been ignored and I been abused
been mistreated and I've been misused
been discouraged and turned aside
overloaded when my hand's are tied
that's the time, when I need a hand
a helping hand, I need a helping hand

things I do are criticized
ripped to pieces and analyzed
I tell the truth and they call me a liar
exaggerator and a magnifier
that's the time, I need a hand
a helping hand, I need a helping hand
yeah

there were times when I lived alone
lock the doors, disconnect the phone
I warn everybody, tell 'em not to call
complete isolation, I need most of all
but after a while I need some company
I tell my friends, come see about me
that's the time, when I need a hand
a helping hand, I need a helping hand

need a helping hand, I need a helping hand
need a helping hand, I need a helping hand
I need somebody to stand by me
I need somebody to stand by me
whoa yeah

I need a hand, I need a helping hand (2x)
I need somebody, I need somebody
I need somebody, hey to stand by my me