About the Song
In the vast and varied tapestry of The Beatles’ musical legacy, few tracks evoke such a raw and visceral energy as “Helter Skelter.” Released in 1968 as part of the sprawling double album simply titled The Beatles (often referred to as “The White Album”), this song stands as a testament to the band’s willingness to push boundaries and experiment with sound, even as their internal dynamics grew increasingly complex.
At its core, “Helter Skelter” is a sonic assault, a deliberate plunge into the depths of noise and distortion. Paul McCartney, the song’s primary composer, has stated that his intention was to create the “loudest, nastiest, sweatiest rock ‘n’ roll” imaginable. The result is a cacophony of screaming vocals, frenzied instrumentation, and an overall sense of barely controlled chaos.
Listening to “Helter Skelter,” one can’t help but feel a sense of exhilaration and unease. The song’s relentless energy is both thrilling and unsettling, like a roller coaster ride that threatens to spin out of control at any moment. This duality is perhaps what makes the track so enduringly fascinating; it captures a moment of creative abandon, a willingness to embrace the wild and unpredictable.
Beyond its sonic impact, “Helter Skelter” also holds historical significance. It is often cited as one of the earliest examples of heavy metal, a genre that would explode in popularity in the decades to come. The song’s raw power and aggressive sound paved the way for countless bands to explore the darker side of rock music.
Of course, no discussion of “Helter Skelter” would be complete without mentioning its infamous association with Charles Manson and his followers. Manson, a cult leader obsessed with The Beatles’ music, interpreted the song as a prophecy of an apocalyptic race war. This twisted interpretation led to a series of brutal murders in 1969, forever tainting the song’s legacy.
Despite this dark chapter, “Helter Skelter” remains a powerful and influential piece of music. It is a testament to The Beatles’ creative genius and their willingness to challenge conventions. Whether you view it as a pioneering work of heavy metal or a cautionary tale about the dangers of misinterpretation, there’s no denying the song’s enduring impact.
Video
Lyrics
When I get to the bottom I go back to the top of the slide
Where I stop and I turn and I go for a ride
Till I get to the bottom and I see you again
Yeah yeah yeah hey
Do you, don’t you want me to love you
I’m coming down fast but I’m miles above you
Tell me tell me tell me come on tell me the answer
Well you may be a lover but you ain’t no dancer
Now helter skelter helter skelter
Helter skelter yeah
Ooh!
Will you, won’t you want me to make you
I’m coming down fast but don’t let me break you
Tell me tell me tell me the answer
You may be a lover but you ain’t no dancer
Look out helter skelter helter skelter
Helter skelter ooh
Look out, cos here she comes
When I get to the bottom I go back to the top of the slide
And I stop and I turn and I go for a ride
And I get to the bottom and I see you again
Yeah yeah yeah
Well do you, don’t you want me to make you
I’m coming down fast but don’t let me break you
Tell me tell me tell me the answer
You may be a lover but you ain’t no dancer
Look out helter skelter helter skelter
Helter skelter
Look out helter skelter
She’s coming down fast
Yes she is
Yes she is coming down fast
(My head is spinning, ooh…)
(Ha ha ha, ha ha ha, alright!)
(I got blisters on my fingers!)