Formed in Hawthorne, California in 1961, the original group comprised singer-musician-composer and bandleader Brian Wilson, his brothers Carl Wilson and Dennis Wilson, their cousin Mike Love, and friend Al Jardine. Wilson neighbor David Marks appeared on their first four albums and was a member from 1962 to 1963 as a temporary replacement for Jardine, who had left the group to pursue a career in dentistry.
On their first few studio albums, the group primarily played surf music, but this changed after 1964 as their songs became more sophisticated and autobiographical. The 1965 album Today! particularly represented this shift in sound. Bruce Johnston joined the group that same year. Session drummer Hal Blaine is quoted: "We all studied in conservatories; we were trained musicians. We thought it was a fluke at first, but then we realized Brian was writing these incredible songs. This was not just a young kid writing about high school and surfing."
Following their most esteemed work, Pet Sounds (1966), the band became symbols of psychedelic counterculture. The highly anticipated follow-up, Smile, was left unfinished, and Brian soon relinquished his creative hold on the group. A trilogy of lo-fi releases followed: Smiley Smile (1967), Wild Honey (1967), and Friends (1968). Brian would not be credited as a primary composer for any Beach Boys album until 1977's Love You, an album on the fringe of synth-pop, new wave, and punk.
In Brian's absence, the Beach Boys still managed to release music that was regarded favorably by fans and critics despite poor sales: Sunflower (1970) and Surf's Up (1971). South African musicians Blondie Chaplin and Ricky Fataar played and sang with the band on the next two albums: Carl & the Passions - So Tough (1972), and Holland (1973).
Many changes in both musical style and personnel have occurred in their sometimes-stormy career: Brian Wilson's mental illness and drug addiction; the deaths of Dennis Wilson in 1983 and Carl Wilson in 1998; and continuing legal battles among surviving members of the group. With the release of 1974's Endless Summer they became a more popular touring act, playing their greatest hits. They have recorded 36 Billboard Top 40 hits (including four number-one singles), have had over 100 million sales, and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988.
Official site: http://www.thebeachboys.com
Catch a Wave
The Beach Boys Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Don't be afraid to try the greatest sport around (Catch a wave, catch a wave)
Everybody tries it once
Those who don't just have to put it down
You paddle out turn around and raise
And baby that's all there is to the coastline craze
You gotta catch a wave and you're sittin' on top of the world
All the surfers going strong
They said it wouldn't last too long
They'll eat their words with a fork and spoon
And watch 'em they'll hit the road and all be surfin' soon
And when they catch a wave they'll be sittin' on top of the world
Catch a wave and your sittin' on top of the world
So take a lesson from a top-notch surfer boy (Catch a wave, catch a wave)
Every Saturday boy
But don't treat it like a toy
Just get away from the shady turf
And baby go catch some rays on the sunny surf
And when you catch a wave you'll be sittin' on top of the world
Catch a wave and you'll be sittin' on top of the world
The Beach Boys' iconic song "Catch a Wave" is a celebration of the exhilarating sport of surfing. The lyrics encourage listeners to try their hand at surfing and promise that they will feel on top of the world once they catch a wave. The song's upbeat, carefree tone perfectly captures the spirit of the surfing community.
The lyrics, "Don't be afraid to try the greatest sport around," show that the Beach Boys believe surfing is the ultimate sport that anyone can enjoy. They also suggest that those who don't try surfing will miss out on something truly special. The Beach Boys sing about the simplicity of the sport, stating that all one needs to do is paddle out, turn around, and ride the waves. They assure listeners that surfing is not just a passing fad, as many people initially believed. The song also pokes fun at those who doubted surfing's staying power, stating that they will soon join the surfing community once they try it.
The lyrics keep the tone light-hearted and emphasize the fun of surfing. They encourage aspiring surfers to learn from experienced surfers and not treat the sport like a toy. It is evident throughout the song that anyone can catch a wave and feel on top of the world, making it a truly inclusive pastime. "Catch a Wave" is an ode not just to surfing but also to the freedom and joy that it brings.
Line by Line Meaning
Catch a wave and you're sitting on top of the world
Riding a wave can make you feel invincible and on top of everything
Don't be afraid to try the greatest sport around (Catch a wave, catch a wave)
Don't let fear stop you from experiencing the amazing sport of surfing
Everybody tries it once
Almost everyone wants to experience surfing at least once in their life
Those who don't just have to put it down
If you don't try surfing, you'll never know what you're missing
You paddle out turn around and raise
To catch a wave, you have to paddle out to where the waves are breaking, turn your board around, and get ready to ride
And baby that's all there is to the coastline craze
Surfing is simple yet thrilling, and has become a craze among coastal communities
You gotta catch a wave and you're sittin' on top of the world
Riding a wave can make you feel like you're on top of everything in the world
Not just a fad cause it's been going on so long (Catch a wave, catch a wave)
Surfing is not just a temporary trend, it has been popular for a long time and will continue to be
All the surfers going strong
Surfers are still enthusiastic and dedicated to the sport
They said it wouldn't last too long
Some people predicted that surfing would not remain popular for very long
They'll eat their words with a fork and spoon
Those who doubted the longevity of surfing will be proven wrong
And watch 'em they'll hit the road and all be surfin' soon
Those who were skeptical of surfing will soon join the trend and start surfing themselves
And when they catch a wave they'll be sittin' on top of the world
Even those who were once doubtful of surfing will feel the exhilaration of riding a wave and feel on top of the world
So take a lesson from a top-notch surfer boy (Catch a wave, catch a wave)
Learn from experienced surfers to improve your skills and enjoy surfing more fully
Every Saturday boy
Surfers often practice and enjoy surfing on Saturdays
But don't treat it like a toy
Surfing is not a frivolous pastime, but a sport that requires skill and patience
Just get away from the shady turf
Leave behind the less desirable areas and go to where the waves are good for surfing
And baby go catch some rays on the sunny surf
Enjoy the sunshine and catch some great waves while surfing
And when you catch a wave you'll be sittin' on top of the world
Riding a wave is an amazing experience that can make you feel like you're on top of everything
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: MICHAEL LOVE, BRIAN WILSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Philip Kassabian
This song really gets you in the mood for surfing.