Stand by Your Side

"Stand by Your Side" is a song recorded by Canadian recording artist Celine Dion, for her eight English studio album One Heart (2003). It was written by Paul Barry, Mark Taylor, and produced by Taylor and Humberto Gatica. The moving ballad sees Dion promising to someone who has been deeply wounded that she will comfort and support it. It was released on September 29, 2003 as the third (promotional only) single from the album, in the United States. "Stand by Your Side" reached number 17 on the US Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks.

Background and composition

On September 16, 2003, Dion's official website announced that the ballad was selected as the next single for adult contemporary radio in North America. "Stand by Your Side" was written by Mark Taylor and Paul Barry, who also wrote Cher' smash hit, "Believe" while production was handled by Taylor and Humberto Gatica. It is a pop ballad, where Dion promises someone who has been deeply wounded that she will comfort and support them.

Critical reception

Elisabeth Vincetelli of Entertainment Weekly called it an "inevitable power ballad." Chuck Arnold from People commented, "Even her trademark ballads feature less of the vocal histrionics that we've come to expect from Dion." A review from Billboard wrote that "It is a beauty, elegantly restrained and as singable and well-executed as her many previous hits," but ultimately felt that "close followers of Dion's career can't help but feel disappointed that her label doesn't make a meaningful push to be more adventurous. The double-platinum "One Heart" is ripe with the potential to surprise and delight, whether through the uptempo pop perfection of 'Faith' and 'Reveal' or – if a ballad is considered a must – why not the breathtaking 'I Know What Love Is,' a Celine classic in waiting."

Chart performance

"Stand by Your Side" debuted at number 29 on the Adult Contemporary chart, on September 24, 2003, with 224 plays and becoming the second most increased AC song that week. On October 16, 2003, the song became the "Greatest Gainer" after climbing to number 18. On October 24, 2003, the song climbed to number 17, its peak position. The song spent 18 weeks inside the Adult contemporary chart.

Formats and track listings

US promotional CD single

1. "Stand by Your Side" – 3:33

Charts

Chart (2003–04)	Peak position
Romania (Romanian Top 100)	52
US Adult Contemporary (Billboard)	17

Credits and personnel

Recording locations

• Recording - Metrophonic Studios (England)
• Westlake Audio (West Hollywood, California)
• Digital Insight (Winchester, Nevada)
• Capitol Studios (Los Angeles, California)

Personnel

• Songwriting – Paul Barry, Mark Taylor
• Production – Mark Taylor, Humberto Garcia
• Acoustic Guitars  – Adam Phillips
• Electric Guitar - Adam Phillips, Tim Pierce
• Percussion  – Luis Jardin
• Backing Vocals  – Richard Page, Kenya Hathaway, Kimberley Brenner

Credits adapted from the liner notes of One Heart, Epic Records.