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
It's Gettin' Late
The Beach Boys Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I can't wait
Come-a-come-a little closer
You gotta tell me that you'll stay
I've been praying for this moment
Since the second I laid eyes on you
Minutes seem like hours
Girl I'm gettin' tired of waitin'
So stop your hesitatin'
I can't believe you keep me hangin' on
It's gettin late-ate-ate-ate
Ooo (it's gettin' late) time waits for no one
Love is a turn on
It's gettin' late
I can't wait
Come-a-come-a little closer
You gotta tell me that you'll stay
You got me in a situation
My love is risin' high
Don't let any more love pass us by
Girl, we can make it up to paradise
Just give it a try
So hurry now and girl make up your mind
It's gettin' late
Don't know how much more I can stand
It's gettin' late
Don't know how much more I can stand
Girl I need your lovin'
I'm so tired of waitin'
Come on there's no one else around
Ooo sweet girl it's gettin' late
So please don't hesitate
Been waitin' to get your defenses down
The Beach Boys' song "It's Gettin' Late" is a love song about a man who has been waiting for a moment alone with the woman he loves. He talks about how he's been praying for this moment since the second he laid eyes on her and how time seems to slow down when she's not around. He is getting tired of waiting and wants her to stop hesitating and tell him that she'll stay with him. The chorus repeats this sentiment, emphasizing the urgency of the moment and the fact that they shouldn't let this opportunity pass them by. The lyrics also paint a picture of a paradise that they could reach if they make the leap and pursue their love.
One interpretation of these lyrics is that they represent the fear of missed opportunities and the importance of seizing the moment. The man in the song is urging the woman to stop hesitating and take a chance on love before it's too late. He's afraid of losing her and missing out on the possibility of a future together. This theme of seizing the moment and living in the present is a common one in pop music, and it continues to resonate with audiences today.
Line by Line Meaning
It's gettin' late
Time is running out and the night is getting old.
I can't wait
I am so excited and eager for you to be with me.
Come-a-come-a little closer
Come closer to me, let's be intimate and share our love.
You gotta tell me that you'll stay
Please assure me that you won't leave me alone tonight.
I've been praying for this moment
I have been longing and hoping for this moment to come true.
Since the second I laid eyes on you
From the moment I first saw you, I knew I wanted to be with you.
Minutes seem like hours
Time seems so slow and prolonged without you by my side.
When you're gone
Whenever you leave me, I feel lost and incomplete.
Girl I'm gettin' tired of waitin'
I am becoming restless and impatient waiting for you.
So stop your hesitatin'
Don't be indecisive or shy, show me your love and affection.
I can't believe you keep me hangin' on
I am surprised and saddened that you are not commiting to me yet.
Ooo (it's gettin' late) time waits for no one
Time doesn't wait for anyone, we have to seize this moment to be together.
Love is a turn on
Feeling and sharing love with someone is a great feeling of attraction and arousal.
You got me in a situation
You have placed me in a complicated and pressing scenario.
My love is risin' high
My feelings of love and passion for you are reaching new heights.
Don't let any more love pass us by
Don't waste any more time without enjoying and experiencing our love.
Girl, we can make it up to paradise
We can experience pure and intense happines and pleasure together.
Just give it a try
Just take a chance and try to be with me.
So hurry now and girl make up your mind
Please decide soon and let me know if you want to be with me tonight.
Don't know how much more I can stand
I am reaching my limit of waiting and uncertainty.
Girl I need your lovin'
I crave and desire your love and affection.
Come on there's no one else around
Let's take advantage of this moment before it's too late.
Ooo sweet girl it's gettin' late
Sweet girl, time is running out and we need to act now.
So please don't hesitate
Please don't be hesitant or uncertain, show me your love.
Been waitin' to get your defenses down
I have been waiting for you to lower your guard and let me in, to truly show me your love.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: OMAR BARCLAY, JASON HARROW, ROMEO JACOBS, PAULA ROSE JOHNSON, SHELDON PITT
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