About the song
Few songs in the history of popular music have captured a moment of emotional honesty quite like “Help!” by The Beatles. Released in 1965 as the title track of both their fifth studio album and their second feature film, “Help!” marks a significant turning point in the band’s artistic journey. By this time, the Fab Four—John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr—were already global superstars, yet behind the scenes, fame was beginning to take its toll, particularly on Lennon, who later described the song as a genuine “cry for help.”
Musically, “Help!” balances the irresistible pop charm that The Beatles had become known for with a deeper, more introspective undertone. The upbeat tempo and jangling guitars mask a real sense of vulnerability in Lennon’s lead vocals, creating a powerful contrast that resonated strongly with listeners then—and continues to do so today. There’s an urgency in the track’s brisk pace, a feeling that matches the emotional turmoil lurking just beneath its bright exterior.
Lyrically, “Help!” moves away from the straightforward love songs of The Beatles’ earlier work and ventures into more personal, existential territory. Lennon’s words speak of a loss of confidence and the overwhelming pressures of adulthood, themes that made the song relatable to a broader and older audience, not just the screaming teenage fans. This blend of personal confession wrapped in a catchy pop package was innovative at the time and hinted at the more mature songwriting that would come to define their later albums.
In many ways, “Help!” stands as a bridge between two eras of The Beatles: the innocent, boyish charm of their early years and the deeper, more experimental phase that would soon follow. It’s a song that still feels timeless, not only because of its melody but because of the raw humanity at its core. When we listen to “Help!”, we aren’t just hearing a pop classic—we’re hearing a young man grappling with the weight of sudden fame and searching, in his own way, for something real.
Video
Lyrics
[Intro: John Lennon, Paul McCartney & George Harrison]
(Help!) I need somebody
(Help!) Not just anybody
(Help!) You know I need someone
(Help!)[Verse 1: John Lennon, Paul McCartney & George Harrison]
(When, when I was young) When I was younger, so much younger than today
(I never need) I never needed anybody’s help in any way
(Now these days are gone) But now these days are gone, I’m not so self assured
(And now I find) Now I find I’ve changed my mind and opened up the doors[Chorus: John Lennon, John Lennon, Paul McCartney & George Harrison]
Help me if you can, I’m feeling down
And I do appreciate you being ’round
Help me get my feet back on the ground
Won’t you please, please help me?[Verse 2: John Lennon, Paul McCartney & George Harrison]
(Now my life has changed) And now my life has changed in oh so many ways
(My independ’) My independence seems to vanish in the haze
(But now and then) But every now and then I feel so insecure
(I know that I) I know that I just need you like I’ve never done before[Chorus: John Lennon, John Lennon, Paul McCartney & George Harrison]
Help me if you can, I’m feeling down
And I do appreciate you being ’round
Help me get my feet back on the ground
Won’t you please, please help me?[Verse 3: John Lennon, Paul McCartney & George Harrison]
When I was younger, so much younger than today
I never needed anybody’s help in any way
(Now these days are gone) But now these days are gone, I’m not so self assured
(And now I find) Now I find I’ve changed my mind and opened up the doors[Chorus: John Lennon, John Lennon, Paul McCartney & George Harrison]
Help me if you can, I’m feeling down
And I do appreciate you being ’round
Help me get my feet back on the ground
Won’t you please, please help me?[Outro: John Lennon, Paul McCartney & George Harrison]
Help me! Help me, ooh