Help Me
J.Geils Band The Lyrics

Hmm
Ad-lib sounds, non-verbal

This is first penitentiary Baptist Church
Introduction to location where speaker is located

Yes I did say penitentiary
Correction of previous statement, clarification of location

Damn I'm fucking up
Acknowledgement of mistake made in previous statement

It was supposed to be pentecostal
Clarification of intended location name

(Ha)(Ha)(Ha)(Hmm)(Hmm)(Ooh)(Ahoo)(Hm)(Ah)
Ad-lib sounds, non-verbal

I need someone tah (Ah)
Expressing need for assistance

I need someone tah (Ha)(Ah)
Reiteration of need for assistance

I need someone tah (Ha)(Ah)(Ha)
Reiteration of need for assistance with emphasis

I need someone tah (Ha)(Ah)
Reiteration of need for assistance

What he say
Questioning previous statement or request for clarification

I need some one to help me (Hmm)
Request for assistance with emphasis

Help me (Hmm)
Reiteration of request for assistance with emphasis

I know that you can't feel me (Hmm)
Acknowledgement that the listener cannot fully understand or relate to the singer's situation

Feel me (Hmm)
Request for empathy or understanding

When you meet the real me (Hmm)
Implying that the artist has not revealed their true self to the listener or others

The real me (Hmm)
Reiteration of the artist's true self or identity

It's something that you can't see (Hmm)
Acknowledgement that the listener cannot fully understand or relate to the singer's true self or identity

Can't see (Hmm)
Reiteration of above statement

I'm bad for like Chinese food (Food)
Metaphor for being unhealthy or toxic for someone

Or Maybe we just need to go get some seafood (Food)
Suggestion for a potential solution or alternative

Open up my mouth yeah now you see food (Ughha)
Wordplay on the phrase 'see food' representing opening a mouth to reveal visible food or verbalizing something that was previously hidden

Didn't mean to kick you out the house i was rude (Bye)
Apology for previous behavior towards someone else

Yeah you took a couple shots I know you ain't never sober (Nope)
Acknowledgment that the other person has also caused harm or contributed to a negative situation

But I had that I had to treat you like some left overs
Justification for treating someone poorly due to past actions or behaviors

I can't eat yo spaghetti every time I come over (No)
Metaphor for not being able to handle or partake in someone's way of life or habits

Gotta listen to what grand-momma told yah
Advice to take wisdom from older generations or experience

I sorry I won't buy you flower (Buy you flowers)
Apology for not providing traditional or expected gestures of love or affection

And I really can't give you the hours (Give you the hours)
Admission that the artist may not be able to dedicate as much time or effort as desired in a relationship

I just be wrecking shit like I'm bowser (Like I'm bowser)
Comparison to being destructive or chaotic like a video game villain

Going back to school we at Howard (HBCU)
Reference to attending Howard University or an HBCU

Yeah you teaching me all this different things
Acknowledgement of learning from the other person in a relationship dynamic

Like do you want a commma or a diamond ring
Humorous comparison of simple versus extravagant preferences or desires

So what's your love language
Asking about how someone perceives, expresses or receives love

Got me speaking Spanglish
Reference to speaking a hybrid language of Spanish and English

I'm I too basic (Huh)
Questioning whether the artist is too simple or unremarkable

Running in some ASICS
Reference to wearing ASICS-brand shoes while running, indicating physical activity or fitness

These are the nights I can't think (I can't think)
Expression of anxiety or insomnia during difficult moments

These night terrors make it hard to sleep (Hard to sleep)
Acknowledgement of traumatic or disturbing dreams that disrupt restful sleep

That's where I think you really can help me (Help me)
Request for assistance from someone to overcome personal struggles or obstacles

Someone that can really know me (Know me)
Desire for someone to fully understand or accept the artist's true self or identity

And not someone that all ready owes me (Owes me)
Desire for someone who is not burdened or indebted to the singer

I need a Vanessa and I can be yo Kobe
Reference to celebrity couple Kobe Bryant and Vanessa Bryant, implying a desire for a supportive, enduring relationship dynamic

Yeah cooking personal chief me
Wordplay on 'chief' and 'chef', implying that the artist is a priority or integral part of someone else's life

I need you to help me
Reiteration of request for assistance with emphasis

Help me (Help me)(Help me)(Help me)
Repetition of request for assistance with emphasis and urgency