As house composers for Stax Records, Hayes and Porter penned most of Sam & Dave's hits, including "Soul Man", “I Thank You,” “When Something Is Wrong with My Baby” and "Hold On I'm Comin'". They also wrote material for Carla Thomas (“B-A-B-Y”), Johnnie Taylor (“I Got to Love Somebody’s Baby” and “I Had a Dream”), and The Soul Children. Starting in the late '60s, Hayes became increasingly involved in his own recording career, eventually leading to the end of the partnership. The Hayes-Porter duo composed 200 songs during their collaboration.
Porter then began recording his own albums for Stax. He also released on other labels under the pseudonyms Little David and Kenny Cain, and had done a single for Stax itself in 1965, "Can't See You When I Want To", a remake of which became a Top 30 RB hit for Porter, and he cut several albums for Stax in the early '70s, including a concept LP, "Victim of the Joke?".
Porter began working with songwriting partner Ronnie Williams, and later went on to engineer the brief relaunch of the Stax label in 1978, after the bankrupt label's assets were acquired by Fantasy Records.
He and Hayes received Pioneer Awards from the Rhythm and Blues Foundation in 1999. On June 9, 2005, Porter was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame alongside Bill Withers, Steve Cropper, Robert B. Sherman, Richard M. Sherman, John Fogerty and his longtime writing partner Isaac Hayes.
Help!
David Porter 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 I´ve 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
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 song "Help" by David Porter is a plea for assistance from someone who has always been self assured in the past but now finds themselves feeling lost and insecure. The repetition of the word "help" throughout the song conveys a sense of urgency and desperation. The singer admits to needing someone else's help, something they never thought they would need, as they have always been independent.
The first verse describes the singer's younger self as someone who didn't need anyone's help. However, now that the singer has grown up and faced the challenges of life, they find themselves in a vulnerable position. The second verse describes how the singer's life has changed in many ways and how their independence has faded away. The chorus repeats the plea for help, asking for someone to help them get back on their feet and provide support during this difficult time.
The song is a reflection on the common human experience of needing help from others. It highlights how even those who have always been self-sufficient can find themselves in need of assistance. Overall, the song is an emotional cry for someone to come to the aid of the singer and help them through a tough time.
Line by Line Meaning
Help, I need somebody
I require assistance and support from another person.
Help, not just anybody
The specific kind of help I need cannot be provided by just anyone.
Help, you know I need someone, help
You are aware that I am in need of someone's help and support.
When I was younger, so much younger than today
In the past, when I was much younger than I am now.
I never needed anybody's help in any way
I never required assistance or support from anyone during my younger years.
But now these days are gone, I'm not so self-assured
Those days have passed, and I am no longer as confident in myself as I used to be.
Now I find I've changed my mind I´ve opened up the doors
I have reconsidered and now welcome the idea of receiving help and support from others.
Help me if you can, I'm feeling down
If it is possible for you, please aid me as I am feeling disheartened.
And I do appreciate you being round
I am grateful for your presence and willingness to assist me.
Help me, get my feet back on the ground
Help me regain my balance and composure.
Won't you please, please help me
I earnestly plead with you to assist me.
And now my life has changed in oh so many ways
My life has completely transformed in many different aspects, and I am struggling to adjust.
My independence seems to vanish in the haze
I feel as though my independent nature is becoming obscured by confusion or uncertainty.
But every now and then I feel so insecure
Occasionally, I am riddled with feelings of doubt and uncertainty.
I know that I just need you like I've never done before
I recognize that I require your help and support more than I ever have in the past.
Help me if you can, I'm feeling down
Once again, I ask for your assistance as I am experiencing negative emotions.
And I do appreciate you being round
Again, I express my gratitude for your presence and willingness to help.
Help me, get my feet back on the ground
I plead with you to assist me in returning to a sense of stability and balance.
Won't you please, please help me, help me, help me, oh
My request for assistance and support is urgent and repeated, and I beg you to please help me.
Contributed by Lila V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@NickCC23
An interesting and actually not bad Beatles cover.