Help!
► The Beatles Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Help, not just anybody
Help, you know I need someone, help
When I was younger, so much younger than today
I never needed anybody's help in any way
But now these days are gone, I'm not so self assured
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
And now my life has changed in oh so many ways
My independence seems to vanish in the haze
But every now and then I feel so insecure
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
But now these days are gone, I'm not so self assured
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, oh
The Beatles' song "Help" has been interpreted as a cry for help, both personally and professionally. The lyrics express a feeling of vulnerability and a need for someone to lean on. The song starts with an urgent plea for assistance, followed by a reflection on the singer's past and how they used to be self-reliant. However, the singer has now changed their mind and is reaching out for help.
The song can be interpreted as a reflection on the pressures of fame and the toll it can take on an individual. The line "my independence seems to vanish in the haze" suggests the loss of personal freedom and autonomy that often comes with success. The singer's insecurities and the desire for someone to "get their feet back on the ground" may also reflect the turmoil and stress of being in the public eye.
"Help" has been said to be one of the most personal songs John Lennon had ever written. He expressed that he was "crippled with nervousness" and that "the whole Beatle thing had become a monster." In an interview with Playboy in 1980, Lennon said "I was fat and depressed and I was crying out for help." McCartney added "I think John was going through some things that he couldn't tell us about."
Line by Line Meaning
Help, I need somebody
I am in need of assistance from someone
Help, not just anybody
I need help from someone specific, not just anyone
Help, you know I need someone, help
I am explicitly asking for someone's help
When I was younger, so much younger than today
In the past, I did things on my own without any help
I never needed anybody's help in any way
I was completely self-sufficient and never needed assistance
But now these days are gone, I'm not so self assured
Things have changed, and I am no longer as confident in handling everything on my own
Now I find I've changed my mind and opened up the doors
I am now willing to accept help from others
Help me if you can, I'm feeling down
I am asking for help because I am currently feeling low and need assistance
And I do appreciate you being round
I am grateful for you being nearby and willing to help
Help me, get my feet back on the ground
I need help to regain stability in my life
Won't you please, please help me
I am making a sincere request for assistance
And now my life has changed in oh so many ways
My life has gone through significant changes
My independence seems to vanish in the haze
I am struggling to maintain my independence
But every now and then I feel so insecure
Occasionally, I feel uncertain and in need of support
I know that I just need you like I've never done before
I realize that I need your help more now than ever before
Help me, help me,
Emphasizing the need for assistance
Won't you please, please help me,
Asking again for help in a respectful manner
oh
Exclamation expressing the intensity of the plea for help
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JOHN LENNON, PAUL MCCARTNEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind