The Beach Boys claimed the #1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 the week of June 1, 1965, with ‘Help Me, Rhonda,’ their second chart-topper (following the previous year’s ‘I Get Around‘).
This was the second version of this song released in 1965. The first, titled ‘Help Me, Ronda,’ appeared on the band’s album The Beach Boys Today!, ran about 20 seconds longer, and had less of a rock sound. Brian Wilson felt the song had hit potential so the band rerecorded it with a little more oomph.
Al Jardine handled lead vocals, a rarity for him. He and Wilson sparred over his performance, with Wilson harping on details such as how long Jardine sang a certain word. It must have been a pain in the ass to work with Wilson, but it’s hard to argue with the results.
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
[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
[Chorus]
Help me, Rhonda, help, help me, Rhonda
Help me, Rhonda, help, help me, Rhonda
Help me, Rhonda, help, help me, Rhonda
Help me, Rhonda, help, help me, Rhonda
Help me, Rhonda, help, help me, Rhonda
Help me, Rhonda, help, help me, Rhonda
Help me, Rhonda, yeah, get her out of my heart
[Verse 2]
She was gonna be my wife and I was gonna be her man (Come on, Rhonda)
But she let another guy come between us and it shattered our plan (Come on, Rhonda)
[Pre-Chorus]
Well, Rhonda, you caught my eye (Caught my eye)
And I can give you lots of reasons why
You gotta help me, Rhonda
Help me get her out of my heart
[Chorus]
Help me, Rhonda, help, help me Rhonda
Help me, Rhonda, help, help me Rhonda
Help me, Rhonda, help, help me Rhonda
Help me, Rhonda, help, help me Rhonda
Help me, Rhonda, help, help me Rhonda
Help me, Rhonda, help, help me Rhonda
Help me Rhonda, yeah, get her out of my heart
Help me, Rhonda, help, help me Rhonda
Help me, Rhonda, help, help me Rhonda
Help me, Rhonda, help, help me Rhonda
Help me, Rhonda, help, help me Rhonda
Help me, Rhonda, help, help me Rhonda
Help me, Rhonda, help, help me Rhonda
Help me Rhonda, yeah, get her out of my heart
Meet Me In Montauk 
Not one of my favorites of The Beach Boys’ songs (too repetitive), but the ‘65 version is better.
It is repetitive repetitive repetitive