Help
18. The Beatles Lyrics


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Billy Shears

What would you think if I sang out of tune?
Would you stand up and walk out on me?
Lend me your ears and I'll sing you a song
And I'll try not to sing out of key

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends
Mm, I get high with a little help from my friends
Mm, gonna try with a little help from my friends

What do I do when my love is away?
Does it worry you to be alone?
How do I feel by the end of the day?
Are you sad because you're on your own?

No, I get by with a little help from my friends
Mm, get high with a little help from my friends
Mm, gonna try with a little help from my friends

Do you need anybody?
I need somebody to love
Could it be anybody?
I want somebody to love

Would you believe in a love at first sight?
Yes, I'm certain that it happens all the time
What do you see when you turn out the light?
I can't tell you, but I know it's mine

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends
Mm, get high with a little help from my friends
Oh, I'm gonna try with a little help from my friends

Do you need anybody?
I just need someone to love
Could it be anybody?
I want somebody to love

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends
Mm, gonna try with a little help from my friends
Oh, I get high with a little help from my friends




Yes, I get by with a little help from my friends
With a little help from my friends

Overall Meaning

The Beatles’ Help is a song about vulnerability and the need for support from someone. The lyrics reveal a changing attitude from the past to the present. The singer was once independent and self-assured, he never required anyone’s aid. However, now he has come to the point where he needs someone to lean on, and it makes him feel insecure. He's at a place where his independence is slowly fading into the darkness, and he's looking for someone who could help him get back on his feet. The vulnerability in the song is evident from the first line “Help, I need somebody.”


The song's tone is somewhat melancholy, reflecting the inner despair of the singer, but the chorus and the harmonized melodies sound happy and somewhat uplifting. The contrast between the lyrics and the music is intriguing, and it provides depth to the message that the song tries to communication. The opening guitar riff immediately sets the stage for a rock and roll tune with fun elements in it, but at its core, it's a powerful ballad, portraying a person's emotional complexity.


Line by Line Meaning

(Help) I need somebody
I need assistance from someone.


(Help) not just anybody
The assistance needed is not casual, and cannot come from a random person.


(Help) you know I need someone, help
The singer is expressing strongly that they require urgent help.


(When) when I was younger (when I was young)
Speaker is drawing a comparison between who they were in the past and who they are in the present.


So much younger than today
Speaker is highlighting the extent of the time difference and the potential changes that may have occurred.


(I never need) I never needed anybody's help in any way
The singer asserts that they were self-reliant and independent in the past - no intervention required.


(Now) but now these days are gone (these days are gone)
A shift has occurred in the singer's life that demands help from others.


I'm not so self assured
The artist is no longer confident that they can manage on their own.


(And now I find) now I find I've changed my mind
The artist is realizing that they need to do things differently now - a change of mental attitude.


And opened up the doors
The artist is willing to let others into their life and offer help.


Help me if you can, I'm feeling down
The singer is requesting assistance from others who are in a position to provide it.


And I do appreciate you being 'round
The artist is expressing gratitude to those who offer their help.


Help me get my feet back on the ground
The singer requires assistance in regaining balance in their life.


Won't you please, please help me
An emotionally charged plea for help.


(My independ-) my independence seems to vanish in the haze
The singer is unable to maintain their independence in the current situation.


(But) but every now and then (now and then)
The artist admits that there are times when they feel particularly vulnerable and require help.


I feel so insecure
The artist is acknowledging their emotional state and how it affects them.


(I know that I) I know that I just need you like
The singer is aware that they need the assistance of others in order to be able to cope.


I've never done before
The singer is experiencing a new level of dependency.


Help me, help me, help me, ooh
A repeated plea for assistance.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: John Lennon, Paul McCartney

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@leokimvideo

We forgot to pack Ringo's drums. Ok, well lets use the studio painters plank, who's going to ever notice.

@MariOmor1

92 million people noticed

@Elbowbanditest2003

Funny seeing you here

@mrblack8391

Faowl me

@cadenthecadburyengine8198

I like how ringo breaks out a giant grin whenever Paul starts bouncing

@djmarylou7610

hahah he looks a tad lost

20 More Replies...

@snackman3128

John: 🎸😀
Paul:🎸😝
George:🎸😃
Ringo: ☂️😐

@rdalbianco2007

Ringo face in 0:40 is "what are i am doing here?"

@amyt-t9170

0:54 Ringo tries to wink.

@angelam8286

O: 🙂☂️

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