"Stand By You"

As move-in day creeps in for many college first-year students, it is no surprise that everyone is nervous, anxious, and shy --- it's a big step into the "real world". In honor of my role as Jumpstart leader and a fun weekend ahead, I chose to share with you guys a song by Carrie Underwood called "Stand By You," which was originally performed by The Pretenders. I am beyond excited to act as a peer mentor and a role model for those looking to start off their college experience with a whole lot of memories. 

This weekend is dedicated to upperclassmen helping first-year students move-in, get settled, and make friends. I believe this song expresses the true meaning of giving back; for, we don't only have to give back to the community at select times for a set number of days per year, but we can count on each other through community service and through the everyday connections we make with those around us.

Here are the lyrics, enjoy! 

"I'll Stand By You"

[Originally performed by The Pretenders]

Oh why you look so sad
The tears are in your eyes
Come on and come to me now
Don’t be ashamed to cry
Let me see you through
Cause I’ve seen the dark side too

When the night falls on you
You don't know what to do
Nothing you confess
Could make me love you less

I’ll stand by you
I’ll stand by you
Won’t let nobody hurt you
I’ll stand by you

So if you're mad get mad
Don’t hold it all inside
Come on and talk to me now
Hey, what you got to hide
I get angry too
Well I’m a lot like you

When you're standing at the crossroads 
And don't know which path to choose
Let me come along
Cause even if you're wrong

I’ll stand by you
I’ll stand by you
Won’t let nobody hurt you
I’ll stand by you
Take me in into you darkest hour
And I’ll never desert you
I’ll stand by you

And when, when the night falls on you, baby
You feeling all alone
You won't be on your own

I’ll stand by you
I’ll stand by you
Won’t let nobody hurt you
I’ll stand by you
Take me in into you darkest hour
And I’ll never desert you
I’ll stand by you

Oh I’ll stand by you
I’ll stand by you

Lyrics credit: http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/carrieunderwood/illstandbyyou.html

"Lean on Me"

The beginning of summer marks a time where we can be stress-free and have fun! But summer is also the time to get outdoors and engage in new experiences, including being more involved in your community. Summer is perfect for meeting new people, whether they will become acquaintances, friends, or family. Here's a song that relates to helping others and building strong relationships with those you meet --- check out the song lyrics to Bill Withers' "Lean on Me" and adventure out to meet new people!

"Lean on Me"

Sometimes in our lives

We all have pain, we all have sorrow
But if we are wise
We know that there's always tomorrow

Lean on me when you're not strong
And I'll be your friend, I'll help you carry on
For it won't be long
'Til I'm gonna need somebody to lean on

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

You just call on me, brother, when you need a hand
We all need somebody to lean on
I just might have a problem that you'll understand
We all need somebody to lean on

Lean on me when you're not strong
And I'll be your friend, I'll help you carry on
For it won't be long
'Til I'm gonna need somebody to lean on

You just call on me, brother, when you need a hand
We all need somebody to lean on
I just might have a problem that you'll understand
We all need somebody to lean on

If there is a load
You have to bear that you can't carry
I'm right up the road, I'll share your load
If you just call me

Call me (If you need a friend)
Call me (Call me uh-huh)
Call me (When you need a friend)
Call me (If you ever need a friend)
Call me (Call me)
Call me (Call me)
Call me (Call me)
Call me (Call me)
Call me (If you need a friend)
Call me (Call me)
Call me (Call me)
Call me (Call me)
Call me (Call me)
Call me

Lyrics credit: http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/billwithers/leanonme.html

It's Your Time to Be "Brave"

So, here is a song artist who inspires us to stand up for our own beliefs. "Brave" by Sara Bareilles is such a motivational song that has more than just lyrics to it --- what's the message you take away from the song? Enjoy! 

"BRAVE"

You can be amazing

You can turn a phrase into a weapon or a drug

You can be the outcast

Or be the backlash of somebody’s lack of love

Or you can start speaking up

Nothing’s gonna hurt you the way that words do

When they settle ‘neath your skin

Kept on the inside and no sunlight

Sometimes a shadow wins

But I wonder what would happen if you

Say what you wanna say

And let the words fall out

Honestly I wanna see you be brave

With what you want to say

And let the words fall out

Honestly I wanna see you be brave

I just want to see you

I just wanna see you

I just wanna see you

I wanna see you be brave

I just wanna see you

I just wanna see you

I just wanna see you

I wanna see you be brave

Everybody’s been there,

Everybody’s been stared down by the enemy

Fallen for the fear

And done some disappearing,

Bow down to the mighty

Don’t run, just stop holding your tongue

Maybe there’s a way out of the cage where you live

Maybe one of these days you can let the light in

Show me how big your brave is

Say what you wanna say

And let the words fall out

Honestly I wanna see you be brave

With what you want to say

And let the words fall out

Honestly I wanna see you be brave

And since your history of silence

Won’t do you any good,

Did you think it would?

Let your words be anything but empty

Why don’t you tell them the truth?

Say what you wanna say

And let the words fall out

Honestly I wanna see you be brave

With what you want to say

And let the words fall out

Honestly I wanna see you be brave

I just wanna see you

I just wanna see you

I just wanna see you

I wanna see you be brave

I just wanna see you

I just wanna see you

I just wanna see you

See you be brave

I just wanna see you

I just wanna see you

I just wanna see you

I just wanna see you

I just wanna see you

I just wanna see you

**Check out the music video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUQsqBqxoR4

Lyrics Credit: http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/sarabareilles/brave.html