About the song
Background
- Italian Inspiration: “Help Yourself” is an English-language adaptation of the Italian song “Gli Occhi Miei” (“My Eyes”), originally performed by Dino and Wilma Goich.
- Songwriters: The English lyrics were written by Jack Fishman, and Carlo Donida was the original composer.
- Immediate Success: Tom Jones’ version of “Help Yourself” was released in 1968 and quickly became a huge hit, topping charts in numerous countries.
Lyrics
Here’s a look at the opening verse and chorus:
“Love is like candy on a shelf You want to taste and help yourself The sweetest things are there for you Help yourself, take a few That’s what I want you to do”
Themes
- Love as a Treat: The central metaphor compares love to candy—freely available and meant to be enjoyed. This encourages openness to love.
- Agency in Love: The emphasis on “help yourself” suggests taking control of your own happiness and seizing opportunities in love.
- Abundance of Love: The song promotes the idea that love is plentiful and there’s enough for everyone.
- Joy and Indulgence: The overall tone is playful, celebrating the pleasure and delight of finding love and embracing it fully.
Legacy
“Help Yourself” remains one of Tom Jones’ most beloved and recognizable hits. Its catchy melody, upbeat tempo, and positive message have ensured its enduring popularity.
Video
Lyrics
Love is like candy on a shelfYou want to taste and help yourselfThe sweetest things are there for youHelp yourself take a fewThat’s what I want you to do
We’re always told repeatedlyThe very best in life is freeAnd if you want to prove it’s trueBaby, I’m telling youThis is what you should do
Just help yourself to my lips, to my armsJust say the word and they’re yoursJust help yourself to the love in my heartYour smile has opened up the doorThe greatest wealth that exists in the worldCould never buy what I can giveJust help yourself to my lips, to my armsAnd then let’s really start to live
Alright, hahahaha, yeah
My heart has love enough for twoMore than enough for me and youI’m rich with love, a millionaireI’ve so much, it’s unfairWhy don’t you take a share
Just help yourself to my lips, to my armsJust say the word and they’re yoursJust help yourself to the love in my heartYour smile has opened up the doorThe greatest wealth that exists in the worldCould never buy what I can giveSo help yourself to my lips, to my armsAnd then let’s really start to live
Just help yourself to my lips, to my armsJust say the word and they’re yours