The Beatles went from a small basement in Liverpool to claim the biggest stages in the world – but success always carries a price. By early 1965 the band were growing weary of the constant travel, the endless crowds, and the pressures associated with Beatlemania – something had to give.
Perhaps the first crack in John Lennon’s protective shell was ‘Help’. The single was recorded in Spring 1965, and served as the title track to the album of the same name; a brisk slice of mid 60s pop as only The Beatles could provide, the jaunty rhythm and uplifting harmonies couldn’t quite mask the unease of the lyrics.
As the song itself rings out:
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
In truth, ‘Help!’ should be taken literally – it’s a cry for help. During one of his final interviews with Playboy in 1980, John Lennon observed: “The whole Beatles thing was just beyond comprehension. I was subconsciously crying out for help”.
Despite all that, John Lennon remained intensely fond of the song itself – indeed, speaking to Rolling Stone in 1970, he reflected that ‘Help!’ and ‘Strawberry Fields Forever’ were two of his most honest songs, not just songs “written to order”.
John Lennon spearheaded the song, with Paul McCartney aiding him on flourishes, and a few added extras. More recently, McCartney spoke about ‘Help!’ on The Howard Stern Show, recalling its genesis in the days of Beatlemania.
“It was only later when I thought, ‘Wow … that was a real cry for help,’” Paul explained.
The song’s sombre message didn’t put off fans, however – ‘Help’ became a trans-Atlantic number one, and became a staple of their historic live sets.
Re-visit the song below.
Related: Paul McCartney Interviewed
