Helpless
David Crosby/Stephen Stills/Graham Nash/Neil Young Lyrics
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Dream comfort memory to spare
And in my mind I still need a place to go
All my changes were there
Blue, blue windows behind the stars
Yellow moon on the rise
Big birds flying across the sky
Leave us
Helpless, helpless, helpless, helpless
Babe, can you hear me now?
The chains are locked and tied across the door
Baby, sing with me somehow
Blue, blue windows behind the stars
Yellow moon on the rise
Big birds flying across the sky
Throwing shadows on our eyes
Leave us
Helpless, helpless, helpless, helpless
The lyrics of "Helpless" describe a deep nostalgia for a place in North Ontario that holds comforting memories. The singer longs to find that same sense of comfort and belonging in their current life, as they reflect on the changes they have experienced. The imagery in the song paints a picture of the natural world with blue windows and a yellow moon, but even this beauty is disrupted by the ominous birds casting shadows on their eyes. The repetition of "helpless" creates a sense of desperation and the plea to someone to hear their cry for help.
Musically, the song has a slow, melancholic feel with a harmonious blend of the four voices. The simple chord progression supports the lyrics, creating a meditative effect. "Helpless" is a powerful song that captures the essence of feeling lost and vulnerable, yet hopeful for a way out of that helplessness.
Line by Line Meaning
There is a town in North Ontario
There exists a town in the northern part of Ontario.
Dream comfort memory to spare
A source of solace, memories, and recollections can be found through dreaming.
And in my mind I still need a place to go
I am still in search of a place where I can find solace, peace, and comfort.
All my changes were there
The place I'm speaking of is also where significant changes took place in my life.
Blue, blue windows behind the stars
The stars are seen behind windows that are blue in color.
Yellow moon on the rise
The moon is slowly ascending and it appears in a yellowish hue.
Big birds flying across the sky
Large birds are seen soaring through the sky.
Throwing shadows on our eyes
The birds' shadows cast upon our eyesight makes it difficult to see.
Leave us
An appeal to those who impose barriers or restraints to let us go or set us free from such conditions.
Helpless, helpless, helpless, helpless
Feeling powerless, vulnerable, and uncertain about what the future holds.
Babe, can you hear me now?
Addressing a loved one or someone who is close, asking if they could hear and understand the words being spoken due to the constraints present.
The chains are locked and tied across the door
There are chains that are preventing access or mobility through the door.
Baby, sing with me somehow
A request to the loved one or companion to help get through the hardships by singing and offering support.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: DAVID TAYLOR, ROB DOWNES, ALEX MUNGO, JASPER JOHN NIELSON STAINTHORPE, STEPHEN WREN, MARK ROBERT TIPLADY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind