“With a Little Help from My Friends” is a song by the English rock band the Beatles, from their 1967 album Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. It was written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney and sung by drummer Ringo Starr (as Sgt. Pepper singer Billy Shears), his lead vocal for the album. As the second track on the album, it segues from the applause of the title track.
The song is a plea for friendship and support, with the narrator singing about how he can overcome any challenge with the help of his friends. It is a classic example of Lennon and McCartney’s songwriting skills, with its catchy melody, heartwarming lyrics, and innovative production.
The song was released as a single in the United States in 1967, but it failed to chart. However, it became a popular track on the Sgt. Pepper’s album, and it has since been covered by many artists, including Joe Cocker, Bonnie Raitt, and the Beach Boys.
In 2004, “With a Little Help from My Friends” was ranked number 311 on Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. It is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with listeners today.
Here is a sample of the lyrics:
What would you think if I sang out of tune? Would you stand up and walk out on me? Lend me your ears and I’ll sing you a song, And I’ll try not to sing out of key.
With a little help from my friends With a little help from my friends I’m going to sing a song that was meant to be sung With a little help from my friends
The song is a reminder that we are all stronger together, and that with the support of our friends, we can achieve anything.
Video
Lyrics
“With A Little Help From My Friends”
Billy Shears
What would you think if I sang out of tune
Would you stand up and walk out on me?
Lend me your ears and I’ll sing you a song
And I’ll try not to sing out of key
Oh I get by with a little help from my friends
Mm I get high with a little help from my friends
Mm gonna try with a little help from my friends
What do I do when my love is away?
(Does it worry you to be alone?)
How do I feel by the end of the day?
(Are you sad because you’re on your own?)
No I get by with a little help from my friends
Mm I get high with a little help from my friends
Mm gonna try with a little help from my friends
(Do you need anybody?)
I need somebody to love
(Could it be anybody?)
I want somebody to love
(Would you believe in a love at first sight?)
Yes I’m certain that it happens all the time
(What do you see when you turn out the light?)
I can’t tell you, but I know it’s mine
Oh I get by with a little help from my friends
Mm I get high with a little help from my friends
Oh I’m gonna try with a little help from my friends
(Do you need anybody?)
I just need someone to love
(Could it be anybody?)
I want somebody to love
Oh I get by with a little help from my friends
Mm gonna try with a little help from my friends
Oh I get high with a little help from my friends
Yes I get by with a little help from my friends
With a little help from my friends