Track listing
Side one
"Don't Go Near the Water"
"Long Promised Road"
"Take a Load Off Your Feet"
"Disney Girls (1957)"
"Student Demonstration Time"
Side two
"Feel Flows"
"Lookin' at Tomorrow (A Welfare Song)"
"A Day in the Life of a Tree"
"'Til I Die"
"Surf's Up"
Don't Go Near the Water
The Beach Boys Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning | Line by Line Meaning
Don't you think it's sad
What's happened to the water
Our water's going bad
Oceans, rivers, lakes and streams
Have all been touched by man
The poison floating out to sea
Now threatens life on land
Don't go near the water
Ain't it sad
What's happened to the water
It's going bad
Don't go near the water
Don't go near the water
Toothpaste and soap will make our oceans a bubble bath
So let's avoid an ecological aftermath
Beginning with me
Beginning with you
Don't go near the water
To do it any wrong
To be cool with the water
Is the message of this song
Let's all help the water
Right away
Do what we can and ought to
Let's start today
The Beach Boys' song "Don't Go Near the Water" is an environmental protest song that highlights the dangerous impact of industrialization on the world's natural resources. The opening lines set the tone for the song, cautioning listeners against approaching the water. The lyrics express sadness over the state of the world's water and its contamination from human activities. The song then goes on to highlight the effects of human activities on oceans, rivers, lakes, and streams.
The second stanza starts with "The poison floating out to sea, now threatens life on land." This line is a significant statement on the impact of pollution caused by industrial activities, including oil spills and toxic effluents, on the health of the environment and humans. The chorus repeats the warning not to go near the water and emphasizes the importance of taking corrective measures to restore the quality of the water.
The final verse highlights the responsibility of individuals to work towards change. The lyrics suggest that starting with small changes, including avoiding the use of harmful chemicals such as toothpaste and soap, can go a long way in promoting ecological sustainability.
Overall, "Don't Go Near the Water" is a call to action to consider the role of individual responsibility in protecting the environment, as well as to think about the broader societal and governmental changes needed to ensure lasting sustainability.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't go near the water
It is advised to refrain from going near the water due to its alarming state
Don't you think it's sad
The situation is deplorable and the speaker is seeking an agreement in this regard
What's happened to the water
The speaker is questioning the current condition of the water
Our water's going bad
The water is deteriorating and its quality is getting worse
Oceans, rivers, lakes and streams
All the major sources of water are being affected by human activities
Have all been touched by man
Human influence is responsible for the contamination of water bodies
The poison floating out to sea
The pollutants released in the water are spreading to the oceans
Now threatens life on land
The contamination of water is adversely affecting the ecosystem and the livelihood of people
Toothpaste and soap will make our oceans a bubble bath
Even casual interaction with water can cause harm due to the presence of harmful chemicals in personal care products
So let's avoid an ecological aftermath
Preventing further harm to the environment is necessary to avoid a disastrous outcome
Beginning with me
The speaker is willing to take personal responsibility towards preventing water pollution
Beginning with you
The speaker is urging the listeners to also play an active role in protecting the water bodies
To do it any wrong
Any negligence in handling water pollution can lead to disastrous consequences
To be cool with the water
Taking care of the water bodies should be a priority and not an afterthought
Is the message of this song
The song intends to spread awareness and promote responsible behavior towards water bodies
Let's all help the water
Everyone should make efforts towards improving the quality of water
Right away
Immediate actions are required to mitigate the damage caused to water bodies
Do what we can and ought to
Individuals should make appropriate choices and take necessary measures to prevent water pollution
Let's start today
The process of taking responsibility towards water bodies should begin immediately
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing
Written by: Alan C. Jardine, Mike E. Love
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Philip Kassabian
on Kokomo
This song is an absolute classic and I love the way that it lists all the major destinations in the Caribbean.
Philip Kassabian
on Surfin' U.S.A.
A great song by The Beach Boys hit all the major surfing destinations.
Philip Kassabian
on Catch a Wave
This song really gets you in the mood for surfing.
Philip Kassabian
on Surfer Girl
What a splendid song by The Beach Boys. They really were a great band.
Philip Kassabian
on Wouldn't It Be Nice
One of the greatest Beach Boys songs.
Les lumb
on Surf's Up
Love Good Vibrations ,God Only Knows however this is my fav Beach Boys song
Les lumb
on San Miguel
It captures the mood of the place, very atmospheric
Les lumb
on Cotton Fields (The Cotton Song) [Single Version]
Great version by the Beach Boys it flows
Les lumb
on Break Away
Soothing
Leslie Lumb
on Break Away
Love the opening verses beautiful words