Helpless
Neil Young
_(cropped).jpg/203px-DesertTrip2016-140_(29685063324)_(cropped).jpg "Helpless")
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There is a town in North Ontario Dream comfort memory to spare And in my mind I still need a place to go All my changes were there Blue, blue windows behind the stars Yellow moon on the rise Big birds flying across the sky Throwing shadows on our eyes Leave us Helpless, helpless, helpless, helpless Babe, can you hear me now? The chains are locked and tied across the door Baby, sing with me somehow Blue, blue windows behind the stars Yellow moon on the rise Big birds flying across the sky Throwing shadows on our eyes Leave us Helpless, helpless, helpless, helpless
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10 facts about this song
Song Creation"Helpless" is a song that was written by Neil Young in 1969. It has its roots in the folk and country genres and is considered one of Neil Young's signature songs.
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Album AppearanceThe song first appeared on Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young's 1970 album "Deja Vu."
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Song InspirationNeil Young's childhood memories inspired the song's lyrics. He said the song was about his hometown of Omemee, Ontario in Canada, and he referred to "the town in North Ontario" in the song.
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Music CollaborationThe first version of "Helpless" was recorded with Neil Young's band Crazy Horse in early 1969 before it was re-recorded with Crosby, Stills & Nash later in the year. Stephen Stills and Graham Nash also provided harmonies for the song.
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Live PerformancesDuring live performances, the song is usually played in a slower tempo than the studio version and has an extended outro.
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Cover VersionsSince its release, "Helpless" has been covered by several other artists, including Nick Cave, Patti Smith, and k.d. lang.
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Critic ReceptionAlthough not released as a single, "Helpless" is highly regarded by critics and often mentioned as a standout track on "Deja Vu."
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Musical StructureThe song consists of only two verses separated by a bridge. It has a repeating cycle of the chords D, A, and G at the song's opening and uses a basic I-V-IV progression.
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Social ImpactLeslie West used the song as a call to action for charity in the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
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TriviaWhile the song's straightforward lyrics discuss longing, there has been a debate among critics and fans about the exact meaning, adding to the song's enduring allure.
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Citation
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"Helpless Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 19 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/19517371/Neil+Young/Helpless>.
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