The Beach Boys is an iconic American rock band, frequently cited as one of … Read Full Bio ↴The Beach Boys is an iconic American rock band, frequently cited as one of the most influential and commercially successful groups in the history of popular music due to their intricate vocal harmonies, studio experiments, and novel approaches to pop songwriting. Rooted in doo-wop and rock and roll, their early string of vocal surf hits defined the '60s California Sound. For a period afterward, they notably delved into progressive pop styles. often combining elements from classical and jazz in innovative ways.

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

Mama Says
The Beach Boys Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Eat a lot sleep a lot brush em like crazy
Run a lot do a lot never be lazy

(Good boy)
Eat a lot sleep a lot brush em like crazy
Run a lot do a lot never be lazy

Eat a lot sleep a lot brush em like crazy

Run a lot do a lot never be lazy

Eat a lot sleep a lot brush em like crazy
Run a lot do a lot never be lazy

Never be lazy be lazy
Eat a lot sleep a lot brush em like crazy

Run a lot do a lot never be lazy boy
Poof!

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of The Beach Boys's song "Mama Says" send a message of positivity and encouragement to young people. The song appears to be addressed to a young boy, and throughout the song, the singer lists a series of habits that they should develop to be successful and lead a healthy life. The line "eat a lot sleep a lot brush em like crazy" emphasizes the importance of taking care of one's health, including eating well, getting enough sleep, and practicing good hygiene. The repeated refrain "run a lot do a lot never be lazy" advises the boy to always be active and engaged in life, rather than wasting time on idle pursuits.

The song's upbeat and catchy melody, along with its positive message, make it a popular tune for children's music programs and educational initiatives. The song's lyrics have also been used in health campaigns to promote healthy eating and physical activity for children. Although the song was originally released in 1965, its enduring popularity has made it a classic that continues to be enjoyed by audiences of all ages.

Line by Line Meaning

Eat a lot sleep a lot brush em like crazy
Maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating well, getting enough sleep and brushing your teeth regularly

Run a lot do a lot never be lazy
Stay active and never procrastinate

(Good boy)
A term of encouragement for following these healthy habits

Never be lazy be lazy
A reminder to avoid laziness and stay motivated

Eat a lot sleep a lot brush em like crazy
Repeating the importance of a healthy lifestyle

Run a lot do a lot never be lazy
Repeating the importance of staying active and motivated

Eat a lot sleep a lot brush em like crazy
Repeating the importance of good habits

Run a lot do a lot never be lazy
Repeating the importance of avoiding laziness and staying productive

Never be lazy boy
A direct reminder to the listener to avoid laziness and stay motivated

Poof!
An abrupt ending to the song

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: MICHAEL LOVE, BRIAN WILSON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind