Donny Hathaway, Lord Help Me | Music Lifts

In the 10^th edition of Music Lifts (2026), we’re uplifted by Donny Hathaway performing “Lord Help Me.”

 

Welcome to Music Lifts, featuring songs that encourage, inspire, and uplift the spirit; songs that exude fortitude, positivity, and resolve, even in the face of adversity.  Featured songs aren’t genre-specific; songs may or may not be faith-based. The goal is for these songs to make you feel better – be LIFTED to new heights!  So, for the 10^th edition of Music Lifts (2026), we highlight “Lord Help Me” as performed by Donny Hathaway.

Those are simple yet incredibly powerful words. When you need help, who should you call? G-O-D. Donny Hathaway (1945 – 1979) gave the world so many awesome songs, whether original or transformative covers. Perhaps the gospel-soul cut, “Lord Help Me”, isn’t the first that comes to mind, but, it’s a can’t-miss, inspiring, and uplifting gem. “Lord Help Me” is the closing track from Hathaway’s innovative and most experimental album, Extension of a Man.  Although it sounds like a Hathaway original, Billy Preston (1946 – 2026) and Joe Greene (1915 – 1986) wrote it. Legends Arif Mardin (1932 – 2006) and Jerry Wexler (1917 – 2008) produced it.

“Lord Help Me” begins with a gospel choir, uttering the petitioning titular lyrics. 19 seconds in, Donny Hathaway begins humming as they continue singing.  He begins the transition into lead vocals, throwing in thoughtful ad-libs (“Once more and again, your humble servant is calling on your name”).  Hathaway delivers an ultra-soulful, authentic, and sincere vocal performance. He sounds amazing as he sings the lead, accompanied by the harmonized choral oohs. “And I’m also asking you to help my brother / He needs help too, Lordy,” he sings, and continues, “Help him to realize all that God has given / Help him to know that there’s a purpose for living.” Notably, some distinct, pitchy moments/runs from Hathaway contribute to the authenticity and character of this gospel-soul recording. If the notes were perfectly in tune, it wouldn’t feel the same! By the end of the recording, Mr. Hathaway gives his all: “Please Lordy (Lord help me) / I’m asking you from my heart this evening /… You know I need you / I need you by my side / You know I wanna do the things that’s right.” Beyond hearing a once-in-a-lifetime musician at his best, I love the harmonic progressions, which are more advanced and complex. Three chords and the truth? Nope, it’s more than that! The musical accompaniment is superb, with the band and choir locked in. Donny Hathaway takes us to church on “Lord Help Me”. Yes, there are bigger, more important songs in his catalog, but this song right here is special.

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Donny Hathaway » Extension of a Man » Atlantic » 1973

Donny Hathaway, Lord Help Me: Music Lifts No. 10 (2026) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Atlantic; Emma Bauso, foad shariyati, nappy, Niko Twisty, Victoria Strelka_ph, Wolrider YURTSEVEN from Pexels; Gordon Johnson from Pixabay]

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