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 Know There's An Answer
The Beach Boys Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
They isolate their heads and stay in their safety zones
Now what can you tell them
And what can you say that won't make them defensive
I know there's an answer
I know now but I have to find it by myself
They come on like they're peaceful
But inside they're so uptight
They trip through their day
And waste all their thoughts at night
Now how can I come on
And tell them the way that they live could be better
I know there's an answer
I know now but I have to find it by myself
Now how can I come on
And tell them the way that they live could be better
I know there's an answer
I know now but I have to find it by myself
The Beach Boys' song "I Know There's an Answer" reflects a common human struggle of trying to help others who are stuck in their own ways. The song starts with the frustration one might feel when they see people isolating themselves and sticking to their comfort zones. The singer acknowledges that they cannot change others' behaviors or beliefs easily ("what can you say that won't make them defensive"). However, the singer believes that there is a solution to the problem of isolation and self-imposed limitations - the answer lies within the individual themselves.
The song then moves on to acknowledge that people who seem peaceful on the surface might have inner turmoil and anxiety. They navigate through their day aimlessly and spend their nights lost in thought ("waste all their thoughts at night"). The singer acknowledges the difficulty in confronting these individuals with advice or wise words ("how can I come on and tell them the way they live could be better") but still believes that there is an answer to their struggles if they look within themselves.
The core message of "I Know There's an Answer" is that the answer to life's problems lies within oneself. Although it can be frustrating to see others struggle and isolate themselves, it is ultimately up to them to find their way. The song encourages self-reflection and self-exploration, as people must look inside themselves to find the way forward.
Line by Line Meaning
I know so many people who think they can do it alone
I have observed that many individuals believe they can succeed without seeking help from others.
They isolate their heads and stay in their safety zones
These people tend to withdraw into themselves and stick to familiar routines that make them feel secure.
Now what can you tell them
When faced with such individuals, one may wonder what to say or do to help them.
And what can you say that won't make them defensive
It's often difficult to give advice without sounding judgmental or critical, which can cause the person to become defensive.
I know there's an answer
Despite the challenges of helping these individuals, I'm confident that there is a solution to their problems.
I know now but I have to find it by myself
However, I realize that the answer may not be readily apparent and that I may have to search for it on my own.
They come on like they're peaceful
These individuals may give off the appearance of being calm and serene.
But inside they're so uptight
However, beneath the surface, they are actually quite anxious and stressed.
They trip through their day
Their days may lack structure or purpose, causing them to feel aimless or lost.
And waste all their thoughts at night
At night, their mind may race with worries and concerns, preventing them from getting restful sleep.
Now how can I come on
It can be tricky to approach these individuals and offer them guidance.
And tell them the way that they live could be better
One may feel the desire to help these individuals see that there are more fulfilling ways to live their lives.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Michael E. Love, Brian Douglas Wilson, Terry Sachen
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Matthew Donnelly
A very kalideoscopic,carnival vibe there, a pure masterpiece.My God Brian Wilson is pure genius
LoveTheOConnor
Another fabulous video, Jim, I love it! Love all the gorgeous beach pictures, too--they're especially tempting on this cold day. Thanks so much for sharing, this was a real day brightener! Have a marvelous week, my friend :))
Nipstersongs1
Yes, I'm getting sick of the cold and snow already, Heather. Needed to spend some time on a great Beach Boys tune. Thank you so much for your very nice comments and for watching the video! Wishing you a marvelous week as well.
Jim
jrsn2music
It says, "share your thoughts", so...... I've always loved this song, loved the use of a bass harmonica, probably the only song I've ever heard one used on. The stereo version is great, but, I've heard it so many times in the original mono, "wall of sound" recording, that I actually like the mono version better. Brian knew what he was doing, even though most people were recording in stereo at the time, he had a certain sound in his mind, or maybe it was just because he was deaf in one ear, who knows. I googled this song and found that it was a drug song and, although I had suspected it was, "they trip through their days", It was kind of sad finding out that Brian was taking acid at the time. Probably the beginning of his downward slide. Still an amazing track from one of my favorite albums of all time. Thanks, Jim! Keep the good stuff coming!
John
Nipstersongs1
Just a great song from a Great album, John. I wish I had a dime for every time I have listened to it. Thanks so much for your great comments...I wish Brian Wilson would have found "the answer" earlier in his life. I can't help but think that there was some great music that went unrealized during those troubled times.
Jim
A Darlene
Beach Boys Fan Forever Amanda Johnston/I Got It First