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
Good Vibrations : Western
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)
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)
(Ah)
(Ah my my what elation)
I don't know where but she sends me there
(Ah my, my, what a sensation)
(Ah my, my, what elations)
(Ah 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'
Ah
Good good good good vibrations (Oom bop, bop, I'm pickin' up good vibrations)
She's giving me excitations (Oom bop, bop, excitations)
Good good good good vibrations (Oom bop, bop)
She's na, na
Na, na, na, na, na
Na, na, na
Na, na, na, na, na
Na, na, na
Do, do, do, do, do
Do, do, do
Do, do, do, do, do
Do, do, do
The Beach Boys’ song “Good Vibrations” is a celebration of the joyful emotions that can be sparked by a beloved, particularly the way that this person’s presence can lift the singer’s spirits and imbue a regular day with excitement. The lyrics describe the singer’s fascination with the woman’s colorful appearance and the way that the sun shines on her hair, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Additionally, the singer pays attention to the sounds around her, particularly the gentle words spoken by her and the wind carrying her perfume. When the singer closes her eyes, she feels even closer to the woman, and her smile shows that she is a kind-hearted person. Overall, the song is a testament to the power of love and the way that it can create a sense of magic in even the most mundane parts of life.
Line by Line Meaning
I, I love the colorful clothes she wears
I really enjoy the vibrant and bright clothing that she wears
And the way the sunlight plays upon her hair
I find it fascinating how the sun hits her hair and creates a beautiful effect
I hear the sound of a gentle word
I can hear her voice in my mind and it sounds gentle and soothing
On the wind that lifts her perfume through the air
The wind carries her sweet fragrance throughout the air and I find it very alluring
I'm pickin' up good vibrations
I'm sensing and feeling positive and enjoyable vibes
She's giving me excitations
She's causing me to feel excited and aroused
Close my eyes
I'm closing my eyes to visualize and focus on her presence
She's somehow closer now
I feel like she's getting closer to me or my thoughts are bringing her closer
Softly smile, I know she must be kind
I smile softly as I imagine her being a very kind and gentle person
When I look in her eyes
I'm entranced and captivated by her eyes as I imagine looking into them
She goes with me to a blossom world
I feel like she's taking me on a journey to a beautiful and joyous place
Gotta keep those lovin' good vibrations
I need to maintain and continue feeling those positive and loving vibes
A happenin' with her
I want to continue experiencing those positive vibes with her
Ah my my what elation
I'm feeling a sense of great happiness and contentment
I don't know where but she sends me there
I don't know exactly how or where but she is able to transport me to a joyful place
Ah my, my, what a sensation
I'm experiencing a strong and enjoyable feeling or experience
Gotta keep those lovin' good vibrations
I need to maintain and continue feeling those positive and loving vibes
Na, na, na, na, na
This repetition of sounds is just a fun and enjoyable way to end the song
Do, do, do, do, do
This repetition of sounds is just a fun and enjoyable way to end the song
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: WILSON, BRIAN DOUGLAS / LOVE, MIKE E.
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