Joe Cocker – With a Little Help from My Friends

About The Song

“With a Little Help from My Friends” by Joe Cocker is a powerful and soulful rendition of the Beatles’ classic, originally written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney. Released in 1968, Cocker’s version became iconic, particularly due to his distinctive vocal style and intense performance. Here are five facts about this rendition:

Woodstock Performance: One of the most memorable moments in Joe Cocker’s career was his performance of “With a Little Help from My Friends” at the Woodstock Festival in 1969. His energetic and soulful interpretation, complete with distinctive body movements, is widely regarded as one of the highlights of the festival.
Chart Success: Cocker’s version of the song achieved notable success on the charts. It reached the Top 10 in both the UK and the US, solidifying his status as a dynamic and successful interpreter of other artists’ songs.
Album Inclusion: The song was the title track of Cocker’s second studio album, “With a Little Help from My Friends,” released in 1969. The album also featured covers of other notable songs, showcasing Cocker’s ability to infuse his soulful style into various genres.
Distinctive Arrangement: Cocker’s rendition of the Beatles’ song featured a distinctive arrangement, with bluesy and soulful elements that set it apart from the original. The slow build-up and Cocker’s impassioned vocal delivery added a new layer of emotion to the song.
Impact on Cocker’s Career: “With a Little Help from My Friends” played a significant role in establishing Joe Cocker’s reputation as a charismatic and soulful performer. His unique take on the song not only resonated with audiences but also set the stage for his future successes, marking the beginning of a distinguished career in the music industry.

Video

Lyrics

What would you do if I sang out of tune?
Would you stand up and walk out on me?
Lend me your ears, then I’ll sing you a song
I will try not to sing out of key, yeah

Oh, baby I get by
(By with a little help from my friends)
All I need is my buddies
(Try with a little help from my friends)
I said, I’m gonna get high
(High with a little help from my friends)
Oh, yeah

What do I do when my love is away?
(Does it worry you to be alone?)
No, no
How do I feel at the end of the day?
(Are you sad ’cause you’re on your own?)
I tell don’t get sad no more

Gonna get by with my friends
(Try high with a little help from my friends)
Yeah, yeah, yeah, I’m gonna try
(Try with a little help from my friends)
Keep on gettin’ high, oh, Lord

I need someone to love
(Could it be anybody?)
All I need is someone
Knows just where I’m goin’, yeah
Somebody who knows just what I’ll show them, baby

Said, I’m gonna make it with my friends, yeah, yeah
(Try with a little help with my friends)
Oh, oh, I’m gonna keep on tryin’, yeah
(High with a little help from my friends)
I’m gonna keep on tryin’ now, babe

I’m certain it happens all the time, yeah
(What do you see when you turn off the light?)
I can’t tell you, but it sure feels like mine

Don’t you know I’m gonna make it with my friends?
(Try with a little help with my friends)
I promised myself I’ll get by
(High with a little help from my friends)
Said, I’m gonna try it with them too hard

Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah
(Could it be anybody?)
Oh, there’s gotta be somebody
Going to be right, I know it
Somebody carefree, now
Oh, yeah, yeah

Said, I’m gonna get by with my friends
(Try with a little help with my friends)
Oh, yes, I’m gonna keep tryin’, now
(High with a little help from my friends)
Keep on tryin’ with my friends
(By with a little help from my friends)

Oh, you’ll never gonna stop me anymore
(Try with a little help with my friends)
I’m gonna keep on tryin’, yeah
(High with a little help from my friends)
I’m gettin’ high, I wanna make time, Lord, no
Gonna get by with my friends, yeah
Oh, I’m gonna get on by
Yes, I’m gonna get on by
Wanna take ’em all along
I wanna take ’em all along with me, yeah, yeah