About the Song
In the vast and varied tapestry of The Beatles’ music, few songs embody the raw, unbridled energy of rock and roll quite like “Helter Skelter”. Released in 1968 as part of their self-titled double album (often referred to as the “White Album”), this track stands as a testament to the band’s willingness to push boundaries and experiment with sound.
At its core, “Helter Skelter” is a sonic maelstrom, a deliberate plunge into the depths of noise and chaos. Paul McCartney, the song’s primary writer, has stated that his intention was to create “the loudest, nastiest, sweatiest rock number we could.” The result is a cacophony of distorted guitars, pounding drums, and raucous vocals that perfectly captures the essence of rock and roll rebellion.
The song’s lyrics, while seemingly simple, add another layer of intrigue. The phrase “helter skelter” itself refers to a British fairground slide, but McCartney has also suggested that it can be interpreted as a metaphor for the tumultuous social and political climate of the late 1960s. The repeated cries of “I’ve got blisters on my fingers!” further emphasize the song’s sense of frenetic energy and abandon.
“Helter Skelter” is notable not only for its sonic impact but also for its historical significance. It is often cited as one of the earliest examples of heavy metal, a genre that would go on to dominate the rock music landscape in the decades to come. The song’s influence can be heard in the music of countless bands, from Black Sabbath to Metallica.
Beyond its musical merits, “Helter Skelter” also holds a darker legacy. The song was infamously appropriated by Charles Manson and his followers, who interpreted its lyrics as a call to violence and used it as part of their twisted ideology. This association, while unfortunate, serves as a reminder of the power of music to both inspire and corrupt.
In the end, “Helter Skelter” remains a powerful and enduring testament to The Beatles’ creative genius. It is a song that continues to thrill and challenge listeners, even after more than five decades. Whether you interpret it as a simple rock and roll anthem or a more complex commentary on the human condition, there’s no denying the sheer visceral impact of this iconic track.
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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!)