11 Marvelous Songs That Stand Tall | Playlist 🎧

11 Marvelous Songs That Stand Tall features songs courtesy of Cynthia Erivo, Elton John, Jazmine Sullivan, Lil Baby & Muse.  

Some songs naturally STAND taller than others! That’s the case with 🎧 11 Marvelous Songs That Stand Tall.  Folks, the keyword on this musical compendium is some form of the word stand, period.  Every song features stand in the title, whether it’s 🎵 “Stand Up” or 🎵 “Still Standing”, throwing that ING ending into the mix.

🎧 11 Marvelous Songs That Stand Tall features songs courtesy 🎙 Cynthia Erivo, 🎙 Elton John, 🎙 Jazmine Sullivan, 🎙 Lil Baby, and 🎙 Muse, among others.  There’s a mix of R&B, pop, rap, rock, and even a dash of gospel.  So, without further ado, whether you’re short or tall, you can stand tall partaking of these marvelous STAND songs!

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1. Jazmine Sullivan, “Stand Up (From the Original Motion Picture ‘Till’)”

🎵 “Stand Up (From the Original Motion Picture ‘Till’)” • 🏷 RCA • 🗓 2022

“You got a purpose / What is your reason? What is you fightin’ for?”  Those are the questions that 🏆 Grammy-winning R&B singer/songwriter 🎙 Jazmine Sullivan asks on the single, 🎵 “Stand Up”.  “Stand Up” appears in the 2022 original motion picture, Till, described as ‘the never-before-told story of Mamie Till Mobley’s quest for justice for her son, Emmett.’ Sullivan’s song, which she composed with songwriter/producer 🎼 ✍ 🎛 D’Mile, captures the spirit of activism, perseverance, and strength.

“Yeah, everyone’s hurtin’

But you gotta fight, get up, and keep movin’ forward

See, don’t back away with your hand up

‘Cause somebody need you stand up.”

Beyond thoughtful lyrics that are appropriate for a theme encompassing racial justice, there’s lots to rave about “Stand Up.”  Expectedly, D’Mile shines behind the boards.  The production work is lush including keys, guitar, and strings. As lovely as his backdrop is, it’s the vocals by Jazmine Sullivan that elevates “Stand Up” to even higher heights.  As always, Sullivan’s lead vocals are incredibly expressive and soulful.  Furthermore, the harmonized background vocals are to die for, upping the ante even more. Also strengthening “Stand Up” is a radiant melody and strong harmonic progression – those musical underpinnings, gotta love them! All in all, Jazmine Sullivan brings the heat on 🎵 “Stand Up”.  It’s a nice addition to her musical collection, and certainly captures the themes encompassed in Till perfectly.

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2. Muse, “Won’t Stand Down”

💿 Will of the People • 🏷 Warner • 📅 2022 

“Won’t stand down, I’m growing stronger / Won’t stand down, I’m owned no longer.” Woo! Say that 🎙 Matthew Bellamy! 🏆 Grammy-winning, veteran alternative rock collective 🎙 Muse returned in 2022 with the resolute 🎵 “Won’t Stand Down”. “Won’t Stand Down” precedes their ninth studio album, 💿 Will of the People.  Basically, no one will force the band to do anything against their will – they’ll fight like hell!

“I never believed that I would concede / And get myself blown asunder,” Bellamy sings in the first verse, which is in a lilting, compound duple meter (at least it feels this way). He continues singing, “You strung me along, I thought I was strong / But now you have pushed me under.” My, my, my! Despite being misgoverned and tricked, Muse finds inner strength and, of course, refuses to “Stand down.” During the chorus, the meter changes to common time, and the tempo picks up. It’s fitting given an increase in both energy and fortitude.  The second verse returns to the meter of the first, incorporating battle-driven lyrics (“Now I’m coming back, a counterattack / A psychological war / I’m cutting you in, I’m under your skin / Now I’m gonna settle the score”).  Again, Matthew is taking an S-T-A-N-D and refuses to “stand down.”  Powerful stuff for sure!

Appears in 🔻:

• Stand: 5ive Songs No. 25 (2022)

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3. Ann Peebles, “I Can’t Stand The Rain”

💿 I Can’t Stand The Rain • 🏷 Hi / Fat Possum • 📅 1974

Eight words: “I can’t stand the rain against my window.”  In soul music circles, those lyrics are immortal.  🎙 Ann Peebles famously performed 🎵 “I Can’t Stand The Rain”, which was released in 1973.  Fittingly, “I Can’t Stand The Rain” appeared on Peebles’ album – wait for it – also titled, 💿 I Can’t Stand The Rain, which arrived in 1974.  As you’d expect, this marked the biggest hit of Peebles’ career, peaking at no. 38 on the Billboard Hot 100.  As is the case with many soul classics, “I Can’t Stand The Rain” performed stronger within its own genre chart, peaking at no. 6 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (also Peebles’ highest charting song on that chart).

Unfortunately, I Can’t Stand The Rain (the album) wasn’t a success, settling for a tepid peak at no. 155 on the Billboard 200.  Ouch! Despite this, “I Can’t Stand The Rain” (the song) is a triumph. It is a prime example of the Memphis soul sound, cultivated by the late, great producer, 🎛 Willie Mitchell, who was famous for collaborating with soul icon, 🎙 Al Green.  Peebles penned this classic alongside 🎼 ✍ Bernard Miller and 🎼 ✍ Don Bryant. It’s safe to say the songwriting is elite, as Peebles expresses heartbreak: “Hey windowpane, do you remember / How sweet it used to be? / … Now that we’ve parted / There’s just one sound / That I just can’t stand.” Rain often receives a negative connotation and in the case of this ended union, the rain gets a bad name once more.  Also, the empty pillow in verse two isn’t Peebles’ friend either because that’s “Where his head used to lay.” Sigh.  The best moment, of course, is none other than that beloved chorus, a big reason why 🏆 Grammy-winning artists like 🎙 Tina Turner and 🎙 Seal have covered this gem.  Also, another 🏆 Grammy winner, 🎙 Missy Elliott sampled the classic for her own renowned joint, 🎵 “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)”.

“I can’t stand the rain against my window

Bringing back sweet memories

I can’t stand the rain against my window

‘Cause he’s not here with me.”

 

Appears in 🔻:

• Ann Peebles, “I Can’t Stand The Rain”: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 99 (2022)

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4. Lil Baby, “Stand On It”

💿 It’s Only Me • 🏷 Quality Control Music • 📅 2022

“Go and ask the streets about lil’ Dominique, I’ve been a beast / Really got my name from shootin’ dice and sellin’ niggas weed.” Woo! 🎙 Lil Baby does what he does on 🎵 “Stand On It”, which appears as the second track on his 2022 album, 💿 It’s Only Me. The 🏆 Grammy-nominated rapper brings the heat, of course! He raps agilely, delivers real talk with his distinct tone, and impresses with a compelling flow. Enhancing his skills is beautiful yet malicious, minor key production work courtesy of 🎛 Mattazik Muzik, 🎛 nicoonthekeys, and 🎛 Figurez Made It.  The listener is treated to sweet guitar lines, warm keys, and a banging beat.

“How someone that only had sex once, we gon’ try to have a kid ‘round me? / Once you cross that line, you dead, really, that’s how it is with me.”  Oh $hi†, Lil Baby!  furthermore, you should know, “This shit different, it gotta go through my assistants, just to reach me /If nobody else gon’ show ‘em, I’ll teach ‘em (I’ll teach ‘em).” Beyond his bold and unapologetic bars on the verse, Dominique delivers a memorable and tuneful melodic chorus.  It sounds fantastic over that sweet backdrop!

“Outside in your city, lookin’ good (Lookin’ good)

It’s a Draco’ call it ‘Wish a nigga would’ (It got wood on it)

And she think that she special, but I’m good on her (Good on her)

Handle business like I’m posted, everythin’ I say, I stood on it.”

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5. Cynthia Erivo, “Stand Up (from Harriet)”

💿 Harriet (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) • 🏷 Focus Features LLC / Back Lot Music • 📅 2019

“That’s when I’m gonna stand up / Take my people with me / Together we are going to a brand-new home.” 🏆 Academy-award nominated actress/singer 🎙 Cynthia Erivo delivered a powerful, magnificent vocal on 🎵 “Stand Up”, the featured song from the biopic, 🎦 Harriet.  “Stand Up” embodies the lengths that abolitionist Harriet Tubman went to free her people. Even though “Stand Up” is a specific, soundtrack cut, it also works extremely well outside of the film.  Had it not been for icons 🎙 Elton John and 🎙 Bernie Taupin (🎵 “(I’m Gonna) Love Me Again”), Erivo might’ve walked out with an 🏆 Oscar for Best Original Song.

“I do what I can when I can while I can for my people

While the clouds roll back, and the stars fill the night.”

Erivo penned this thoughtful, resolute, and moving number alongside 🎼✍ Joshuah Brian Campbell.  During the verses, the music embodies slaves marching onward to freedom, which is a thoughtful musical effect.  Lyrically, of course, the verses reflect the journey – that fight for better days and a better life.  Of course, the centerpiece is the chorus, which Erivo delivers with incredibly powerful optimism and strength:

“So, I’m gonna stand up

Take my people with me

Together we are going to a brand-new home

Far across the river

Can you hear freedom calling?

Calling me to answer

Gonna keep on keepin’ on.”

The takeaway? Take the spirit of “Stand Up” with you in the adversities – however big or small – you face in life.  Believe you can overcome and conquer. Channel your inner Harriet Tubman!

Appears in 🔻:

• Stand: 5ive Songs No. 25 (2022)
• Cynthia Erivo, “Stand Up”: Music Lifts 🎶 🏋 no. 7 (2022)

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6. Russ Taff, “We Will Stand”

💿 Walls on Glass • 🏷 Word Entertainment • 📅 1983

“Sometimes it’s hard for me to understand / Why we pull away from each other so easily.” You have a legitimate point, 🎙 Russ Taff.  Arguably, since 🎵 “We Will Stand” arrived back in 1983 (💿 Walls on Glass), things have only grown more divided; more polarized.  Here, on this moving contemporary Christian record, Taff emphasizes the importance of breaking down walls rather than building them up – unification rather than division. “If you believe in Jesus you belong with me,” Taff sings in inspiring fashion, adding, “The bond we share is all I care to see / And we can change this world forever / If you will join and sing.”

What is the message that Taff asks believers to join and sing? Well, it’s one of the most moving, uplifting choruses you’ll ever hear. Joined by a choir, Taff sings:

“You’re my brother, you’re my sister

So, take me by the hand

Together we will work until He comes

There’s no foe that can defeat us

We’re walking side by side

As long as there is love we will stand.”

The song may be pushing 40 years old, but the lyrics and messaging still carry weight.  We should all work together and with Jesus behind us, we can’t fail! Inspired to the n^th degree!

 

Appears in 🔻:

• Russ Taff, “We Will Stand”: Sunday Refresh 🙏 12 (2022)
• Stand: 5ive Songs No. 25 (2022)

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7. Monica, “Still Standing”

💿 Still Standing • 🏷 J / Sony Music Entertainment • 📅 2010

“Mama always told me / Baby, you gotta walk by faith / And not by sight.” To that, I say, 🎙 Monica, your mom was incredibly prudent.  The 🏆 Grammy-winning R&B artist speaks these words in the intro of 🎵 “Still Standing”, the title track from her 2010 album. The gorgeously produced (🎛 Bryan-Michael Cox) joint is inspirational.  Throughout the course of the song, a serious and sincere Monica clearly expresses she’s been through it. “I been through the storm / Had dirt on my name,” she sings in the first verse, continuing, “I’m still holdin’ on / Champion of the game…” Even though it’s not always been easy for Mo, she’s “Letting go, and letting God” – AMEN!

The chorus of “Still Standing” perfectly captures her journey as well as her perseverance, resilience, and encouragement to others who’ve experienced their share of adversity.

“I been up against the ropes

Everything you’re goin’ through

I been there before

Seen ‘em all come

And I seen ‘em all go

You can bet your last that my head won’t hit the floor

Never

I’m still standing, standing, standing, standing

I’m still standing, standing, standing, standing.”

🎙 Ludacris echoes Monica’s sentiments in the third verse, asserting strength despite adversity, push back, and otherwise.  “I’m unbreakable baby /… I may have done the things they said I did / But I’m not who they say I am,” he spits, continuing, “Try to throw my name in the dirt / But I don’t give a damn / I’m still standing like the statue of liberty / And I put my name in the history books.” Woo! If you need a confidence boost and a faith increase, look no further than “Still Standing.”

Appears in 🔻:

• Monica, “Still Standing”: Music Lifts 🎶 🏋 26 (2022)

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8. New Edition, “Can You Stand The Rain”

💿 Heart Break • 🏷 MCA • 📅 1988 

“Sunny days, everybody loves them / Tell me, baby, can you stand the rain?” Well, can you? 🎵 “Can You Stand The Rain” arrives courtesy of male R&B collective, 🎙 New Edition. “Can You Stand The Rain” topped the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop songs chart, though only peaked at no. 44 on the pop charts (Billboard Hot 100). The parent album, 💿 Heart Break, had more success.  It peaked at no. 12 on the Billboard 200, spending 53 weeks on the chart, and was certified double platinum.

“Can You Stand The Rain” opens memorably with birds tweeting.  The record possesses that quintessential 1980s R&B sound with the boxy drum programming.  It features lush production work courtesy of the 🎛 Jimmy Jam and 🎛 Terry Lewis with the keys and guitars.  Throughout, our ears are blessed with silky smooth, passionate vocals.  🎙 Johnny Gill sounds amazing handling the lead vocals in the two verses (“On a perfect day, I know that I can count on you / When that’s not possible / Tell me can you weather the storm”). 🎙 Ralph Tresvant provides incredible contrast in the pre-chorus section (“‘Cause I need somebody who will stand by me / Through the good times and bad times / She will always, always be right there”).  Of course, the centerpiece is the incredibly memorable, tuneful chorus performed by the entire collective:

“Sunny days, everybody loves them

Tell me, baby, can you stand the rain?

Storms will come

This we know for sure (This we know for sure)

Can you stand the rain?”

“Can You Stand The Rain” is a #CLASSIC!

 

Appears in 🔻:

• New Edition, “Can You Stand The Rain”: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 97 (2022)

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9. Tammy Wynette, “Stand By Your Man”

💿 Stand by Your Man • 🏷 Sony BMG Music Entertainment • 🗓 1968

“Sometimes it’s hard to be a woman / Giving all your love to just one man / You’ll have bad times / And he’ll have good times.” 🎙 Tammy Wynette deservingly won a 🏆 Grammy Award for the classic, 🎵 “Stand by Your Man”.  Wynette wrote “Stand by Your Man” alongside 🎼 ✍ 🎛 Billy Sherrill, who also produced the record.  Still, this gorgeous, lushly produced, dedicated tune to one’s man raises some eyebrows.  Is “Stand by Your Man” intended to be controversial? No, but even when it was released in 1968 (💿 Stand by Your Man), some considered it antifeminist and certainly not progressive to women’s liberation.  That makes sense, considering how Wynette seems to suggest women should ‘stand by their man’ even when he’s a dog.

“But if you love him

You’ll forgive him

Even though he’s hard to understand

And if you love him

Oh, be proud of him

‘Cause after all, he’s just a man.”

Wow! Why should a man get a pass because he’s a man? Why should a woman accept any and everything from a man? Wynette has made it clear she wasn’t trying to be political, though is it shocking that a record like this one comes off as such? We should acknowledge this record as one of the greatest, most memorable country songs of all time but also acknowledge that hopefully, most of us have moved beyond the idea that women should “take one for the team” and allow their men to do any and everything and expect forgiveness.  Women shouldn’t be complacent.

Appears in 🔻:

• Tammy Wynette, “Stand by Your Man”: Controversial Tunes 😈🎶 9 (2022)
• 15 Great Songs All About Men!
• Stand: 5ive Songs No. 25 (2022)
• 15 Must-Hear, Throwback Vibez, Vol. 2

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10. Elton John, “I’m Still Standing”

💿 Too Low For Zero • 🏷 Mercury • 📅 1983

“And did you think this fool could never win? / Well look at me, I’m a-comin’ back again.”🎵 “I’m Still Standing” is one of those quintessential 1980s classics – period! Furthermore, it’s one of the best songs from the 🎙 Elton John collection. John was well in his 30s when this catchy gem materialized – kind of hard to believe! Somehow, this standout from 💿 Too Low For Zero (1983) wasn’t even a top-10 hit (it peaked at no. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100)! Sacrilege! Blasphemy!

“I’m Still Standing” features a quick tempo, which bodes well in its favor.  Furthermore, it’s an incredibly groovy and infectious record from the onset.  Elton John serves up enthusiastic vocals.  The melody is rhythmic – incredibly quick.  Furthermore, musically, John concocts some nice harmonic moments, playing between major and parallel minor keys. Of course, it’s those exceptional lyrics by 🎼 ✍ Bernie Taupin that Elton masterfully brings to life.  “I’m Still Standing” features one of the catchiest, most recognizable choruses of all time:

“Don’t you know I’m still standin’ better than I ever did?

Lookin’ like a true survivor, feelin’ like a little kid

And I’m still standin’ after all this time

Pickin’ up the pieces of my life without you on my mind.”

Also, it’s worth shouting out the brief but ear-catching electric guitar solo.  Another also – the music video is a treat itself!

Appears in 🔻:

• Elton John, “I’m Still Standing”: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 98 (2022)

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11. John P. Kee, “Standing in the Need”

💿 The Essential John P. Kee • 🏷 Zomba Recording LLC • 📅 2007

“It’s me / It’s me, oh Lord / I’m standing in the need / (I am standing in the need of prayer).” Woo! That is a powerful and intense petition to the Lord.  One of gospel music’s best, 🎙 John P. Kee, sings this powerful record.  🎵 “Standing in the Need” originally appears on Kee’s 1991 album, 💿 Wash Me.  Of course, the minister isn’t the sole performer.  He’s joined by the anointed, 🎙 New Life Community Choir who plays an equally important role to Kee’s dynamic lead.  A relatively simple record that recalls a spiritual, Kee transforms it into a contemporary gospel record for the ages.  It’s no surprise that “Standing in the Need” is considered one of his greatest hits, arriving early on the compilation, 💿 The Essential John P. Kee.

Continuing his petition, Kee goes on to assert that the prayer – the intercession required – is on his behalf and no one else’s.  So many times, we offer thoughts and prayers up for everyone else but don’t pray or petition for ourselves.  In this case, Kee (and New Life Community Choir, of course) prioritizes prayer for himself:

“Not my mother

(Not my mother)

Not my father

(Not my father)

Not my sister

(Sister)

Not my brother

(Or brother)

But it’s me, oh Lord.”

On 🎵 “Standing in the Need”, the spiritual refresh is real.

Appears in 🔻:

• John P. Kee, “Standing in the Need”: Sunday Refresh 🙏 21 (2022)
• Stand: 5ive Songs No. 25 (2022)

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[📷: Atlantic, Back Lot Music, Brent Faulkner, Fat Possum, Focus Features LLC, Hi, The Musical Hype, Quality Control Music, RCA, Sony BMG Music Entertainment, Word Entertainment, Zomba Recording LLC, Dima Valkov, Mike Jones, Pexels, RAJESH KUMAR    VERMA]

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