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 the excitations (oom bop bop)
I'm pickin' up good vibrations (good vibrations, oom bop bop)
She's giving me the excitations (excitations, oom bop bop)
I'm pickin' up good vibrations (oom bop bop)
She's giving me the excitations (excitations, oom bop bop)
I'm pickin' up good vibrations (oom bop bop)
She's giving me the excitations (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 (oom bop bop)
I'm pickin' up good vibrations (good vibrations, oom bop bop)
She's giving me excitations (excitations, oom bop bop)
Good, good, good, good vibrations (oom bop bop)
She's giving me excitations (excitations, oom bop bop)
Good, good, good, good vibrations (oom bop bop)
She's giving me excitations (excitations)
Ah, ah, my my, what elation
I don't know where but she sends me there
Oh, my my, what a sensation
Oh, my my, what elation
Oh, my my, what
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'
(Ahh)
Good, good, good, good vibrations (oom bop bop)
She's giving me the excitations (excitations, oom bop bop)
I'm pickin' up good vibrations
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
@philippacarroll9714
Was lucky enough to see them play live in Hammersmith, London when I was 17 and I'm now 71. Best group ever.
@iainsquelch6223
Actually AC/DC is the best group ever, but these guys are pretty good too..
@spaceyspux7194
I think The Doors! But music is just sound so you can’t say anything is better then anything else. I like creative inventive music. :)
@Leah-jc8oc
yessss! I'm 15 I love them
@dttkku3954
The Beatles all the way!!!
@rarboleda2007
Wow!!!
@Beck-Stein
You can’t beat their harmonies. Timing and tone was immaculate.
@PacificNorthwest360
It’s was done by Tavistock Institute for controlling the masses through generational changes for control.
@johnnyenglish9622
You can't beat the talent of Brian Wilson & the boys too.
@williamwilson6499
Were immaculate.