidden to attend school or go to church. He taught himself to read by finding bits of newspaper on the roadside and studying them at night when others were asleep. “I continued in this way,” he later said, “and without any teacher, until I could read the Bible almost without stopping to spell the words.”

Through perseverance and hard work, Dr. Tindley became a beloved Methodist minister whose powerful sermons drew thousands. He often wove his own songs into his preaching, repeating verses in his rich baritone voice until the congregation could sing along. Since he had no formal musical training, he asked other musicians to transcribe and harmonize his songs for publication.

His lyrics focused on enduring trials and finding joy through faith in Jesus Christ. One of his most beloved hymns, “Stand by Me,” pleads for the Lord’s sustaining help in times of trouble. As the Lord promised in Doctrine and Covenants 68:6, “Wherefore, be of good cheer, and do not fear, for I the Lord am with you, and will stand by you.”

Find lyrics, sheet music, and recordings for Stand by Me

On This Page

Scriptures

Principles

Our Savior, Jesus Christ, offers comfort and guidance during our trials.
Jesus Christ recognizes our weakness and offers mercy and strength when we turn to Him.
All blessings are given through God’s merciful grace.

Questions to Ponder

When have you experienced the Savior’s comfort and strength?
How does it help you to know that Jesus Christ loves you and is aware of every challenge you face?
Why might God permit you to experience some difficult challenges rather than removing them?

Related Gospel Study Guides

From Topics and Questions, Gospel Library:

Activities for Families

Teach about how the Savior calmed the storm. While listening to the hymn, fill a tub or bowl with water. Invite your children to create gentle waves by blowing on the water or stirring it with their hands. Place a small toy boat inside—you could make one using a piece of wood or a leaf. Let your children try to calm the water. Then read or tell the story of Jesus Christ calming the sea (see Mark 4:35–41), and help your family imagine what it might have felt like to be in the boat with Him. Share a personal experience when you felt the Savior standing by you during a difficult challenge, and invite your children to think about moments when they’ve felt God’s help. If they feel comfortable sharing, let them do so. Testify that just as Jesus Christ calmed the sea, He can bring peace to our hearts.
Memorize a scripture about peace. Read Doctrine and Covenants 121:7–8 as a family: “Peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity … shall be but a small moment.” Listen to the hymn and talk about how both the hymn and the scripture remind us that Jesus Christ stands by us and offers peace even during hard times. Practice repeating the scripture together a few words at a time. You might try saying it in different voices or using hand motions to help with memorization.

Music Helps

This hymn includes a call-and-response singing pattern, which is typical in gospel music. Lines 1, 2, and 4 end with the alto and tenor parts echoing “Stand by me.”
This hymn has been recorded by many artists, and many recordings can be found online. It can be sung in a variety of styles, from quick and upbeat to slow and reverent. Try listening to different versions or singing it in different ways. How does each style make you feel?