With a Little Help from My Friends
The Beatles Lyrics

Billy Shears
Starting the song by introducing a new persona

What would you think if I sang out of tune?
Asking the listener how they would react if the singer failed at singing

Would you stand up and walk out on me?
Questioning if the listener would abandon the singer in their time of need

Lend me your ears and I'll sing you a song
Asking for the audience's attention to share a piece of music

And I'll try not to sing out of key
Making a promise to attempt not to sing poorly

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends
Acknowledging that the singer's friends help them survive life's challenges

Mm, I get high with a little help from my friends
Suggesting that the singer uses substances to cope with life's difficulties

Mm, gonna try with a little help from my friends
Expressing a determination to tackle life's obstacles with the support of friends

What do I do when my love is away?
Questioning how to manage life without the supportive presence of a romantic partner

Does it worry you to be alone?
Asking the audience if they share the singer's fear of solitude

How do I feel by the end of the day?
Reflecting on their emotional state at the end of a day

Are you sad because you're on your own?
Asking the listener if they experience sadness from being alone

No, I get by with a little help from my friends
Asserting that the singer's friends provide support in difficult times

Mm, get high with a little help from my friends
Repeating the previous suggestion about substance use for coping

Mm, gonna try with a little help from my friends
Reiterating the singer's determination to face and overcome challenges alongside their friends' support

Do you need anybody?
Questioning if the listener desires human companionship

I need somebody to love
Admitting that the singer wants to find love and companionship

Could it be anybody?
Asking the listener if they believe anyone could fulfill the singer's desire for love

I want somebody to love
Repeating the desire for a loving partner

Would you believe in a love at first sight?
Asking the listener if they think love can be instantaneous

Yes, I'm certain that it happens all the time
Asserting that the singer believes in and has witnessed love at first sight

What do you see when you turn out the light?
Asking if the listener experiences an internal vision when they close their eyes

I can't tell you, but I know it's mine
Admitting that the singer experiences an internal vision when they close their eyes but can't explain it to others

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends
Reiterating the importance of the singer's friends in their life

Mm, get high with a little help from my friends
Repeating the previous suggestion of using substances to cope

Oh, I'm gonna try with a little help from my friends
Emphasizing the singer's determination to continue relying on their friends for support

Do you need anybody?
Repeating the previous question about the listener's desire for companionship

I just need someone to love
Emphasizing the simple, basic desire for love and companionship

Could it be anybody?
Repeating the previous question about the potential availability of a loving partner

I want somebody to love
Reiterating the desire for a loving partner

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends
Closing the song with a repetition of the importance of friends in the singer's life

Mm, gonna try with a little help from my friends
Reiterating the singer's determination to face life's challenges with the support of their friends

Oh, I get high with a little help from my friends
Repeating the suggestion of using substances to cope

Yes, I get by with a little help from my friends
Final repetition of the central message of the song: the importance of friends as a source of support and comfort

With a little help from my friends
Closing the song with a repetition of the title, emphasizing the central message once more