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
Heroes and Villains: I'm in Great Shape
The Beach Boys Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Mornings tumble out of bed
Eggs and grits and lickety-split, look at me jump
I'm in the great shape of the open country
The lyrics to The Beach Boys’ song “I’m in Great Shape” describe a person who has woken up feeling refreshed and energized. The “freshened air” around their head suggests that they’re outside, possibly in the countryside. They tumble out of bed feeling ready to seize the day. The mention of eggs and grits suggests that they’re having a hearty breakfast, which is also contributing to their sense of vitality. The final line, “I’m in the great shape of the open country,” indicates that they feel well physically and mentally due to being in nature.
Overall, these lyrics paint a picture of a person who is in touch with their body and surroundings. They recognize the benefits of being in nature and starting their day with a nutritious breakfast. The use of alliteration (“eggs and grits and lickety-split”) and rhyme (“head” and “bed”) adds a playful element and contributes to the song’s upbeat and energetic tone.
Line by Line Meaning
Freshened air around my head
I'm breathing in the clean, revitalizing air around me and feeling refreshed.
Mornings tumble out of bed
The mornings seem to fly by for me; I'm up and ready to go in no time.
Eggs and grits and lickety-split, look at me jump
I consume a healthy, hearty breakfast of eggs and grits, which gives me the energy I need to jump into action.
I'm in the great shape of the open country
I'm in excellent physical and mental condition from being in the wide open spaces of the countryside.
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: BRIAN WILSON, VAN DYKE PARKS
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