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
I Don't Know
The Beach Boys Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I don't think it's right
But still i do it
You got me thinking your existence is my life
It's time to see the light
I think i'll leave it
I tried to take it slow
But i don't know
Maybe, i don't know
But if you say it's so
We can make it go
Maybe, i don't know
Whatever made me think that we could make it good?
Did you think we ever would?
No need in lyin'
No, no, no
I need your guarantee so i can be assured
Do you ever think you could?
No more depriving
Na-a-na-na-na
Maybe, i don't know
I tried to take it slow
But i don't know
Maybe, i don't know
But if you say it's so
We can make it go
Maybe, i don't know
Maybe, i don't know
I tried to take it slow
But i don't know
Maybe, i don't know
But if you say it's so
We can make it go
Maybe, i don't know
The lyrics of The Beach Boys' song "I Don't Know" explore the confusion and uncertainty that come with being involved in a tumultuous relationship. The singer acknowledges that they are aware of the unhealthy aspects of the relationship, yet they continue to be drawn to it. The opening lines, "You got me calling at all hours of the night, I don't think it's right, But still I do it" indicate a pattern of behavior where the singer can't resist reaching out to their partner even though they know it's not healthy for them.
The lyrics further reveal the singer's realization that their partner has become their entire world, as expressed in the line "You got me thinking your existence is my life, It's time to see the light, I think I'll leave it." This suggests that the singer has come to a point where they question the effect of the relationship on their own sense of self and well-being, contemplating the need to break free.
Despite their doubts, the singer is conflicted and unsure about what to do next. This is reflected in the repeated phrase "Maybe, I don't know" throughout the song. They are torn between wanting to take things slow and seeking assurance from their partner. The lyrics convey a sense of longing for clarity and an understanding of where the relationship stands.
Line by Line Meaning
You got me calling at all hours of the night
I can't resist reaching out to you, even when it's late at night, although deep down, I know it's not the right thing to do.
I don't think it's right
I'm aware that constantly calling you isn't morally correct or healthy for either of us.
But still I do it
Despite my reservations, I continue to engage in this behavior.
You got me thinking your existence is my life
Your presence in my life has become so significant that I start to believe it defines my entire existence.
It's time to see the light
It's essential for me to finally have a realization and understand the truth of the situation.
I think I'll leave it
Taking everything into consideration, I believe it's best for me to detach myself from this attachment.
Maybe, I don't know
There's uncertainty and doubt in my mind regarding the best course of action.
I tried to take it slow
I attempted to approach this situation with caution and not rush into anything.
But I don't know
Despite my efforts, I'm still unsure about what to do.
But if you say it's so
However, if you insist that things can work out, I might consider it.
We can make it go
It's possible for us to overcome the obstacles and make this relationship work.
Whatever made me think that we could make it good?
I question the basis for my belief that our relationship had the potential to be successful and fulfilling.
Did you think we ever would?
I wonder if you also harbored the same unrealistic expectations for our relationship.
No need in lyin'
There's no point in deceiving ourselves or each other.
I need your guarantee so I can be assured
In order for me to have confidence and reassurance, I require your commitment and assurance.
Do you ever think you could?
I'm curious if you are capable of fulfilling the expectations and promises I seek.
No more depriving
I will no longer deny myself of the truth and continue to hold onto false hope.
Na-a-na-na-na
Vocalization without specific meaning.
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, SCHILLING MUSIC
Written by: CARL WILSON, JULIAN LINDSEY, MYRNA SMITH SCHILLING, STEVE LEVINE
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