"You Need a Mess of Help to Stand Alone" is a song by American rock band the Beach Boys from their 1972 album Carl and the Passions – "So Tough". It was written by Brian Wilson and Jack Rieley, and was issued as the album's lead single with the B-side "Cuddle Up". The single failed to chart.

Background

An earlier, unreleased version of the song was titled "Beatrice from Baltimore". Asked about the song in 1972, Mike Love commented, "I like the track, it's one that requires a few plays to get into it. A point about a lot of Brian's things is that they are so oblique and often complex. His music is something that you have to listen to, because he'll put in subtleties that you can listen to for a year and not hear." Record World said "The sound here is a bit confusing the first time around, but after a few listenings it becomes clear what's going on: another superfiine Beach Boys song."

Alternate releases

A track and backing vocals mix of "You Need a Mess of Help to Stand Alone" was included on the 2021 box set Feel Flows as a teaser for the band's next archival release, Sail On Sailor – 1972 (2022).

Legacy

Personnel

Credits from Craig Slowinski, John Brode, Will Crerar and Joshilyn Hoisington. The Beach Boys Additional musicians