Last Man Standing: Helpful Songs
By Mr. Moderator on Feb 1, 2010
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:
Follow up:
Game on!
78 comments
Help Me Somebody - Eno & Byrne from the still amazing My Life In The Bush Of Ghosts.
02/01/10 @ 13:09
Comment from: Mr. Moderator [Member]
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!
LAST MAN STANDING!
02/01/10 @ 13:14
Comment from: misterioso [Member] 
First of all, always loved the Billy Swan. Elvis does the song well, too.
"With a Little Help from My Friends"
"With a Little Help from My Friends"
02/01/10 @ 13:21
Comment from: writehearnow [Member]
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.
02/01/10 @ 13:26
Comment from: Mr. Moderator [Member]
The judges will accept "Let's Work Together" in spirit. Nice one. writehearnow currently holds the LMS spot.
02/01/10 @ 13:27
Comment from: hrrundivbakshi [Member]
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!
... 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!
02/01/10 @ 13:36
Comment from: Mr. Moderator [Member]
Didn't Kristoferson write that one? Think about the probable state of his life at that time. I think it's perfectly plausible.
02/01/10 @ 13:48
Comment from: shonuffnyesido [Member]
OMG: Little River Band's Hang On Help Is On The Way! Haven't thought about that one in years. LOL.
02/01/10 @ 13:54
Comment from: misterioso [Member]
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.
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.
02/01/10 @ 13:57
I Wanna Help You Ann by the Lyres
02/01/10 @ 14:04
Comment from: alexmagic [Member]
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?
Also, what was up with the cover of Hold On, I'm Comin' with Sam & Dave on the back of that cartoon turtle?
02/01/10 @ 14:05
Comment from: Mr. Moderator [Member]
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.
02/01/10 @ 14:13
Comment from: Mr. Moderator [Member]
misterioso claims the top spot - for now - by seconds of a mouse click!
02/01/10 @ 14:14
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
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
02/01/10 @ 14:22
Does asking for directions count?
If so,
Do You Know the Way to San Jose?
If so,
Do You Know the Way to San Jose?
02/01/10 @ 14:23
Comment from: Mr. Moderator [Member]
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.
02/01/10 @ 14:24
Comment from: Mr. Moderator [Member]
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:)
02/01/10 @ 14:27
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"
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"
02/01/10 @ 14:30
Comment from: hrrundivbakshi [Member]
Maybe Partying Will Help -- The Minutemen
Or is this more the letter, rather than the spirit, of this exercise?
Or is this more the letter, rather than the spirit, of this exercise?
02/01/10 @ 14:36
Comment from: hrrundivbakshi [Member]
Help Yourself to All Of My Lovin' -- Jay & the Techniques
02/01/10 @ 14:38
Comment from: Mr. Moderator [Member]
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!
You guys call your own fouls. I'll take the heat on all our behalf from the Online Games Committee.
Play on!
02/01/10 @ 14:38
Comment from: andyr [Member]
Help Me - Sonny Boy Williamson (as done by Elvis Costello)
02/01/10 @ 14:45
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."
"I'm gonna help you find yourself a better place."
02/01/10 @ 14:48
Shop Around by the Miracles.
02/01/10 @ 14:57
Comment from: misterioso [Member]
Perhaps Emotional Rescue might be more apropos from the Stones.
02/01/10 @ 15:04
Comment from: misterioso [Member]
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.
02/01/10 @ 15:15
Comment from: writehearnow [Member]
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.
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.
02/01/10 @ 15:32
Comment from: BigSteve [Member]
The Grateful Dead have a song called Help on the Way too.
02/01/10 @ 15:33
Comment from: cdm [Member]
Lean On Me (While you are handing over the belt) - Bill Withers
02/01/10 @ 15:41
Comment from: shawnkilroy [Member]
what's everybody's favorite song that Keith sings?
have we ever asked that question?
have we ever asked that question?
02/01/10 @ 15:42
Comment from: cdm [Member]
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.
Keep the belt. I don't even need it because I've got my pants so tight.
02/01/10 @ 15:55
Comment from: misterioso [Member]
"Help Me Girl," The Animals, or Eric Burdon and the Animals, or the New Animals, or whatever.
02/01/10 @ 15:59
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
02/01/10 @ 16:02
Comment from: Mr. Moderator [Member]
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?
02/01/10 @ 16:23
Comment from: cherguevara [Member]
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.
02/01/10 @ 16:25
Allen Touissant "Who's Gonna Help Brother Get Further?"
02/01/10 @ 16:30
Comment from: misterioso [Member]
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.
02/01/10 @ 16:30
Somebody Help Me - Spencer Davis Group, although I´m like the cover version by The Litter better.
02/01/10 @ 16:30
Comment from: Sonny [Member]
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?
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?
02/02/10 @ 13:03
"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
02/03/10 @ 14:15
Comment from: Mr. Moderator [Member]
"Thank You for Sending Me an Angel," Talking Heads
02/04/10 @ 11:11
Comment from: general slocum [Member]
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
Heaven Help Us All - Stevie Wonder
02/04/10 @ 12:04
Comment from: general slocum [Member]
Help Me Put Out the Flame (In My Heart) - Ernie Hines (Stax single)
02/04/10 @ 12:05
Comment from: general slocum [Member]
(In a disguised voice): Hand over that belt! What about Zappa and the Mothers' "Help I'm a Rock?" Booo-yah!
02/04/10 @ 12:26
Comment from: cdm [Member]
Coconut by Harry Nilson has some very helpful advice if you happen to be suffering from a bellyache.
02/04/10 @ 15:19
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