Released as a single on October 10, 1966 (backed with the Pet Sounds instrumental "Let's Go Away For Awhile"), it was the band's third U.S. number-one hit, after "I Get Around" and "Help Me, Rhonda", reaching the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart in December 1966, as well as being their first British chart-topper. Initiated during the sessions for the Pet Sounds album, it was not taken from or issued as a lead single for an album, but as a stand-alone single, and later placed on the album Smiley Smile eleven months after its release.
"Good Vibrations" received a Grammy nomination for Best Vocal Group performance in 1966 and was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1994.[13] The song was voted number one in Mojo's "Top 100 Records of All Time"[13] and number six on Rolling Stone's "500 Greatest Songs of All Time"
Good Vibrations
The Beach Boys Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And the way the sunlight plays upon her hair
I hear the sound of a gentle word
On the wind that lifts her perfume through the air
I'm pickin' up good vibrations
She's giving me excitations
I'm pickin' up good vibrations (oom bop, bop, good vibrations)She's giving me excitations (oom bop, bop, excitations)
Good, good, good, good vibrations (oom bop, bop)
She's giving me excitations (oom bop, bop, excitations)
Good, good, good, good vibrations (oom bop, bop)
She's giving me excitations (oom bop, bop, excitations)
Close my eyes
She's somehow closer now
Softly smile, I know she must be kind
When I look in her eyes
She goes with me to a blossom world
I'm pickin' up good vibrations
She's giving me excitations
I'm pickin' up good vibrations (oom bop, bop, good vibrations)
She's giving me excitations (oom bop, bop, excitations)
Good, good, good, good vibrations (oom bop, bop)
She's giving me excitations (oom bop, bop, excitations)
Good, good, good, good vibrations (oom bop, bop)
She's giving me excitations (oom bop, bop, excitations)
(My, my, what elation)
I don't know where but she sends me there
(My, my, my, what a sensation)
(My, my, my, what an elations)
(My, my, my, what a-)
Gotta keep those lovin' good vibrations
A happenin' with her
Gotta keep those lovin' good vibrations
A happenin' with her
Gotta keep those lovin' good vibrations
A happenin'
Good, good, good, good vibrations (oom bop, bop)
She's giving me excitations (oom bop, bop, excitations)
Good, good, good, good vibrations (oom bop, bop)
Na na na na na, na na na
Na na na na na, na na na (bop bop-bop-bop-bop, bop)
Do do do do do, do do do (bop bop-bop-bop-bop, bop)
Do do do do do, do do do (bop bop-bop-bop-bop, bop)
The opening lines of The Beach Boys' hit "Good Vibrations" celebrate the beauty and energy of a woman, conveyed through the vivid image of colorful clothes and sun-lit hair. The song continues with the singer sensing a "gentle word" carried by the wind and tracing the source to the woman who fills his world with vibrant and positive feelings. As he closes his eyes and smiles, he enters a "blossom world" with her, filled with good vibrations, sensations, and elations that he cannot fully comprehend but cherishes.
At its core, "Good Vibrations" appears to be a love song that celebrates the power of connection and the feeling of being alive in the presence of the right person. The lyrics also suggest a sense of awe and wonder at the mysteries of attraction and emotional resonance that cannot be captured by words alone. Musically, the song is equally innovative, blending different genres and sounds from rock, pop, classical, and experimental music to create a unique and dynamic sonic experience that matches the lyrics' colorful and complex imagery.
Line by Line Meaning
I-I love the colorful clothes she wears
I really like her vibrant wardrobe
And the way the sunlight plays upon her hair
I appreciate the way the sun shines on her hair
I hear the sound of a gentle word
I hear her speak kindly
On the wind that lifts her perfume through the air
Her fragrance is carried by the breeze
I'm pickin' up good vibrations
I'm sensing positive energy
She's giving me the excitations (oom bop bop)
She's bringing me excitement
Close my eyes, she's somehow closer now
With my eyes shut, she feels closer to me
Softly smile, I know she must be kind
When she smiles softly, I sense her kindness
When I look in her eyes
Her eyes invite me in
She goes with me to a blossom world
Together, we enter a beautiful, colorful world
Ah, ah, my my, what elation
I feel an incredibly joyful sensation
I don't know where but she sends me there
I don't know how, but she takes me to a wonderful place
Oh, my my, what a sensation
Oh wow, the feeling is amazing
Gotta keep those lovin' good vibrations a-happenin' with her
I need to cultivate positive energy with her
(Ahh)
A celebratory expression of joy
Na na na na na, na na na
A vocalization of excitement and happiness
Do do do do do, do do do (bop bop-bop-bop-bop, bop)
A playful, carefree melody
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Brian Douglas Wilson, Mike E. Love
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@taylorplayed
Thank you for the music. Rest In Peace, Brian.
@jaimehudson7623
Make Music in Heaven Brian. You were a Gift to us all while you were making Music here on Earth. RIP Buddy!
@ExperienceEric
Oh man this one hurts.
@butterflygirlenergy
❤🧡💛💚💙💜🌴
@aprendemos3996
Que años hermosos con estos musicos tengo 76 años y recuerdo estas canciones como si fuera hoy que en paz descanses Braian
@helrem
Rest in Peace, Brian ❤
@SoftVinyl
R.I.P. Brian. The world needs to play this today to spread good vibrations across this screwed up planet.
@maninmo46
I posted to my Facebook page.
@derekdebois8297
I agree with you 100% turn it upppppp 👏🏼 RIP to a music legend
@sphinxtheeminx
Back in the 60s when the Beach Boys arrived in the UK for a tour I persuaded my parents to take my best friend and me to Heathrow Airport to scream at them. Whilst waiting in arrivals with dozens of excited girls, all eagerly getting ready to wail, out walked Robert McNamara, then US Secretary of Defence. He was very tall, and very smiley. He looked surprised and quipped that he didn't know he was that popular in the UK. I'm not sure he noticed our looks of disappointment. We never did see the Beach Boys - they left through another exit. RIP Brian. Thanks for all the good vibrations.