Helpless
molly tuttle Lyrics


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There is a town in North Ontario
With dream, comfort, memory to spare
And in my mind, I still need a place to go
All my changes were there

Blue, blue windows behind the stars
Yellow moon on the rise
Big birds flying across the sky
They're throwing shadows on our eyes
Leave us

Helpless, helpless, helpless
Babe, can you hear me now?
The chains are locked and tied across the door
Baby, sing with me somehow

Blue, blue windows behind the stars
Yellow moon on the rise
Big birds flying across the sky
They're throwing shadows on our eyes
Leave us

Helpless, helpless, helpless
Helpless, helpless, helpless
Helpless, helpless, helpless
Helpless, helpless, helpless

Helpless, helpless, helpless
Helpless, helpless, helpless




Helpless, helpless, helpless
Helpless, helpless, helpless

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Molly Tuttle's song "Helpless" convey a sense of longing and nostalgia, as well as a feeling of being trapped or restrained. The opening line describes a town in North Ontario that is depicted as a place of dreams, comfort, and memories. It is a place the singer still yearns to visit, as it holds significance in their life and represents a source of personal transformation.


The chorus repeats the word "helpless" multiple times, emphasizing the feeling of being powerless and unable to escape from a situation. The chains being locked and tied across the door symbolize a sense of confinement or entrapment, possibly in a relationship or emotional predicament. The plea to "sing with me somehow" suggests a desire for connection and solace amidst this helplessness.


The imagery of blue windows behind the stars and a yellow moon rising evokes a sense of beauty and wonder in the midst of struggle. However, the presence of big birds flying across the sky and casting shadows on our eyes implies a sense of oppression or darkness that is obstructing our ability to see clearly.


Overall, "Helpless" explores themes of longing, restraint, and the search for emotional release. It portrays a struggle between feeling trapped and trying to find solace or connection in the face of adversity.


Line by Line Meaning

There is a town in North Ontario
In a northern town in Ontario, Canada, there is a place


With dream, comfort, memory to spare
Filled with dreams, comfort, and memories abundant


And in my mind, I still need a place to go
In my thoughts, I yearn for a place to escape to


All my changes were there
Every transformation I experienced happened in that town


Blue, blue windows behind the stars
Windows, like eyes, shining with sadness and secrets


Yellow moon on the rise
A bright yellow moon appearing in the sky


Big birds flying across the sky
Large birds soaring through the atmosphere


They're throwing shadows on our eyes
Their flight casts shadows that obscure our vision


Leave us
They leave us feeling lost and uncertain


Helpless, helpless, helpless
Overwhelmingly powerless, completely without control


Babe, can you hear me now?
My dear, are you able to listen to me at this moment?


The chains are locked and tied across the door
The chains are securing the door shut, denying us freedom


Baby, sing with me somehow
Darling, join me in song as a way to express ourselves


Helpless, helpless, helpless
Utterly powerless, completely devoid of strength


Helpless, helpless, helpless
Helpless, helpless, helpless


Helpless, helpless, helpless
Helpless, helpless, helpless


Helpless, helpless, helpless
Helpless, helpless, helpless




Lyrics © A SIDE MUSIC LLC D/B/A MODERN WORKS MUSIC PUBLISHING
Written by: Molly Tuttle

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@bridgetgill3651

First heard this track in my scruffy little flat in Chester uk when the album came out. It blew my mind, I had never heard anything like it before. My pal said to me "you will not be listening to this music when you are 30".. Well here I am 73, still listening to Neil Young and listening to this brilliant version of a legendary song.

@deltavee

Great tune but Molly made it timeless.

@freetomato

Thank you for sharing that sweet memory. I am a bit younger than you, and feel the same way about many songs. 🍻

@charleyhathaway2954

Same age. Still love to play and sing this song in D. Molly Tuttle is so amazing. Saw her with Old Crow Medicine Show at the Ryman. Best concert I've ever seen. Cheers!

@junco477

Amen. Clocking in at 76.

@olddoc4430

Ditto at 76 ❤❤

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@pridgenwatkins2867

Molly Tuttle is a virtuoso in so many styles of music, it seems she just transcends style. She is an American treasure.

@toddthing

"transcends style"?! Yes. Music is what flows out of her.

@franksabatino7576

Molly's a world treasure!

@johngibbons6251

I'm 76 and still listen to 60s & early 70s music 90% of the time.

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