I can believe that, though it seems like just the same statement but in a southern American accent! It’s a work of genius however you write it down.
I heard Steve Cropper, who was involved on every record I liked in the 1960s, talking about making this song. Dave Porter and Isaac Hayes, who were writing it had got as far as
Don't you ever be sad
Lean on me when times are bad
When the day comes and you are down
In a river of trouble and about to drown
and were stuck for the next line. One of them, can't remember which one, Sam or Dave,had gone for a slash. Someone shouted to him to hurry up and he shouted back " Hold on, I'm Coming!". Dave Porter said that's it! And a classic was born.
A classic tale of a classic song 