Originally Posted by Paul Smeenus

Help! is a transitional album. I like a lot of these songs better than you do, esp. "I've just seen a Face", but compared to what came next, well, to be honest I never spin this album on purpose, it may come up on shuffle play on my iPod.

But "Hide Your Love Away" was in large part a result of the lads meeting with Bob Dylan. To a man the Beatles were in utter awe of BD, and were blown away by what he told them. You guys are great, musically, said BD, but as of right now your lyrics are just an empty vehicle for your fine singing. Just notes, no substance. The opening line, "Here I stand head in hand" was a first step away from the silly vapid love songs of their early work, a first step toward introspection. And, like a lot of first steps, it was a little wobbly, then got steadier as they got more in touch with what they were looking to accomplish.

Hope this helps