Caroline No
The Beach Boys Lyrics
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Where is the girl I used to know?
How could you lose that happy glow?
Oh, Caroline, no
Who took that look away?
I remember how you used to say
You'd never change, but that's not trueOh, Caroline, you
Break my heart
I want to go and cry
It's so sad to watch a sweet thing die
Oh, Caroline, why
Could I ever find in you again
Things that made me love you so much then?
Could we ever bring 'em back once they have gone
Oh, Caroline, no
The Beach Boys' song Caroline No explores the theme of lost love and the changes that inevitably take place in the course of an individual's life. The song expresses the singer's lament over Caroline's physical transformation which robbed her of her former beauty and happiness. The lyrics use imagery of Caroline's physical appearance - her long hair, glowing face, and beautiful look - to convey the sense of loss that the singer feels. He is bewildered and saddened that Caroline has changed so dramatically, becoming completely different from the person he once knew and loved.
The lyrics also touch upon the idea that people can never truly promise not to change, as Caroline had done before. The refrain 'oh, Caroline, no' is indicative of the singer grappling with the fact that he cannot reconcile the person that Caroline has become with the person she once was. The chorus 'Break my heart, I want to go and cry' highlights the singer's sadness and the pain that the changes have caused him. He cannot help but wonder if he could ever find in Caroline again the things that once made him love her so much.
Overall, the song Caroline No is a poignant and melancholic reflection on the inevitability of change and its effect on human relationships. Through its poignant lyrics and emotive melody, it captures the universal experience of lost love and the lingering nostalgia for what was.
Line by Line Meaning
Where did your long hair go?
What happened to your signature feature, your long hair?
Where is the girl I used to know?
I miss the girl you used to be, where did she go?
How could you lose that happy glow?
You used to be so vibrant, how did you lose your joy?
Oh, Caroline, no
I can't believe what you've become, Caroline
Who took that look away?
Who or what caused you to lose your spark?
I remember how you used to say
I recall you insisting you would never change
You'd never change, but that's not true
You couldn't stay the same, despite your vows otherwise
Oh, Caroline, you
You're not the person I thought I knew, Caroline
Break my heart
This is so painful for me
I want to go and cry
I just want to break down and cry for what's happened to you
It's so sad to watch a sweet thing die
It's heartbreaking to see someone so sweet and kind change so drastically
Oh, Caroline, why
I don't understand why things had to turn out this way, Caroline
Could I ever find in you again
Is there a chance I can rediscover the qualities that made me love you?
Things that made me love you so much then?
The traits or things you did that made me fall in love with you before
Could we ever bring 'em back once they have gone
Is it possible to restore what's been lost?
Oh, Caroline, no
It's hard for me to accept what you've become, Caroline
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Brian Wilson, Tony Asher
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Philip Kassabian
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This song is an absolute classic and I love the way that it lists all the major destinations in the Caribbean.
Philip Kassabian
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A great song by The Beach Boys hit all the major surfing destinations.
Philip Kassabian
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This song really gets you in the mood for surfing.
Philip Kassabian
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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
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It captures the mood of the place, very atmospheric
Les lumb
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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