Bananarama & Lananeeneenoonoo formed one of the most memorable pop collaborations of the late 1980s, blending Bananarama’s chart-topping girl-group polish with the comedic flair of the British parody trio Lananeeneenoonoo. Created for the 1989 Comic Relief charity single “Help,” the partnership brought together sharp humor, playful performance, and infectious pop energy, resulting in a hit that showcased both groups’ ability to entertain while supporting a worthy cause. Bananarama’s strong vocal presence paired perfectly with Lananeeneenoonoo’s exaggerated personas, creating a fun, self-aware moment in pop culture that remains a fan favorite.
Their collaboration stands as a reminder of how music, comedy, and charity can come together to create something both joyful and impactful.
Bananarama & Lananeeneenoonoo’s 1989 single “Help” is a delightfully playful reimagining of The Beatles classic, delivered with plenty of energy and tongue-in-cheek charm. Recorded for Comic Relief, the track pairs Bananarama’s polished pop vocals with the over-the-top comedic antics of Lananeeneenoonoo, resulting in a version that’s both catchy and irresistibly fun. Bright, upbeat, and brimming with personality, their take on “Help” turned charity into entertainment, becoming a memorable hit that still brings a smile decades later.
It’s a perfect example of how humour and pop sensibility can come together for a great cause.
The song peaked at No. 03 in the UK Singles Chart on 11th March 1989.
| A-Side | Help (2:59) (John Lennon, Paul McCartney) Produced Stock, Aikken & Waterman |
| B-Side | Help! (2:22) (John Lennon, Paul McCartney) Produced Stock, Aikken & Waterman |
| Genre | Electronic, Pop, SynthPop, Vocal |
| Release Date | February 1989 |
| Label | LONDON |
| Catalogue Number | LON 222 |
| Date Of UK Top 40 Entry | 25th February 1989 |
| Highest Chart Position | No. 03 |
| Weeks In UK Top 40 | 08 |
| UK Top 40 Chart Run [8 Weeks] – 25th February 1989 – 15th April 1989 |
Officially Released Versions
Help (Single Version) (2:59)
Help! (2:22)
Help (Extended Version) (6:29)
Help! (Instrumental) (2:22)
Versions On Spotify
If you have an active Spotify account you will be able to play the complete versions of the songs below. If you don’t have an account, you will only be able to hear a 30-second sample.
Lyrics
One two three…
Wait wait wait, what’s the first line again ?
Help !
Oh yeah
One two…
Help !
No wait !
Sorry
One two three four
(Help!) I need somebody
(Help!) Not just anybody
(Help!) You know I need someone
(Help!)
When I was younger so much younger than today
I never needed anybody’s help in any way
But now these days are gone, I’m not so self assured
Now I find I’ve changed my mind and opened up the doors
Help me if you can, I’m feeling down
And I do appreciate you being ’round
Help me get my feet back on the ground
Won’t you please, please help me?
Pete, look, I think I’m a bit toppy
And I’m a bit bottomy, Pete
And now my life has changed in oh so many ways
My independence seems to vanish in the haze
But every now and then I feel so insecure
I know that I just need you like I’ve never done before
Help me if you can, I’m feeling down
HELP!
And I do appreciate you being ’round
HELP!
Help me get my feet back on the ground
HELP!
Won’t you please, please help me?
They’re gonna take the Bananas off ‘ere aren’t they ?
Yeah. They’re just doing backing vocals. We’re singing the medley
Well, we better be. Otherwise there’ll be trouble
Hm, hm !
When I was younger, so much younger than today
I never needed anybody’s help in any way
But now these days are gone, I’m not so self assured
Now I find I’ve changed my mind and opened up the doors
Help me if you can, I’m feeling down
And I do appreciate you being ’round
Help me get my feet back on the ground
Won’t you please, please help me?
Help me? Help me? Ooh
Oooooooh…
Oh, the Bananas finished too early again
I know
That’s it. I’m leaving, forget now Pete
Oh, that’s in the can Pete, it’s in the can !
You can join their group, then
It’s in the can, it’s a wrap, it’s a wrap
Shut up, Kim !
Written By John Lennon, Paul McCartney
