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Following the success of "A Hard
Day's Night," this time the studios gave The Beatles a lavi
Oh Look Out! Songs and Albums of The Beatles Part 5 HELP! By John T. Marck "I Get High When I See You Go By, My Oh My..." Unlike The Beatles first movie, "A Hard Day's Night," their second feature film was quite different. "Help!" had an increased budget, was filmed in color, and in several exotic locations, including the Bahamas, the Austrian Alps, and New Providence. Other locations included London's Cliveden House and Twickenham Film Studios. Because Ringo had received glowing reviews for his performance in "A Hard Day's Night," he was given the lead role in "Help!" The plot involved around Ringo, who had inherited a magic ring, and who, along with the other Beatles, are pursued by members of an evil cult who want this ring. During and after the filming, all The Beatles complained about the script, saying that they were nothing more than extras in their own movie. Frankly, the movie as to plot is lame at best, but, to those of us who love The Beatles, it was another opportunity to see them. In as much as the plot is weak, the songs, as always, are great. This period in the lives of The Beatles, or more exactly Lennon and McCartney, marked the beginning of productive song writing, especially for John. The title track, written by Lennon is said to have been one of his favorite songs. The movie was filmed between February and May 1965. In the fall of 1964, The Beatles had discovered marijuana, and used if frequently during the filming. Many scenes and rolls of film had to be scrapped due to The Beatles' almost constant uncontrollable laughter. As with "A Hard Day's Night," the albums differ greatly in cover art and tracks between the British and American versions. The American version of "Help!" contained only those tracks used in the film, plus several other instrumental versions. The British version A-side consisted of all the tracks used in the movie, and side B consisted of other songs outlined herein. These B-side songs were originally released as singles, and/or are included today on The Beatles Past Masters series. Additionally, The Beatles once again had not seen the script prior to writing the songs that appear in "Help!" Consequently, there is no relationship between the songs and the film's plot. The songs herein were probably the last of what could be described as The Beatles teen-romance related songs. Two songs that were recorded and that appear on the "Help!" soundtrack that were not written by The Beatles are "Act Naturally," and "Dizzy Miss Lizzy." Because they are not original songs by The Beatles, but rather are remakes of others songs, the lyrics are not included herein. All Songs by Lennon and McCartney unless otherwise noted. And Now... Help! Written by John, with some help from McCartney, Lennon described this song as one of his favorites. At this time, Lennon was eating and drinking too much, was overweight, and felt somewhat overwhelmed by their celebrity. In "Help!" he is crying for help. Although a great title track for the film as it turned out, it really is a song about Lennon. It was recorded April 13, 1965. (Help) I need somebody, (Help) Not just anybody, (Help) You know I need someone (Help) When I was younger, so much younger than today, (I never needed) 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, I've opened up the doors 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? (Now my life has changed) And now my life has changed in oh, so many ways (My independence) My independence seems to vanish in the haze (But every 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 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? 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, I've opened up the doors 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? Help me, help me, Ooo NOTE: On the American single (45rpm), the A-side was Help! and the B-side was a song by McCartney titled I'm Down, which did not appear on the soundtrack album "Help!" "I'm Down," was Paul's attempt to write a Little Richard type rockin' song to replace "Long Tall Sally," during their concerts. They did use "I'm Down," to close a few concerts in 1965 and 1966. The last song The Beatles played in concert ironically was "Long Tall Sally," when their concert careers ended on August 29, 1966 at San Francisco's Candlestick Park. I believe that Paul's studio version of "Long Tall Sally," is the finest rock n' roll song he has sung in his long recording career. His throat-searing lead vocal was indeed his finest up tempo performance ever. It is simply magnificent! This version can be heard of The Beatles Past Masters CD, Volume 1. Amazingly, this version was the first and only take. The Night Before Written by McCartney, and recorded on February 17, 1965, it is about his regrets over a lost love. In the film, Paul sings this while surrounded by military troops and tanks (remember these songs have nothing whatever to do with the plot). The sequence was filmed during the first week in May 1965, on Salisbury Plain, Wiltshire. You hear an electric piano in this song, (as well as on other songs on the soundtrack), but this was the first time Lennon played one on a recorded song. We said our good-byes (the night before) love was in your eyes (the night before) Now today I find, you have changed your mind, treat me like you did the night before Were you telling lies? (the night before) was I so unwise (the night before) When I held you near, you were so sincere, treat me like you did the night before Last night is the night I will remember you by, when I think of things we did, it makes me wanna cry We said our good-byes (the night before) love was in your eyes (the night before) Now today I find, you have changed your mind, treat me like you did the night before, (Yes), When I held you near, you were so sincere, treat me like you did the night before Last night is the night I will remember you by, when I think, of things we did It makes me wanna cry, were you telling lies? (the night before) was I so unwise (the night before) When I held you near, you were so sincere, treat me like you did the night before, like the night before You've Got To Hide Your Love Away
Another of Lennon's that he wrote through the influence of Bob Dylan, and similar to John's "I'm A Loser." In his first line, he says, with his head in his hand, and his face turned toward the wall, is a perfect description of how Lennon was feeling when he wrote this song. The song itself deals with a relationship that has gone wrong, and John's feelings for a girl he lost. This song is also interesting for two reasons: First, it features only acoustic guitars, and second, it featured another musician on the flute solo. This musician's name is John Scott, an arranger as well, who was never mentioned in the credits on the album sleeve. Lennon wrote this song at his Kenwood home, and it was used in the film sequence when actress Eleanor Bron went to the house where The Beatles were staying to try to retrieve the ring. Also, this actress is the one whom it was thought Paul may have been referring to in his song, "Eleanor Rigby," yet I believe it was from the gravestone reference. (See Revolver). It was recorded on February 18, 1965. Here I stand head in hand, turn my face to the wall, If she's gone I can't go on, feeling two foot small Everywhere people stare, each and every day, I can see them laugh at me, and I hear them say Hey you've got to hide your love away, hey you've got to hide your love away How can I even try? I can never win, hearing them, seeing them In the state I'm in, how could she say to me, "love will find a way?" Gather round all you clowns, let me hear you say Hey you've got to hide your love away, hey you've got to hide your love away I Need You George HarrisonRecorded on February 15 and 16, 1965, "I Need You," was the second time The Beatles recorded a Harrison song. It is said that Harrison wrote this love song for his then girlfriend Pattie Boyd. Others implied that when George and Patti broke up temporarily, Harrison wrote this for her while he was in the Bahamas filming. However, since recording began on this song on February 15, 1965, and The Beatles had not yet gone to the Bahamas, this cannot be true. The song is unique as it was the first time Harrison used a wah-wah pedal to distort the sound of the guitar. You don't realize how much I need you, love you all the time and never leave you Please come on back to me, I'm lonely as can be, I need you Said you had a thing or two to tell me, how was I to know you would upset me I didn't realize, as I looked in you eyes, you told be, oh, yes you told me You don't want my lovin' anymore, that's when it hurt me, and feeling like this, I just can't go on anymore Please remember how I feel about you, I could never really live without you So come on back and see, just what you mean to me, I need you, but when you told me, you don't want my lovin' anymore That's when it hurt me, and feeling like this, I just can't go on anymore Please remember how I feel about you, I could never really live without you So come on back and see, just what you mean to me, I need you, I need you, I need you Another Girl Written by McCartney, this song is about his feelings that he is being pressured to commit to a long relationship with his girlfriend, but he can't do this, because he has "got another girl." It was used in the film during a sequence on Balmoral Island in the Bahamas. It was recorded on February 15 and 16, 1965. For I have got, another girl, another girl, you're making me say that I've got nobody but you But as from today well I've got, somebody that's new, I ain't no fool and I don't take what I don't want For I have got, another girl, another girl, she's sweeter than all the girls and I've met quite a few Nobody in all the world can do what she can do, and so I'm telling you this time you'd better stop For I have got, another girl, another girl who will love me till the end Through thick and thin she will always be my friend, I don't wanna say that I've been unhappy with you But as from today, well I've seen, somebody that's new, I ain't no fool and I don't take what I don't want For I have got, another girl, another girl who will love me till the end Through thick and thin she will always be my friend, I don't want to say that I've been unhappy with you But as from today, well I've seen, somebody that's new, I ain't no fool and I don't take what I don't want For I have got another girl, another girl, another girl You're Going To Lose That Girl Written mostly by Lennon, with some added help from McCartney, this song is a warning to a guy that if he doesn't treat his girlfriend right, he (John) is going to move in and take her. This song was sort of a part two "She Loves You." In the film, it is sung in a sequence that is in a recording studio, which actually was Twickenham Studios, on February 19, 1965. The song is cut short (unfortunately) when in the scene, the bad guys after Ringo cut a hole in the floor around his drums from the ceiling of the room below. Too bad the song wasn't complete in the film - it's a great song! You're gonna lose that girl, (yes, yes, you're gonna lose that girl) You're gonna lose that girl, (yes, yes, you're gonna lose that girl) If you don't take her out tonight, she's gonna change her mind, (she's gonna change her mind) And I will take her out tonight, and I will treat her kind (I'm gonna treat her kind) You're gonna lose that girl (yes, yes, you're gonna lose that girl) You're gonna lose that girl (yes, yes, you're gonna lose that girl) If you don't treat her right, my friend, you're gonna find her gone, (you're gonna find her gone) 'Cause I will treat her right and then, you'll be the lonely one, (you're not the only one) You're gonna lose that girl (yes, yes, you're gonna lose that girl) You're gonna lose that girl (yes, yes, you're gonna lose that girl) You're gonna lose that girl (yes, yes, you're gonna lose that girl) I'll make a point of taking her away from you (watch what you do, yeah) The way you treat her, what else can I do, (you're gonna lose that girl) (you're gonna lose that girl) You're gonna lose that girl (yes, yes, you're gonna lose that girl) You're gonna lose that girl (yes, yes, you're gonna lose that girl) You're gonna lose (yes, yes, you're gonna lose that girl) I'll make a point of taking her away from you (watch what you do, yeah) The way you treat her, what else can I do, if you don't take her out tonight, she's gonna change her mind (she's gonna change her mind), and I will take her out tonight , and I will treat her kind (I'm gonna treat her kind) You're gonna lose that girl (yes, yes, you're gonna lose that girl) You're gonna lose that girl (yes, yes, you're gonna lose that girl) You're going to lose (yes, yes) you gonna lose that girl Ticket To Ride By Lennon, this song title has an interesting origin. First, it was sung during a skiing sequence in the film in Austria, which again, has nothing to do with the song. The origin of the title was that in Hamburg, Germany, prostitutes were required to have regular medical check-ups to insure that they were "okay." As a result, each girl, upon receiving this clean bill of health would be given a card to carry, attesting that they were medically fine. Lennon thought up the phase, "Ticket To Ride," to describe these girls and their respective "cards." The song itself describes where a girl has taken a "ride," out of his life. It was recorded on February 15, 1965. I think I'm gonna be sad, I think it's today yeah, the girl that's driving me mad, is going away She's got a ticket to ride, she's got a ticket to ride, she's got a ticket to ride, but she don't care She said that living with me, is bringing her down yeah , she would never be free, when I was around She's got a ticket to ride, she's got a ticket to ride, she's got a ticket to ride, but she don't care I don't know why she's riding so high, she ought to think twice She ought to do right by me, before she gets to saying goodbye, she ought to think twice, she ought to do right by me I think I'm gonna be sad, I think it's today yeah, the girl that's driving me mad, is going away yeah, ah She's got a ticket to ride, she's got a ticket to ride, she's got a ticket to ride, but she don't care I don't know why she's riding so high, she ought to think twice She ought to do right by me, before she gets to saying goodbye, she ought to think twice, she ought to do right by me She said that living with me, is bringing her down, yeah, she would never be free when I was around She's got a ticket to ride, she's got a ticket to ride, she's got a ticket to ride, but she don't care My baby don't care, my baby don't care, my baby don't care, my baby don't care My baby don't care, my baby don't care NOTE: When "Ticket To Ride," was released as a single in America, its B-Side was a song by Lennon, titled "Yes It Is." It appears on The Beatles Past masters CD, Volume 1. Act Naturally* Morrison/Russell This song was written by Vonie Morrison and Johnny Russell. Ringo sang this song, but it was originally recorded by Buck Owens in 1963, and was a number one hit for him. He was born Alvis Edgar Owens in Sherman, Texas, and raised in Mesa, Arizona. His back up group was known as The Buckaroos, and Owens also co-hosted the popular television show Hee-Haw. Years later, Ringo and Owens got together, and recorded it again. It was recorded by The Beatles on June 17, 1965. It's Only Love Simply stated, a love song by Lennon, recorded on June 15, 1965. He describes how this girl lights up the night, gives him butterflies in his stomach, and so on, meaning, he's in love. John said years later that he hated the song lyrics, but liked the melody. He felt that the lyrics were commonplace, rather than an expression of his real feelings. Originally Lennon titled this song, "That's A Nice Hat," and George Martin recorded it as an instrumental using his original title. During one of Lennon's interviews, he was asked which songs he wrote he liked the least. He named this one and "Run For Your Life," without hesitation. Harrison's wah-wah guitar effect is featured on this song as well. I disagree with Lennon on this one - I like it. Simple yes, but effective. I get high when I see you go by, my oh my When you sigh my my inside just flies, butterflies, why am I so shy, when I'm beside you It's only love and that is all, why should I feel the way I do It's only love and that is all, but it's so hard, loving you, is it right that you and I should fight, every night Just the sight of you makes nighttime bright, very bright, haven't I the right, to make it up girl It's only love and that is all, why should I feel the way I do, it's only love and that is all, but it's so hard, loving you Yes it's so hard, loving you, loving you You Like Me Too Much George Harrison Another by Harrison, this was written and recorded before the filming began, and wasn't used in the movie, but rather delegated to the B-side on the British version. Another love relationship song, whereby George is saying that although he has been rejected by the girl, she will be back because she loves him too much not to return. Paul McCartney and George Martin had a cool trick that they had developed whereby they both sit at the same piano and play it at the same time, although different parts of the song. This trick was used here. This was definitely taking a duet like "Heart and Soul," to a much higher level! I think it's one of Harrison's best from this period, and was recorded on February 17, 1965. Though you're gone away this morning, you'll be back again tonight Telling me there'll be no next time, if I just don't treat you right You'll never leave me and you know it's true, 'cause you like me too much and I like you You've tried before to leave me, but you haven't got the nerve To walk out and make me lonely, which is all that I deserve, you'll never leave me and you know it's true, 'Cause you like me too much and I like you, I really do, and it's nice when you believe me, if you leave me I will follow you and bring you back where you belong, 'cause I couldn't really stand it, I'd admit that I was wrong I wouldn't let you leave me 'cause it's true, 'cause you like me too much and I like you 'Cause you like me too much and I like you, I really do, and it's nice when you believe me, if you leave me I will follow you and bring you back where you belong, 'cause I couldn't really stand it, I'd admit that I was wrong I wouldn't let you leave me 'cause it's true, 'cause you like me too much and I like you 'Cause you like me too much and I like you Tell Me What You See T his was written by McCartney, with more electric piano by Lennon, and was recorded on February 18, 1965. In this Paul is asking a girl to give her heart to him, because he is completely trustworthy. He is saying further that if she doesn't believe him, to just look into his eyes, and tell him what she sees. I believe there is no question that it dealt with Paul's on-again, off-again relationship with Jane Asher.If you let me take your heart, I will prove to you, We will never be apart, if I'm part of you, open up you eyes now , tell me what you see It is no surprise now, what you see is me, big and black the cloud may be, time will pass away If you put your trust in me, I'll make bright your day, look into these eyes now, tell me what you see Don't you realize now, what you see is me, tell me what you see Listen to me one more time, how can I get through, can't you try to see that I'm, tryin' to get to you Open up your eyes now, tell me what you see, it is no surprise now, what you see is me, tell me what you see Listen to me one more time, how can I get through, can't you try to see that I'm, tryin' to get to you Open up your eyes now, tell me what you see, it is no surprise now, what you see is me Mm, mm, mm, mm, mm I've Just Seen A Face By McCartney, this was his attempt at a bluegrass tempo song. He had written the song years before, and played it all the time on the piano, and at family get-togethers. Paul's Auntie Gin, (his father's youngest sister) adored the song so much that Paul playfully called it, "Auntie Gin's Theme." It was recorded on June 14, 1965 and included on the B-side of the album.I've just seen a face, I can't forget the time or place where we just met She's just the girl for me, and I want all the world to see we've met, mm mm mm mm mm mm Had it been another day, I might have looked the other way And I'd have never been aware, but as it is I'll dream of her tonight, la la la la la la Falling, yes I am falling, and she keeps calling me back again, I have never known the like of this I've been alone and I have missed things and kept out of sight, for other girls were never quite like this Da da da da da da, Falling, yes I am falling, and she keeps calling me back again, Yeah, pa pa pa pa Falling, yes I am falling, and she keeps calling me back again I've just seen a face, I can't forget the time or place where we just met She's just the girl for me, and I want all the world to see we've met, mm mm mm mm mm mm Falling, yes I am falling, and she keeps calling me back again Falling, yes I am falling, and she keeps calling me back again Oh, falling, yes I am falling, and she keeps calling me back again Yesterday McCartney's masterpiece, that he recorded on June 14, 1965. This is probably Paul's most successful song, as Yesterday has been recorded about 3000 times by other artists over the years, being the most recorded song in music history. The tune for Yesterday came to him during the night. As he awoke, he went straight to the piano and played the complete tune. So easy this was, Paul feared that the tune must be from another song or belonged to another. To get a feel for the lyrics, Paul first titled it "Scrambled Eggs," followed by the lyrics, "Oh you've got such lovely legs." For the next month or so, Paul played the song for many people, asking them if they had ever heard it, still believing the tune came from another. No one had heard it before and consequently, Yesterday was born. When Yesterday was initially released, it received some criticism and controversy from the press, when they learned that it was a purely McCartney recording, without the other three Beatles', yet released under the name of The Beatles. The music for the song was played by Paul on an acoustic guitar, and the instrumentation was provided by George Martin. People feared at the time that this was McCartney's break into a solo career, but this was not true, not at least for another five years. It has been said that during the filming of "Help!" Paul drove the other Beatles crazy by playing the song over and over again. Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away, Now it look as though they're here to stay, oh I believe in yesterday Suddenly, I'm not half the man I used to be, there's a shadow hanging over me Oh, yesterday came suddenly, why she had to go I don't know, she wouldn't say I said something wrong, now I long for yesterday, yesterday, love was such an easy game to play Now I need a place to hide away, oh I believe in yesterday Why she had to go I don't know, she wouldn't say, I said something wrong now I long for yesterday Yesterday, love was such an easy game to play, now I need a place to hide away, oh I believe in yesterday, mm Dizzy Miss Lizzy* Larry Williams Recorded by The Beatles on May 10, 1965, they also played this song many times in concerts and clubs, starting in Hamburg in 1960. This song was written and originally recorded by Larry Williams on April 14, 1958. Williams was a R&B, rock n' roll singer and songwriter who frequently performed with Lloyd Price. Born in New Orleans, Williams died on January 7, 1980, having committed suicide in Los Angeles. The Beatles recorded two other songs by Williams, that of "Slow Down," and "Bad Boy."
All lyrics contained herein (*except) are © Copyright 1965 Northern Songs. All Rights Reserved. International Copyright Secured. The lyrics contained herein are for the sole use of reference for the readers of this article. All other uses are in violation of international copyright laws. This use for educational reference, falls under the "fair use" sections of U.S. copyright law. The same such reference applies to images/photos of album covers used herein.Copyright © 2000-2022 by John T. Marck. All Rights Reserved. This article and their accompanying pictures, photographs, and line art, may not be resold, reprinted, or redistributed for compensation of any kind without prior written permission from the author, or the registered copyright holders. Except as otherwise stated above, all information contained in this article, EXCEPT song titles, lyrics, and photographs, © John T. Marck. A Splendid Time Is Guaranteed For All |
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budget, with exotic locations, as well as being filmed in color, but the one
thing this film lacked from their first was realism. Although it did not measure
up to the success and splendor of their
first film, it was still a big success. It grossed impressive numbers in Britain
and the United States, as well as other parts of the world. Besides, it is one
of the greatest soundtracks ever recorded. In Part 5, we look at The Beatles
second feature film, and fifth album, released on August 6, 1965.