Call on Me

"Call on Me" is fundamentally a song about offering unconditional support, hope, and resilience in the face of despair. Originally written by Starley as a form of self-therapy and encouragement during a low point in her life when she was considering giving up on her music career, the song evolved into a universal anthem of hope for others. Starley explained that she wrote the song in her bedroom as a way to comfort herself, a conversation with a higher power questioning her path, and ultimately a self-pep talk to have faith in the process. She then expanded the narrative to include others who might be going through similar or even greater struggles, wanting her music to have a purpose and provide hope. The lyrics convey a powerful message of being there for someone, especially when they feel helpless or when the answers they seek are not forthcoming. The line, "if this is fate, then we'll find a way to cheat," is a defiant stance against accepting defeat and a testament to the power of human connection and determination. The Ryan Riback remix amplifies this uplifting message with a danceable, energetic beat, transforming a personal plea into a global, feel-good anthem.

The song unfolds as a heartfelt offer of support and a declaration of unwavering presence for someone going through a difficult time. It begins by acknowledging a state of despair, painting a picture of a person who is so low they feel physically and emotionally unable to rise. They are depicted as looking to the heavens for answers, feeling utterly helpless. The lyrics immediately counter the temptation to surrender to this bleak outlook. While some might advise accepting such a fate, the narrator defiantly suggests that together, they will find a way to "cheat" destiny and overcome the adversity. This sets a tone of proactive hope and collaborative struggle against hardship.

A central theme is the act of reaching out through prayer or hope, but also recognizing that sometimes the answers received aren't the ones desired. In these moments of disappointment or unfairness, the song offers a tangible, human connection as the alternative. The recurring chorus, "You know you can call on me when you need somebody," becomes a powerful, dependable anchor. It's a promise to be the person someone can turn to when tears are overwhelming and support is scarce. The repetition of "call on me, darlin'" adds a layer of warmth and personal intimacy to this promise.

The narrative continues by addressing a journey through darkness and weariness. The path ahead may be obscure, but the narrator vows to be a guiding light, offering the steady beat of their own heart as a compass. This imagery reinforces the idea of deep, empathetic connection. Even if official help or a metaphorical "cavalry" fails to arrive, the song insists on their shared ability to find a way to survive, to "dodge a smoking gun." It speaks to a resourceful and resilient partnership in the face of danger and abandonment.

The bridge of the song shifts to a more direct and tender address, emphasizing the fundamental human need for connection. It acknowledges the moments when what a person truly needs is someone to cling to, someone to dry their tears and offer physical and emotional comfort. The repeated plea, "Call on me love," strips back the metaphors and presents the core message in its most direct and emotionally resonant form. It’s a simple, profound offering of love and steadfastness, a guarantee that no matter the circumstances, the person is not alone.

"Call on Me" was written by Australian singer-songwriter Starley Hope in her bedroom on a keyboard when she was at a personal and professional low. Feeling despondent about her struggling music career, she was on the verge of quitting. The song was a therapeutic process for her, a way to express her feelings of devastation and to give herself hope. She co-wrote the track with New Zealand producer Peter Wadams, also known as P-Money. Starley recorded the song using her parents' piano. Initially, the song was a more somber, electropop track. After writing it, Starley sent the demo to various producers, and it caught the attention of Remi (known for work with Miguel and Nas), who brought it to Epic Records. The original version was released on July 29, 2016, through Tinted Records and was later re-released by Epic Records on October 13, 2016. The song's massive global success, however, is largely attributed to the remix by fellow Australian DJ Ryan Riback. The label commissioned the remix, which transformed the song into an upbeat, tropical house/dance-pop track. This version, released as part of a remix EP, propelled the song onto international charts, becoming a huge hit in 2017. Starley has acknowledged that Riback's remix took the song to the next level, leading to its widespread popularity.

The song's lyrical structure is relatively straightforward, relying on a consistent rhythm and a simple rhyme scheme to enhance its accessibility and memorability. The verses often follow an AABB or ABCB rhyme pattern (e.g., "rise"/"sky" and "defeat"/"cheat" in the first verse). This simple scheme makes the lyrics easy to follow and sing along to. The rhythm of the vocals is conversational yet melodic, aligning perfectly with the song's supportive theme. In the Ryan Riback remix, the vocal rhythm plays against the syncopated house beat, creating a dynamic and groovy interplay. The tempo is upbeat, typically around 105 BPM for the remix, which encourages movement and contributes to its feel-good atmosphere. The pre-chorus builds tension and anticipation with its repeated "Oh oh oh oh oh" refrain before releasing into the expansive, anthemic chorus. This rhythmic build-and-release is a key element of the song's emotional and sonic impact, mirroring the journey from despair to hope described in the lyrics.

Musically, the Ryan Riback Remix of "Call on Me" is a prime example of the Tropical House and Dance-pop genres that were popular in the mid-2010s. The remix completely reimagines the original's electropop feel. Riback introduces a bright, syncopated synth-piano melody, a driving four-on-the-floor beat, and a warm, prominent bassline. The tempo is increased, creating an irresistibly danceable and energetic track. The production uses build-ups and releases typical of EDM, where the music swells in intensity before the chorus or "drop," creating an uplifting and euphoric effect. Starley's vocal delivery is earnest and emotive, which contrasts effectively with the upbeat instrumentation, grounding the song's hopeful message in genuine feeling. The use of vocal layering and harmonies in the chorus adds to its anthemic quality, making it feel like a collective declaration. The remix's structure is designed for maximum impact in a club or radio setting, with a memorable hook and an infectious rhythm that propelled its global success.

The Ryan Riback Remix of "Call on Me" became a massive international commercial success and a defining dance-pop hit of 2016-2017. The song achieved multi-platinum status in numerous countries, including triple-platinum in Australia and Canada, and even Diamond in France. It charted in the top 10 in over a dozen countries, including the UK, Germany, Sweden (where it reached #1), and Australia. In the US, it peaked at number 65 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was a top 10 hit on the Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart. The song's success was greatly propelled by streaming services, particularly Spotify, where it garnered hundreds of millions of streams and was featured on high-profile playlists like "Today's Top Hits". Its popularity led to a nomination for Song of the Year at the 2017 ARIA Awards. The track solidified Starley's arrival on the global music scene and established Ryan Riback as an in-demand remixer. The song's uplifting message and infectious melody have made it a popular choice for commercials, television shows, and personal playlists, cementing its legacy as a feel-good anthem of its time.

The lyrics of "Call on Me" employ several powerful symbols and metaphors to convey its message of support and resilience.

• Looking to the sky: This symbolizes a search for answers, guidance, or divine intervention during a time of helplessness. It represents a moment of ultimate vulnerability and the search for hope beyond oneself.
• The beating of my heart: The narrator offers to "guide you with the beating of my heart" when the road is dark. This is a potent metaphor for providing a steady, vital, and intimate guide. The heart represents life, warmth, and a deep, personal connection that can serve as a compass in times of uncertainty.
• The cavalry and the smoking gun: These images evoke a sense of crisis and danger. The "cavalry" symbolizes an external, powerful rescue force. The lyric "If the calvary and the help don't come" suggests that one cannot always rely on outside forces for salvation. The "smoking gun" is a metaphor for imminent danger or a recent disaster. The promise to "find a way to dodge a smoking gun" signifies a proactive and clever resilience, an ability to navigate threats together when official help fails.
• Cheating fate: This is a central metaphor for defiance against despair. Rather than passively accepting a negative outcome ("accept defeat"), the song advocates for actively changing one's destiny through mutual support and willpower. It reframes the struggle not as a fight against a divine plan, but against the human inclination to give up.

The most significant recurring motif in the song is the lyrical phrase, "You know you can call on me." This phrase acts as the central thesis and hook of the entire track. Its repetition throughout the chorus reinforces the song's core message of unwavering support and reliability. It's a simple, direct, and powerful promise. Each time it's repeated, it solidifies the narrator's commitment. Another recurring element is the phrase "when you need somebody," which immediately follows the main hook, specifying the condition under which the offer stands—in times of loneliness and need. The pre-chorus motif, "Oh oh oh oh oh, we'll say a little prayer / But Oh oh oh oh oh, if the answer isn't fair," is also crucial. It acknowledges the limits of faith or hope alone and positions the narrator's direct support as the concrete solution when abstract hope fails. This repeated structure provides a comforting predictability, mirroring the reliability promised in the lyrics.