Your old stand-by

Mary Wells' song 'Your Old Stand-By' delves into the emotional complexities of being someone's second choice. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a woman who is always there for a man whenever his primary relationship falls apart. The song begins with the man calling her after being left by his significant other, seeking solace and companionship. This sets the stage for the recurring theme of the woman being the 'old stand-by,' someone who is reliable but not the first choice.

The refrain emphasizes her role as a dependable fallback, someone who knows the part so well that she can almost make him forget his heartache. However, the underlying sadness is palpable; she is aware that she is only being called upon because he is lonely and in misery. This awareness adds a layer of emotional depth to the song, highlighting the pain of being valued only for one's reliability rather than for who they are.

As the song progresses, the woman expresses a desire to be more than just a temporary fix. She wants to be with him permanently, to be the one he turns to not out of necessity but out of genuine love and affection. This shift from acceptance to aspiration reveals her inner strength and longing for a deeper, more meaningful relationship. The repetition of the refrain and the final lines underscore her determination to change her role from a stand-by to a permanent partner, making the song a poignant exploration of unrequited love and the hope for something more enduring.