Johnny recorded as a member of the 1980's southern rock band The Johnny Van Zant Band which released albums in 1980, 1981 and 1982. The band shortened its name to Van Zant for the release of its fourth album in 1985, the eponymous Van Zant, which saw some chart success with "You've Got to Believe in Love" and "I'm a Fighter". However, this band was not the same as the current version of Van Zant and did not include brother Donnie.
Johnny released another album under his full name in 1990, but spent most of his time in that period singing for the Lynyrd Skynyrd reunion group. He joined up with Donnie, and they revived the Van Zant name to release an album in 1998, which led to a follow up album in 2001. They have also released two albums to the country music format: 2005's Get Right with the Man and 2007's My Kind of Country. Overall, the group has had two singles on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks charts (the prior incarnation of Van Zant also had two), and six on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts.
I Can't Help Myself
Van Zant Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I can't see the light
I've been strung out, burned, left out, and hung out to dry
So I say to myself that I wanna get better
Hidin' from the truth, I can't last forever.
Chorus:
Jesus help me
I've got nobody else
Send me an Angel
Someone to strangle
That ol' demon that's haunting me there on the shelf
I can't help myself.
My excuses are so old and tired, hell I forgot 'em
I keep fallin' and crawlin' and drownin' down here on the bottom
Yeah I pushed back my brothers said good-bye to my friends
When you get in this deep the hell never ends.
Chorus:
Jesus help me
Obviously, I can't help myself
I've got nobody else
Send me an Angel
Someone to strangle
That ol' demon that's haunting me there on the shelf
I can't help myself.
Give me a reason to live; show me a sign
I'm on the edge; goin' out of my mind
I'm down on my knees; I'm beggin' you please make me somebody else
I can't help myself
I need something stronger, pour it all over me.
Chorus:
Jesus help me
Obviously, I can't help myself
I've got nobody else
Send me an Angel
Someone to strangle
That ol' demon that's haunting me there on the shelf
I can't help myself.
Send me an Angel
Someone to strangle that ol' demon
'Cause you know that I never will
I can't help myself.
Lord, I can't help myself...
The song "I Can't Help Myself" by Van Zant talks about a feeling of hopelessness and helplessness that the singer is experiencing. He has been lost in the darkness for a long time and cannot see the light. The singer has tried to get better, but he's been strung out, burned, left out, and hung out to dry. He is hiding from his truth, knowing that it cannot last forever. He asks Jesus for help as there is nobody else who can help him. He wants an angel to strangle the demon that's been haunting him for so long.
The chorus that repeats throughout the song conveys the desperation of the singer as he calls out for help. He is tired of making excuses and falling, drowning, and crawling down to the bottom. The hell never ends once you get in this deep. The singer needs a reason to live and a sign. He's on the edge and is going out of his mind.
The song evokes a strong feeling of pain and despair, showing how the singer is struggling to cope with the challenges of life. He pleads for someone to help him and make him somebody else. The song is an appeal for help, for healing, and for a way out of the darkness. It is a powerful confession of the struggle that many people face in their lives.
Line by Line Meaning
I've been lost in the darkness for so long
I have been struggling with a serious problem for a long time, and I can't seem to find a way out.
I can't see the light
I am unable to find any hope or positivity in my situation.
I've been strung out, burned, left out, and hung out to dry
I have been mistreated, neglected, and abused, and it has taken a heavy toll on me.
So I say to myself that I wanna get better
I know that I need to make a change and start down a path to recovery.
Hidin' from the truth, I can't last forever.
I have been avoiding facing the harsh reality of my situation, but I know that I can't keep doing that forever.
Jesus help me
I am praying for divine assistance and guidance.
Obviously, I can't help myself
I have tried to overcome this on my own, but I am not strong enough to do it alone.
I've got nobody else
I feel completely alone and unsupported in my struggle.
Send me an Angel
I am asking for a supernatural force to come to my aid and lift me up.
Someone to strangle
I want someone to help me fight and defeat the negative and destructive forces in my life.
That ol' demon that's haunting me there on the shelf
I am referring to my addiction or other harmful behavior that is tormenting me and holding me back.
My excuses are so old and tired, hell I forgot 'em
I have been making the same excuses for my behavior for so long that they no longer hold any weight or meaning.
I keep fallin' and crawlin' and drownin' down here on the bottom
I am trapped in a cycle of self-destructive behavior that I can't seem to break out of.
Yeah I pushed back my brothers said good-bye to my friends
I have isolated myself from the people who care about me and who could help me.
When you get in this deep the hell never ends.
My addiction or negative behavior has taken such a hold on me that it feels like there is no way out.
Give me a reason to live; show me a sign
I am desperate for something to give me hope and a reason to keep going.
I'm on the edge; goin' out of my mind
I am teetering on the brink of sanity, and I feel like I could lose control at any moment.
I'm down on my knees; I'm beggin' you please make me somebody else
I am asking for a complete transformation, a chance to start over and become a new and better person.
I need something stronger, pour it all over me.
I am looking for something powerful and transformative to help me overcome my addiction or negative behavior.
'Cause you know that I never will
I acknowledge that I am not strong enough to defeat my demons on my own.
Lord, I can't help myself...
I am admitting my complete dependence on a higher power to get me through this difficult time.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Brian Spangenberg
This the song that definitely describes my struggle with alcoholism. I’m now saved by the blood and grace of Jesus Christ.
spider classic
This album found me after a 8mo life saving stint in rehab. 10 years later this song still brings a tear to my eye. If your at your wits end don't give up!
Lori Kraft
If you really listen to this song and feel it deep down then you understand the song. Very awesome.
Valentina Brambilla
Love this song
Aaron Koofer-Thompson
What an incredible song. Flawless.
Robert Staley
One of my favorite songs ever still going strong in 2019
Pesky Pest
I listen to this song every day. To remind me of all the destruction I created in my past and where I am now. The first time I heard this song basically when it came out, I knew it was a message sent at the right time. That’s why I will always listen to and cry to this song.
Robbie Mayes
My sister is going thru withdrawls this morn. This song popped up never heard it before. Prayer works. Jesus works. Amen It was like the Lord sent her this song thank you
Jamie Combs
Recovering from addiction, this song says all that needs to be said from this recovering addict. Thanks for the video, this song, along with Jesus, has helped turn my life around.
Janalle Calkins
Recovering from a bad relationship addiction. Thought I was no good and should be treated bad. But now I have an angel. That angel is me being strong with the help of god