“People Help the People” by Cherry Ghost
A succinct way of understanding Cherry Ghost’s “People Help the People” is that it is an ode to everyday people possessing the ability to help their fellow man. Cherry Ghost perceives the world as being a less-than-ideal place. They see that people are suffering in various, oft intrapersonal, ways. Yet they also acknowledge that we “the people”, i.e. average human beings, also have it within ourselves to help our fellow man.
And the singer is prepared to lead by example – for instance offering a helping “hand” to anyone who is “homesick”.
Conclusively we can say that the song in its entirety is based on a similar ideal. That is to say that whereas a rich, avaricious, worldly-minded person may not help his fellow human being, we “the people”, who do not have any type of extravagant resources, perhaps are in an even better position, at least sentimentally, to assist those in need of help.
Facts about “People Help the People”
This song can be found on Cherry Ghost’s maiden album, which is entitled “Thirst for Romance” (2007). It was actually released as the album’s second single. It came out as such through Heavenly Recordings on the 25th of June, 2007.
Cherry Ghost’s frontman Simon Aldred conceptualized and composed this tune. He is said to have conceptualized it upon arriving in India for an extended backpacking holiday.
Jimi Goodwin of the Doves fame appears on this track. Despite being primarily the bassist and vocalist of his band Doves, he plays the drums on “People Help the People”.
This song’s bridge where the singer sings “Na na na na” is reminiscent of the outro of The Beatles’ classic song “Hey Jude“.
As a band, Cherry Ghost began somewhere in 2005. They disbanded in 2016. From the band’s birth to its demise, they released 3 studio albums and about 10 singles. Till date, “People Help the People” is their most successful song. It not only won its writer an Ivor Novello award but it was also a UK top 40 hit.
Furthermore, the song was covered to global success by an English singer named Birdy in 2011. Her version was even more successful than the original. Her version was a chart-topper in Slovenia and Luxemburg. It was also a top-10 hit in countries such as Australia, France, Belgium and Germany.
