Helter Skelter is a song written by Paul McCartney and recorded by The Beatles on The White Album. It is considered one of the first Heavy Metal songs. Black Sabbath & Deep Purple both admit to being heavily inspired by this song.
Helter Skelter
Beatles Lyrics
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Where I stop and I turn and I go for a ride
Till I get to the bottom and I see you again
Do, don't you want me to love you
I'm coming down fast but I'm miles above you
Tell me, tell me, tell me, come on tell me the answer
Well, you may be a lover but you ain't no dancer
Helter skelter, helter skelter
Helter skelter
Will you, won't you want me to make you
I'm coming down fast but don't let me break you
Tell me, tell me, tell me the answer
You may be a lover but you ain't no dancer
Look out
Helter skelter, helter skelter
Helter skelter
Look out, 'cause here she comes
When I get to the bottom I go back to the top of the slide
And I stop and I turn and I go for a ride
And I get to the bottom and I see you again, yeah, yeah
Well do you, don't you want me to make you
I'm coming down fast but don't let me break you
Tell me, tell me, tell me your answer
You may be a lover but you ain't no dancer
Look out
Helter skelter, helter skelter
Helter skelter
Look out, helter skelter
She's coming down fast
Yes, she is
Yes, she is
Coming down fast
(I've got blisters on my fingers)
The song "Helter Skelter" by the Beatles is known as their most aggressive and intense song. At first glance, the lyrics can be confusing and seem nonsensical, but upon closer inspection, it seems like the song is about the thrill of climbing to the top of a slide and the rush of sliding down, similar to a rollercoaster. The lyrics speak of going back to the top and repeating the experience again and again, with a sense of urgency and excitement. However, the song also has a more ominous undertone, as the lyrics imply a possible struggle for power and control in a relationship.
The line "Do, don't you want me to love you" can be seen as a plea for affection, while "you may be a lover but you ain't no dancer" implies that the other person may not be as skilled or powerful as they seem. The repeated phrase "helter skelter" emphasizes the chaotic and frenzied atmosphere of the song. The final line, "I've got blisters on my fingers," is said to have been shouted by Paul McCartney after an intense recording session, illustrating the energy and passion put into the song.
Overall, "Helter Skelter" can be interpreted as a song about the thrill of life and love, but also about the potential violent and dangerous nature of those experiences.
Line by Line Meaning
When I get to the bottom I go back to the top of the slide
When things seem to hit rock bottom, I brace myself, knowing a new cycle will soon begin
Where I stop and I turn and I go for a ride
I let go of any preconceptions and expectations, embracing the ride life takes me on
Till I get to the bottom and I see you again
Until the cycle begins again, and my path crosses with someone or something familiar
Do, don't you want me to love you
Asking if the love I have to give is wanted or reciprocated
I'm coming down fast but I'm miles above you
Although my world may be crashing down, my perspective and mentality are above those who aren't experiencing it
Tell me, tell me, tell me, come on tell me the answer
Desperate for clarity and direction in a confusing and chaotic situation
Well, you may be a lover but you ain't no dancer
Acknowledging the romantic interest's appeal, but realizing they lack the necessary qualities for what I need
Helter skelter, helter skelter
Chaos and confusion are descending, things are going to get intense
Will you, won't you want me to make you
Uncertainty regarding the desire for help or causing further damage
I'm coming down fast but don't let me break you
Despite my own rapid descent, I don't want to cause pain to others
Tell me, tell me, tell me the answer
Still searching desperately for a solution, an end to the madness
You may be a lover but you ain't no dancer
Reiterated realization that the person of interest falls short of what I need from them
Look out
Hold on tight, things are about to get wild
Helter skelter, helter skelter
Chaos and madness are here and now
Look out, 'cause here she comes
Prepare yourself, the unpredictable and intense situation isn't over yet
Well do you, don't you want me to make you
Still questioning the desire for help or intervention
Tell me, tell me, tell me your answer
Desperately seeking an end to the madness, the answer to a way out
You may be a lover but you ain't no dancer
The romantic interest falls short of what's needed to help the situation
Look out
Again reminding to hold on tight, brace yourself, be prepared
Helter skelter, helter skelter
Whirling frenzy continues, madness reigns
Look out, helter skelter
A final warning, things aren't over yet
She's coming down fast
The situation is approaching its peak, the descent is rapid
Yes, she is
Confirming the inevitable chaos and calamity
(I've got blisters on my fingers)
The madness has taken its toll, the intense situation has left its mark
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: John Lennon, Paul McCartney
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind