The group's real history is shrouded in mystery -- they claim to be the last great '50s group and to have been kidnapped by Laotian guerillas while entertaining U.S. troops in Vietnam and not rescued until 1983.
As of 1991, they were an octet featuring four lead singers, Marty Kaniger (also guitar), Tom Lee (also guitar), Bob Wayne, and Don Raymond (also guitar), plus John Hatton (bass), Norman A. Norman (keyboards), Bob Sandman (reeds), and Damon DeGrignon (drums).
With A Little Help From My Friends
Big Daddy Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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
(Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah)
"With a Little Help From My Friends" is a song about the importance of friendship in times of need. The opening lines of the lyrics suggest that the singer may not be the best vocalist, but he asks the listener to stick with him despite any musical shortcomings. The song then goes on to describe situations where the singer needs help, both when he is feeling down without his lover and when he is looking for someone to love. Throughout the song, the singer acknowledges that he cannot make it alone and needs the support of others to get through life's challenges.
The chorus of the song, "I get by with a little help from my friends," repeats throughout the song and acts as a reminder of the importance of community and social connections in a person's life. The song also touches on the idea of love at first sight and how it is a possibility despite cynics suggesting otherwise.
The song was written by Paul McCartney and John Lennon of The Beatles but was sung by Ringo Starr, the band's drummer. It was first released in 1967 on the album "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" and became a hit single. The song's message of friendship and support has resonated with audiences for decades and has been covered by many artists, including Joe Cocker and The Wonder Years.
Line by Line Meaning
What would you think if I sang out of tune?
Would you still support me and not leave me behind, even if I am not perfect?
Would you stand up and walk out on me?
Would you abandon me and leave me alone, even if I am struggling?
Lend me your ears and I'll sing you a song
Please listen to me and let me express myself to you through music.
And I'll try not to sing out of key
I'll do my best to make sure that my lack of perfection doesn't affect the experience for you.
Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends
I can live my life and thrive in it when I have people who genuinely care and show me their support when I need it.
Mm, I get high with a little help from my friends
When I'm struggling, the people who care about me can lift me up and help me feel better again.
Mm, gonna try with a little help from my friends
I'll do my best to succeed in life, with the knowledge that there are people who support me no matter what happens.
What do I do when my love is away?
How can I feel happy and fulfilled when the person I love is not with me?
(Does it worry you to be alone?)
(Is loneliness a concern for you?)
How do I feel by the end of the day?
What emotions will I feel once my day is over and I'm on my own?
(Are you sad because you're on your own?)
(Do you feel unhappy or depressed when you're alone?)
(Do you need anybody?)
(Is it important to you to have someone to rely on or love?)
I need somebody to love
I want to have a loving and supportive relationship with someone who cares about me.
(Could it be anybody?)
(Is there anyone who could fill that role in my life?)
I want somebody to love
I desire a meaningful and worthwhile connection with someone who I can share my life with.
(Would you believe in a love at first sight?)
(Do you think it's possible to fall in love with someone immediately upon meeting them?)
Yes, I'm certain that it happens all the time
I believe that there is such a thing as love at first sight, and that it is a common experience for many people.
(What do you see when you turn out the light?)
(What do you think about late at night when you're alone with your thoughts?)
I can't tell you, but I know it's mine
My thoughts and emotions are personal and private to me, but they are real and valuable nonetheless.
(Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah)
(Vocalization to conclude song)
Contributed by Elliot P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.