Vocal Surf Rock

The song “Help Me, Rhonda” by The Beach Boys is a great example of vocal Sixties surf rock.

If your heart is broken by someone, maybe another can help you feel better. “Help Me, Rhonda” was written by Brian Wilson and Mike Love for The Beach Boys. It was initially released on their 1965 album The Beach Boys Today!. The single was an alternate take and rose to #1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 in 1965. It was their second #1 single after “I Get Around,” which was released in 1964. “Help Me, Rhonda” was also in their album Summer Days (And Summer Nights!). The single was also an international success, going to #1 in Canada, #2 in Singapore, #3 in The Philippines, #5 in Honk Kong and Sweden, #9 in Ireland, and #10 in Germany and Australia.

On the track were Al Jardine on lead vocal with backing vocals by Carl Wilson, Dennis Wilson, Brian Wilson, and Mike Love. Instrumentation was provided by session musicians The Wrecking Crew — and a great bunch it was.  It included Bill PIttman and Glen Campbell ( guitar), Billy Strange (ukulele), Ray Pholman (bass guitar), Leon Russel (piano), Hal Blaine (drums and timbales), and Jay Migliori (baritone saxophone). The vocal session is also infamous for the drunken Murray Wilson rant that includes the classic slam to Brian: “I’m a genius, too.” It surely was not a welcome distraction.

Here are the lyrics to “Help Me, Rhonda” by The Beach Boys:

“Well, since she put me down I’ve been out doin’ in my head
Come in late at night and in the mornin’ I just lay in bed

Well, Rhonda, you look so fine (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 heart

[Chorus]
Help me, Rhonda
Help, help me, Rhonda
Help me, Rhonda
Help, help me, Rhonda
Help me, Rhonda
Help, help me, Rhonda
Help me, Rhonda
Help, help me, Rhonda
Help me, Rhonda
Help, help me, Rhonda
Help me, Rhonda
Help, help me, Rhonda
Help me, Rhonda, yeah
Get her out of my heart

She was gonna be my wife
And I was gonna be her man
But she let another guy come between us
And it ruined our plan

Well, Rhonda, you caught my eye (caught my eye)
And I can give you lots a reasons why
You gotta help me, Rhonda
Help me get her out of my heart

[Chorus x 2]

Help me, Rhonda
Help, help me, Rhonda
Help me, Rhonda
Help, help me, Rhonda
Help me, Rhonda
Help, help me, Rhonda
Help me, Rhonda
Help, help me, Rhonda”

For other songs by The Beach Boys: “Sloop John B,” “Wouldn’t It Be Nice,” “Barbara Ann,” “Good Vibrations,” and “Little Deuce Coupe” (this one is on The Daily Doo Wop, which is Pass the Paisley’s sister site.)

Check Out The Groove Pad for More 1960s Music

The Pass the Paisley Groove Pad is a resting stop, a place to chill out and listen to the featured song on the stereo. If the mood strikes you, click on the juke box to access and listen to the 50+ commercial free online songs there. The TV has several channels, with selections updated twice a week. Every now and then, Pass the Paisley hosts an all-request of 1960s and 1970s songs for a Be-In at the juke box in the Groove Pad. Keep on truckin’. Hope you enjoyed “Help Me, Rhonda” by The Beach Boys.