About The Song
“Help Me, Rhonda” stands as The Beach Boys’ second number-one hit and one of their most enduring classics. The song has a fascinating dual history, existing in two distinct versions that showcase the band’s evolving studio sophistication. Originally recorded as “Help Me, Ronda” for The Beach Boys Today! album in March 1965, it was later completely re-recorded for single release with the corrected spelling “Rhonda.”
Released as a single in March 1965, the re-recorded version became a commercial triumph, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 on May 29, 1965. The achievement was particularly significant as it knocked The Beatles’ “Ticket to Ride” from the top spot, marking The Beach Boys as serious competitors during the height of the British Invasion. The single maintained its number-one position for two weeks and later appeared on the album Summer Days (And Summer Nights!!) on July 5, 1965.
The story behind the song’s creation reveals an interesting aspect of The Beach Boys’ internal dynamics. While Brian Wilson originally intended to sing lead vocals himself, he ultimately decided that Al Jardine’s voice was better suited for the track. This decision proved crucial to the song’s success, as Jardine’s distinctive vocal delivery became one of the song’s most memorable elements. The change in lead vocalist from Wilson to Jardine demonstrated Brian’s growing sophistication as a producer and his willingness to make decisions based purely on artistic merit.
The two versions of the song showcase significant musical differences that highlight The Beach Boys’ studio evolution. The original album version featured a ukulele and had a different bassline, while the hit single version replaced the ukulele with guitar and reworked the bass arrangement for a more polished, radio-friendly sound. These changes, while seemingly minor, were crucial in transforming the song from an album track into a chart-topping hit.
The recording of the hit single version took place on February 24, 1965, marking the 50th anniversary of what many consider a rock ‘n’ roll classic. The timing of the recording occurred during a period when Brian Wilson was beginning to withdraw from touring following a panic attack on a flight from Los Angeles to Houston in December 1964. This transition period, where Wilson focused more on studio work while the rest of the band toured, would prove to be crucial in developing The Beach Boys’ increasingly sophisticated sound that would culminate in masterpieces like Pet Sounds.
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Lyric
Well since she put me down
I ‘ve been out doin’ in my head
I come in late at night
And in the mornin’ I just lay in bedHelp me, Rhonda
Help, help me, Rhonda
Help me, Rhonda
Help, help me, Rhonda
Help me, Rhonda
Yeah, get her out of my heartShe was gonna be my wife
And I was gonna be her man
But she let another guy come between us
And it ruined our planHelp me, Rhonda
Help, help me, Rhonda
Help me, Rhonda
Help, help me, Rhonda
Help me, Rhonda
Yeah, get her out of my heartWell, Rhonda you look so fine
And I know it wouldn’t take much time
For you to help me Rhonda
Help me get her out of my heartHelp me, Rhonda
Help, help me, Rhonda
Help me, Rhonda
Help, help me, Rhonda
Help me, Rhonda
Yeah, get her out of my heartPlease help me, Rhonda
Yeah, get her out of my heart