Originated from a surf rock group called the Crossfires, the Turtles delved into many genres such as breezy pop, psychedelic music, and folk rock. A precursor to the bubblegum pop of the late 60s and early 70s as well as a foil to the more self-consciously hip and "serious" acts of the era, the Turtles produced at least a dozen memorable, radio-friendly chart singles. Yet they remain best known for 1967's "Happy Together", which was their only chart-topping single.
The Turtles wound down their career in 1970.
The two prominent singers - Howard Kaylan ("Eddie") and Mark Volman ("Flo" a.k.a. "Phlorescent Leech") - collaborated with Frank Zappa for a short but very intensive period of one and a half years (between 1970-72) and were the cornerstone of what was known to be the Zappa "Vaudeville" band; two of the most famous achievements of that period being the albums Fillmore East – June 1971 and 200 Motels, the soundtrack of the film by the same name.
I Need Someone
The Turtles Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I got an angel holding my hand
She gives me everything I'll ever need to be me
There's no need to fight
These demons inside of me
They'll burn away in the light
That shines from her eyes
There's no need to try
With her as my guide
How could I ever fail?
She's got an angel sitting on her shoulder
I got an angel holding my hand
She gives me everything I'll ever need to be me
To be me
There's no need to lie
To get myself out of a sticky situation
She has this desire
To help me face the truth
There's no need to hide
Behind the comic mask of a tragic clown
She always knows which buttons to push
To lift me when I'm down
She's got an angel sitting on her shoulder
I got an angel holding my hand
She gives me everything I'll ever need to be me
To be me
To be me
She gives me everything I'll ever need to be me
I used to be so lost
Until she shined her light on me
Until she shined her light on me
Until she shined her light on me
Until she shined her light on me
Yeah she shined her light on me
She shined her light on me
She's got an angel sitting on her shoulder
I got an angel holding my hand
She gives me everything I'll ever need to be me
She's got an angel sitting on her shoulder
I got an angel holding my hand
She gives me everything
She gives me everything
I'll ever need to be me
To be me
To be me
She gives me everything I'll ever need to be me
She gives me everything I'll ever need to be me
She gives me everything I'll ever need to be me
To be me
To be me
To be me
She gives me everything I'll ever need to be me
The lyrics to The Turtles' song "I Need Someone" convey a deep sense of gratitude towards someone who has had a profound impact on the singer's life. The repeated reference to an angel symbolizes the person's ability to provide comfort, guidance, and support. The singer acknowledges that this person is always there for them, acting as a guardian angel in difficult times.
The first verse emphasizes the transformative power of this person's presence. They bring out the best in the singer, allowing them to confront their inner demons. The reference to "burning away in the light that shines from her eyes" suggests that this person's positivity and love have the power to dissolve the singer's negative thoughts and feelings. With their guidance, the singer feels empowered and believes they can never fail.
In the second verse, the singer acknowledges that this person also helps them face reality. They are someone the singer can trust and confide in, someone who won't judge or criticize. The mention of the "comic mask of a tragic clown" implies that the singer often hides behind a fake facade to mask their true emotions. However, this person sees through the facade, pushing the right buttons to uplift the singer when they are feeling down.
The bridge section of the song shows the profound impact this person has had on the singer's life. The lyrics express how lost the singer used to be until this person came into their life and brought them out of the darkness. The repeated line "Until she shined her light on me" emphasizes the transformative power of this person's presence.
Overall, the lyrics of "I Need Someone" convey a sense of deep appreciation and dependency on someone who has become the singer's source of strength, authenticity, and inspiration. They represent a relationship built on trust, love, and the belief that this person will always provide everything necessary for the singer to be their true self.
Line by Line Meaning
She's got an angel sitting on her shoulder
She has someone who protects and guides her, someone who brings positivity and goodness into her life
I got an angel holding my hand
I have someone who supports and guides me, someone who is always there for me
She gives me everything I'll ever need to be me
She provides me with all the love, support, and understanding I require to embrace my true self and find happiness
There's no need to fight
These demons inside of me
I don't have to struggle against my inner doubts, fears, and negative thoughts
They'll burn away in the light
That shines from her eyes
Her presence and love have the power to dispel the darkness within me and bring hope and positivity
There's no need to try
To be where ever I wanna be
With her as my guide
I don't have to make constant efforts to find my purpose or reach my goals because she guides and supports me along the way
How could I ever fail?
With her by my side, I feel invincible and confident that I can overcome any challenges or obstacles
There's no need to lie
To get myself out of a sticky situation
I don't have to resort to deceit or falsehoods to escape difficult circumstances because she encourages and helps me face the truth
She has this desire
To help me face the truth
She possesses a strong drive and willingness to support me in confronting reality, even when it is uncomfortable or challenging
There's no need to hide
Behind the comic mask of a tragic clown
I don't have to conceal my true emotions or pretend to be happy while internally struggling because she accepts and embraces my vulnerabilities
She always knows which buttons to push
To lift me when I'm down
She possesses an innate understanding of how to uplift my spirits and provide comfort during times of sadness or despair
I used to be so lost
Until she shined her light on me
I was once without direction or purpose until she came into my life and illuminated my path, showing me the way
Yeah she shined her light on me
She brought joy, love, and clarity into my life, dispelling the darkness and illuminating my world
She gives me everything
She provides me with all that I require for my happiness and well-being
I'll ever need to be me
She fulfills all the emotional, mental, and spiritual needs that allow me to embrace and embody my true self
Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: Peter Giles
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind