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
In the Back of My Mind
The Beach Boys Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A world to which a man can cling
So happy times when I break out in tears
In the back of my mind I still have my fears
I live my life with her
Love her true she knows I'm sure
I make her happy just living so plain
I tried to run far way from thoughts
I should try to keep away
But they just keep coming back to me
I tried to rationalize
But some day I might realize
That things are just good the way they'll be
I know it's so hard to find
A girl who really understands your mind
What will I do if I leave her
It will always be way in the back of my mind
The Beach Boys' "In the Back of My Mind" is a contemplative song that tackles the fear of change, even when everything seems to be going alright. The first stanza of the song suggests the singer is fortunate enough to have almost everything he could ask for, but still, he experiences a sense of unease in the back of his mind. He is aware that nothing lasts forever and that he might lose what he has, and these fears make him cry even when he's happy.
The second stanza speaks of the singer's significant other, whom he loves truly, and who makes him happy even with the simplest things. In the happiness he finds in her, all his fears seem to vanish, yet he knows deep down that things may change in the future, and this scares him. In the last stanza, the singer tries to suppress and keep hidden his troubled thoughts to avoid altering the happiness enjoyed with his partner. Still, he knows that someday in the future, he might realize things could not always be as good as they are right now. He fears leaving his partner because she is a rare understanding soul that could comprehend him perfectly.
Overall, the song suggests that fear and doubt are intrinsic parts of human experiences, even for those who seem to have it all. Despite the external factors that cause the fear of change, hope and the current happiness make persevering through it worthwhile.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm blessed with everything
I acknowledge that I have been fortunate in life and possess everything that a man can hope for.
A world to which a man can cling
I have a sense of belonging and contentment in this world, which is important for a man's well-being.
So happy times when I break out in tears
Although I am grateful for the joyful moments in life, I am not immune to feeling overwhelmed or emotional at times.
In the back of my mind I still have my fears
Despite my outward contentment, I still have worries and anxieties that I keep to myself.
I live my life with her
I am in a committed relationship with a woman whom I love and cherish.
Love her true she knows I'm sure
I am confident that my partner knows I love her deeply and genuinely.
I make her happy just living so plain
I do not need grand gestures or extravagance to make my partner happy, she is content with a simple life shared together.
In the back of my mind I'm 'fraid it's gonna change
However, I am secretly worried that things may not continue to be this simple and happy in the future.
I tried to run far way from thoughts
I have attempted to distance myself from negative thoughts or worries regarding my relationship.
I should try to keep away
I recognize that these negative thoughts are not healthy and that I should try to prevent them from tainting my happiness.
But they just keep coming back to me
Despite this, I find it difficult to keep negative thoughts or worries at bay, as they persistently recur.
I tried to rationalize
In order to alleviate my worries, I have attempted to apply logic and reason to my thoughts and feelings.
But some day I might realize
However, it is possible that I may one day come to the realization that my anxieties were unfounded.
That things are just good the way they'll be
I may eventually come to terms with the fact that life is good and that worrying is unnecessary.
I know it's so hard to find
I understand that it is rare and difficult to find a partner who truly understands and accepts you for who you are.
A girl who really understands your mind
I am grateful to have found someone who understands me and with whom I can truly be myself.
What will I do if I leave her
However, the prospect of losing this person is daunting and distressing to me.
It will always be way in the back of my mind
No matter what happens, the thought of losing my partner will always linger in the back of my mind.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BRIAN DOUGLAS WILSON, MIKE E. LOVE
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