1965 Top Ten Songs: Help Me, Ronda (#7)
By Four Walls
@FourWalls (73891)
United States
April 24, 2025 11:04am CST
Oh, goodie, I get to confuse everyone today!!! 
It’s not my deliberate intention to do so, but today’s song from 1965 presents a little confusion. I’ll hopefully either clear it up or make you throw your hands up in disgust and go to the 1960 song. 
Here we go!
Help Me, Ronda - The Beach Boys
This was recorded twice in 1965. The first time was as “Help Me, Ronda.” That’s the version I have here. The Beach Boys re-recorded for their next album. They changed the spelling to Rhonda and cleaned up the “muddy” sound of the first recording.
There are subtle differences. There’s an instrumental beginning to the Ronda version, while Rhonda starts cold. The line “she let another guy come between us” is ruined in Ronda and shattered in Rhonda.
And are you tired of it yet?
None of this matters to most people. It’s just a stinking GREAT song. But at least now you know why you’re hearing different versions: you’re not hearing things.
Help Me, Ronda
Written by Brian Wilson and Mike Love
Recorded by The Beach Boys
From The Beach Boys Today!, 1965
(“Help Me, Rhonda” released on Summer Days (And Summer Nights!!!), 1965)
In the morning I just lay in bed:
It’s not my deliberate intention to do so, but today’s song from 1965 presents a little confusion. I’ll hopefully either clear it up or make you throw your hands up in disgust and go to the 1960 song. Here we go!
Help Me, Ronda - The Beach Boys
This was recorded twice in 1965. The first time was as “Help Me, Ronda.” That’s the version I have here. The Beach Boys re-recorded for their next album. They changed the spelling to Rhonda and cleaned up the “muddy” sound of the first recording.
There are subtle differences. There’s an instrumental beginning to the Ronda version, while Rhonda starts cold. The line “she let another guy come between us” is ruined in Ronda and shattered in Rhonda.
And are you tired of it yet?
None of this matters to most people. It’s just a stinking GREAT song. But at least now you know why you’re hearing different versions: you’re not hearing things.
Help Me, Ronda
Written by Brian Wilson and Mike Love
Recorded by The Beach Boys
From The Beach Boys Today!, 1965
(“Help Me, Rhonda” released on Summer Days (And Summer Nights!!!), 1965)
In the morning I just lay in bed:Your browser isn’t supported anymore. Update it to get the best YouTube experience and our latest features. Learn moreRemind me later
9 people like this
8 responses
@FourWalls (73891)
• United States
22h
It figures that would be your favorite. Oh, I know what you got. 
1 person likes this
@RebeccasFarm (93957)
• United States
22h
@FourWalls Thanks Four Walls I am too so glad I am so grateful for the few years of peace I had. It was Kansas City.
1 person likes this
@FourWalls (73891)
• United States
22h
I’m so glad you got to see them. Their music will be associated with summer forever.
1 person likes this
@FourWalls (73891)
• United States
24 Apr
Glad you enjoyed it! (Hope you meant the song and not all the Ronda versus Rhonda stuff. )
)1 person likes this
@FourWalls (73891)
• United States
22h
I’m sorry for your loss, but it’s good to know that her family knew what music to play for her in her final moments.
@FourWalls (73891)
• United States
24 Apr
Being in California, it’s hard to escape The Beach Boys.
2 people like this
@TheHorse (225695)
• Walnut Creek, California
24 Apr
@FourWalls I heard them randomly in my childhood days. Mostly after I had moved to Chicago.
1 person likes this
@RasmaSandra (84225)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
24 Apr
Yeah, Love the Beach Boys and enjoy this song,
1 person likes this
@FourWalls (73891)
• United States
22h
So many of their songs are still fun to listen to!
1 person likes this
