Feb 012010
To help give a final push to Townsman Hrrundivbakshi‘s efforts at providing aid to Haiti, I thought it might be helpful to conduct a Last Man Standing challenge on Helpful Songs. The songs should contain the word “help” in the title or a word synonymous with help (eg, “aid”). As is often the case, who knows how far this challenge can go. I can only think of four songs that would fit the bill off the top of my head, including this one:
Game on!
Help! by the Beatles.
Mother’s Little Helper
Help Me Somebody – Eno & Byrne from the still amazing My Life In The Bush Of Ghosts.
Not to be a downer but “Helpless”
Excellent, Townspeeps, you have shown me that we will exceed the amount of options I feared we might have because no one’s yet mentioned one of the song titles that came to my mind yet…”Help Me,” by Joni Mitchell.
LAST MAN STANDING!
First of all, always loved the Billy Swan. Elvis does the song well, too.
“With a Little Help from My Friends”
Well, it doesn’t actually have the word help in the title, but Canned Heat’s “Let’s Work Together” is on the same mission.
The judges will accept “Let’s Work Together” in spirit. Nice one. writehearnow currently holds the LMS spot.
Help Me Make It Through the Night
… stop and think about that title, by the way. Can you imagine being so absolutely desperate that you’d actually *say* that to somebody? Sheesh!
Didn’t Kristoferson write that one? Think about the probable state of his life at that time. I think it’s perfectly plausible.
OMG: Little River Band’s Hang On Help Is On The Way! Haven’t thought about that one in years. LOL.
James Brown, “Can I Get Some Help.”
Probably should have been the flip-side to “I Don’t Want Nobody to Give Me Nothing (Open the Door, I’ll Get It Myself).” Or vice-versa.
Can You Help Me? by the Knickerbockers
I Wanna Help You Ann by the Lyres
Does “Hold On, I’m Comin'” qualify for this under the spirit of the day?
Also, what was up with the cover of Hold On, I’m Comin’ with Sam & Dave on the back of that cartoon turtle?
“Helping” by Shel Silverstein
Beach Boys, “Help Me, Rhonda.”
Help Me, Rhonda
Yes, alexmagic, we’ll accept “Hold On, I’m Comin’.”. Hope you enjoyed your brief stay on the top. You too, cdm, because I’m sitting on an excellent “spirit of the day” title.
D’oh
The Girl Can’t Help It – Little Richard
misterioso claims the top spot – for now – by seconds of a mouse click!
mockcarr recovers quickly!
Fontella Bass, “Rescue Me.”
Looking for a Love (Bobby Womack, with hit cover by J. Geils Band)starts off with one of the greatest rock pleas for help:
Somebody help me
Somebody help me now
Somebody help me now
Somebody help me
Find my baby
Somebody help me
Find my baby right now
Does asking for directions count?
If so,
Do You Know the Way to San Jose?
We can’t accept every song that contains the word “help” or some form thereof, but I think we can allow Tvox’s suggestion. The song refers back to that intro at some point, doesn’t it? And throughout the narrator is clearly asking for help.
Somebody Help Me-The Spencer Davis Group
I don’t know that asking for directions has the urgency we’re looking for in this helpful songs theme, although a helpful interaction does take place. For the ruling out “How Much Is That Doggy in the Window” let’s say that one does NOT qualify:)
Just seeking clarification, Mr. Mod.
What about helpful suggestions?
Such as Otis Redding pleading for us to Try a Little Tenderness
Which is different, somehow, to an exhortation or call to action, like say, “Shake Your Booty”
“Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?”
Maybe Partying Will Help — The Minutemen
Or is this more the letter, rather than the spirit, of this exercise?
Help Yourself to All Of My Lovin’ — Jay & the Techniques
Man, I didn’t think this out enough, did I? What a softie I was in setting this up! 🙂 I think if we’re to suggest a song other than one including help or a synonym in the title the entire song must be based around the concept of the act of helping, and it’s got to be helping a serious cause, like a loveless life or poverty. We cannot open the doors to songs about directions, suggestions, PowerPoint tips, and the like. Can we?
You guys call your own fouls. I’ll take the heat on all our behalf from the Online Games Committee.
Play on!
Left Banke – Give The Man A Hand
Help Me – Sonny Boy Williamson (as done by Elvis Costello)
Kicks by Paul Revere and the Raiders. I back up this suggestion with the key line:
“I’m gonna help you find yourself a better place.”
Midnight Oil – Helps You, Helps Me.
“Shelter from the Storm,” Bob Dylan
Shop Around by the Miracles.
Let It Bleed
Perhaps Emotional Rescue might be more apropos from the Stones.
Refugee by Tom Petty
mockcarr, TP sounds to me like he is merely stating that the person addressed “don’t have to live like a refugee” without actually offering any actual help.
Help Yourself – Tom F. Jones
A song by the band Help, from the album of the same name, called “Help Me, Help You, Help Me”
This band contained Chet McCracken who would go on to do quite a bit with the Doobie Brothers. Help’s second album from ’71 is really good.
The Grateful Dead have a song called Help on the Way too.
Lean On Me (While you are handing over the belt) – Bill Withers
what’s everybody’s favorite song that Keith sings?
have we ever asked that question?
Simply Red, Come To My Aid
Although it doesn’t have the word Help in it, So You Want To Be A Rock and Roll Star has some extremely helpful suggestions.
Keep the belt. I don’t even need it because I’ve got my pants so tight.
“Help Me Girl,” The Animals, or Eric Burdon and the Animals, or the New Animals, or whatever.
The Beach Boys “H.E.L.P. is on the Way”; ok technically “help” is an acronym for a health food restaurant in this case, but the intent is definitely there
Rescue Me – The Alarm
Van Morrison, “Did Ye Get Healed?”
I’m not familiar with it, misterioso, but is the Van Morrison song offering or asking for help, or is it just asking for a status update?
In response to “Help Me Girl,” I say, “Girl, Help Me” by the Zombies. The box set has an early version of the song called “Call of the night,” which I think is superior, if anybody cares.
Allen Touissant “Who’s Gonna Help Brother Get Further?”
Mmmm, could be offering help. But, perhaps just checking on status. I like to think of Van going up to people on the street and asking them.
Somebody Help Me – Spencer Davis Group, although I´m like the cover version by The Litter better.
Soap, Soup and Salvation by Lone Justice
“Save Me,” Smokey Robinson and the Miracles.
Won’t You Come to My Rescue – Echo and the Bunnymen
How about, “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother.”
“Stand by Me”
I’ll Be There – Jackson 5
I’ll be there for you
These five words I swear to you
When you breathe I wanna be the air for you
I’ll be there for you…
That’s some serious help being offered. Think about it: Johnny Bongiovi is offering to be your oxygen. Damn! He’s keeping you alive! How much more help can you ask for?
Pretenders – I’ll Stand By You
I’ll Be Around by the Spinners
“Help Me” by Sonny Boy Williamson though admittedly I’m familiar with it via Elvis Costello’s version on that awesome bootleg The Land of Hope and Anchor
Beat you to it, Matt!
Reach Out (I’ll Be There) – The Four Tops
“Thank You for Sending Me an Angel,” Talking Heads
You’ve Got A Friend – James Taylor
You’ve Got a Friend should also be taken as a huge karmic plea for help by Mr. Taylor, aside from any lyurical appropriateness!
Heaven Help Us All – Stevie Wonder
Help Me Put Out the Flame (In My Heart) – Ernie Hines (Stax single)
(In a disguised voice): Hand over that belt! What about Zappa and the Mothers’ “Help I’m a Rock?” Booo-yah!
Coconut by Harry Nilson has some very helpful advice if you happen to be suffering from a bellyache.
Hong Kong Garden.