Over the distinct harmonizing whistling, "Help Me, Rhonda" begins into the first verse almost instantly as the song starts. 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 bed'. The upbeat piano and a tambourine are added onto the whistling to give it a distinct joyful tone. The joyful tone juxtaposes the lyrics, since by the first verse the narrator is talking about his feelings after being broken up with.
The song continues into the pre-chorus – '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'. The narrator is now talking to another girl, a girl who he thinks could help him get over his breakup. Him asking for help, alludes to him wanting to spend time with Rhonda in a way much like he did with his ex-girlfriend.
Once the chorus hits, the instrumentation is at the height of it's cheerful tone. Harmonizing vocals echo throughout the chorus, continually repeating 'help me, Rhonda'. The repetition adds to the juxtaposition between the lyrics and the instrumentation. Help me, Rhonda' is seen as a cry for help. Yet the instrumentation is joyful with twangy guitar and the very necessary 'bow bow bow' vocals reminiscent of any popular doo-wop song a decade before "Help Me, Rhonda" was released.
On the surface, "Help Me, Rhonda" is a popular hit with a cheery tone aimed at radio play. But like much of the Beach Boys discography, "Help Me, Rhonda" uses oversimplification in lyrical structure and cheerful instrumentation to make comments about relationships. Whether this song is echoes the voice of a generation or on the frailty of love, "Help Me, Rhonda" showcases the distinct songwriting of the Beach Boys.
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