5 classic pop songs influenced by the Bible
2. 'Stand By Me' — Ben. E. King (1961)
Covered by artists ranging from Otis Redding and John Lennon to Tracy Chapman and Florence + the Machine, "Stand By Me" might not seem to have biblical roots at first glance.
But according to the Library of Congress, Ben. E. King was inspired by the Rev. Charles Albert Tindley's "Stand By Me Father," another gospel hymn which was based on Psalm 46, with lyrics including: "When the storms of life are raging, stand by me/ When the storms of life are raging, stand by me/ When the world is tossing me, like a ship upon the sea/ thou who rulest wind and water, stand by me."
Since then, "Stand By Me" has become one of the more enduring pop songs, spawning numerous covers and even a 1986 film named after it.
