About the song
Tom Jones – “Help Yourself”
A Joyful and Charismatic Pop Classic from a Vocal Powerhouse
“Help Yourself” is one of the most recognizable and exuberant songs in the discography of Tom Jones, the legendary Welsh singer known for his powerful voice and charismatic stage presence. Released in 1968, the song quickly became an international hit and remains a favorite among fans of classic pop. With its catchy melody, upbeat rhythm, and joyful message of love, “Help Yourself” is a vibrant celebration of romance and emotional generosity. It not only showcases Jones’s vocal brilliance but also his ability to blend different genres into a sound that is both unique and timeless.
Origins and Songwriting Background
Interestingly, “Help Yourself” began its life as an Italian song titled “Gli Occhi Miei” (translated as “My Eyes”), composed by Carlo Donida with lyrics by Mogol. The song was originally performed at the 1968 Sanremo Music Festival, a prestigious annual song contest in Italy. The English lyrics were later written by Jack Fishman, transforming the song into something quite different both thematically and lyrically. While the original Italian version had a more introspective tone, the English adaptation was bright, open, and unabashedly romantic.
Tom Jones recorded “Help Yourself” shortly after its transformation and released it as the title track for his 1968 album. The song’s spirited melody and Jones’s charismatic delivery helped propel it to #5 on the UK Singles Chart, and it achieved even greater success in Germany, where it stayed at #1 for seven weeks, as well as in Australia and various parts of Europe and Asia.
Musical Style and Vocal Performance
Musically, “Help Yourself” is a perfect fusion of pop, easy listening, and light orchestral arrangements, reflective of the late 1960s’ eclectic musical landscape. The song opens with a jubilant horn section that immediately sets a cheerful tone. Its rhythmic swing, bright strings, and infectious melody give it a showtune-like quality, reminiscent of musical theater but grounded in pop sensibilities.
The heartbeat of the song, of course, is Tom Jones’s voice. Known for his rich, commanding baritone and boundless vocal energy, Jones brings a sense of theatricality and warmth to every line. He navigates the song’s dynamics with finesse—shifting from soft, intimate verses to a soaring, exuberant chorus with ease.
The chorus, featuring the unforgettable lines:
“Help yourself to my lips, to my arms / Just say the word and they are yours”
exemplifies the song’s joyful embrace of love and emotional availability. Jones sings not just with vocal strength but with genuine passion, making the listener feel the honesty and excitement in his performance.
Lyrics and Message
At its core, “Help Yourself” is a celebration of romantic giving. Unlike songs that focus on heartbreak or emotional struggle, this track is an open invitation to a partner to take love freely and fully. The lyrics are playful and affectionate, portraying love not as a transaction but as an abundant resource to be shared.
There is a refreshing confidence and generosity in the way Jones declares his devotion, and it reflects the cultural optimism of the late 1960s—a time when popular music often focused on themes of peace, love, and togetherness. “Help Yourself” perfectly captures this spirit with its unrestrained emotional openness and its infectious optimism.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
“Help Yourself” remains one of Tom Jones’s most beloved songs, especially in Europe and Asia. It helped cement his image as a versatile performer who could handle both emotional ballads and upbeat pop hits with equal skill. The song has appeared in various compilations and has been featured in movies, television shows, and even commercials, further keeping it alive in popular culture.
Its appeal also crosses generational lines. While rooted in 1960s pop, the song’s classic arrangement and Jones’s timeless vocal performance ensure it still feels fresh and enjoyable decades later.
The song was also a major factor in Jones’s continued international success during a time when many British Invasion acts were beginning to fade. It showcased his ability to choose material that would appeal across borders and languages, and his performances of “Help Yourself” often featured in his energetic live shows.
Conclusion
“Help Yourself” stands as a shining example of Tom Jones’s ability to infuse a song with life, emotion, and charisma. Its upbeat tone, romantic message, and memorable chorus make it a standout track not just in his catalog but in the landscape of 1960s pop music as a whole. With its roots in Italian songwriting and its transformation into an English-language pop gem, the song reflects the global nature of music and the universal power of love. Thanks to Tom Jones’s unforgettable performance, “Help Yourself” continues to bring joy to listeners around the world—inviting all to take what they need from the heart of a generous voice.