About The Song
Help!" by The Beatles, released in 1965, marked a significant turning point for the iconic band, both musically and thematically. Departing from their earlier lighthearted love songs, the track penned by John Lennon candidly reveals a more introspective side of the band's songwriting. The lyrics, at first masked by the catchy and upbeat melody, articulate a plea for assistance and a sense of vulnerability. Lennon later admitted that the song was a genuine cry for help, reflecting the pressures and anxieties that accompanied their skyrocketing fame.
The musical arrangement of "Help!" showcased The Beatles' evolving sound. The infusion of folk and country elements, including George Harrison's distinctive twelve-string guitar, added a layer of sophistication to their repertoire. The harmonically rich chorus and the memorable call for "Help!" demonstrated the band's knack for crafting infectious hooks while exploring new sonic territories. In this song, The Beatles demonstrated a willingness to experiment with their musical style, foreshadowing the eclectic and innovative approach they would embrace in their later works.
"Help!" is not just a song but a cultural artifact. The track served as the title theme for the accompanying film, creating a symbiotic relationship between the band's music and their visual storytelling. The movie, released in 1965, showcased The Beatles' humor and charm, capturing the zeitgeist of the Swinging Sixties. The success of both the song and the film cemented The Beatles' influence not only in the music industry but also in the broader cultural landscape, as they seamlessly transitioned from conquering the charts to conquering the silver screen.
In retrospect, "Help!" remains a testament to The Beatles' multifaceted artistry. Beyond its initial commercial success, the song's enduring legacy lies in its ability to capture a moment of transition for the band, both personally and musically. It serves as a reminder that even amidst the clamor of adoring fans and the demands of a global phenomenon, the members of The Beatles were, at their core, human beings grappling with the universal challenges of identity and self-discovery. "Help!" thus stands as a timeless exploration of vulnerability within the context of fame, solidifying its place as a classic in The Beatles' illustrious catalog.
Video
Lyrics
Let’s sing along with the lyrics!
(Help) not just anybody
(Help) you know I need someone, help
So much younger than today
(I never need) I never needed anybody's help in any way
(Now) but now these days are gone (these days are gone)
I'm not so self assured
(And now I find) now I find I've changed my mind
And opened up the doors
Help me if you can, I'm feeling down
And I do appreciate you being 'round
Help me get my feet back on the ground
Won't you please, please help me
In oh so many ways
(My independ-) my independence seems to vanish in the haze
(But) but every now and then (now and then)
I feel so insecure
(I know that I) I know that I just need you like
I've never done before
Help me if you can, I'm feeling down
And I do appreciate you being 'round
Help me get my feet back on the ground
Won't you please, please help me
When I was younger, so much younger than today
I never needed anybody's help in any way
(Now) but now these days are gone (these days are gone)
I'm not so self assured
(And now I find) now I find I've changed my mind
And opened up the doors
Help me if you can, I'm feeling down
And I do appreciate you being 'round
Help me get my feet back on the ground
Won't you please, please help me, help me, help me, ooh