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
Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town
The Beach Boys Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Stopped off at the North Pole to spend a holiday
I called on dear old Santa Claus
To see what I could see
He took me to his workshop
And told his plans to me, so
[Chorus]
Better not pout, I'm telling you why
Santa Claus is comin' to town
He's making a list and checking it twice
Gonna find out who's naughty and nice
Santa Claus is comin' to town
He sees you when you're sleepin'
He knows when you're a wake
He knows if you've been bad or good
So be good for goodness sake
Oh! You better watch out, you better not cry
Better not pout, I'm telling you why
Santa Claus is comin' to town
With little tin horns and little toy drums
Rooty toot toots and rummy tum tums
Santa Claus is comin' to town
And curly head dolls that toddle and coo
Elephants, boats, and kiddie cars too
Santa Claus is comin' to town
Then kids in Girl and Boy land will have a jubilee
They're gonna build a Toyland all around the Christmas tree
So! You better watch out, you better not cry
Better not pout, I'm telling you why
Santa Claus is comin' to town
Now Santa is a busy man, He has no time to play
He's got millions of stockings to fill on Christmas day
You'd better write your letter now
And mail it right away
Because he's getting ready
His reindeer's and his sleigh. So
[Chorus]
With little tin horns and little toy drums
Rooty toot toots and rummy tum tums
Santa Claus is comin' to town
And curly head dolls that toddle and coo
Elephants, boats, and kiddie cars too
Santa Claus is comin' to town
Then kids in Girl and Boy land will have a jubilee
They're gonna build a Toyland all around the Christmas tree
So! You better watch out, you better not cry
Better not pout, I'm telling you why
Santa Claus is comin' to town
The Beach Boys's rendition of "Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town" captures the anticipation and excitement of children waiting for Santa to visit on Christmas Eve. The first verse describes the singer's journey to the North Pole, where he visits Santa Claus himself and is given a sneak peek of what gifts are in store for the world's children. The chorus reminds listeners that Santa is always watching and knows who is naughty and who is nice, encouraging them to behave their best. The second verse highlights the various toys and gifts that will be delivered to children around the world, including tin horns, toy drums, curly-headed dolls, elephants, boats, and kiddie cars. The verse also mentions the construction of a "Toyland" around the Christmas tree, where children can celebrate and play with their new treasures.
Perhaps the most memorable aspect of The Beach Boys's version of this song is its upbeat and cheerful tone, which perfectly captures the excitement and joy of the holiday season. The use of various instruments, including horns, drums, and bells, adds to the festive atmosphere and emphasizes the fun and playfulness of the song. The lyrics, with their focus on Santa and the gifts he brings, tap into the sense of wonder and magic that many people experience during this time of year.
Line by Line Meaning
I just came back from a lovely trip along the Milky Way
I had a galactic adventure and now I'm back on Earth.
Stopped off at the North Pole to spend a holiday
I took a break at Santa's home to celebrate.
I called on dear old Santa Claus
I went to visit Santa.
To see what I could see
I wanted to know what was going on with Santa.
He took me to his workshop
Santa brought me to his place of work.
And told his plans to me, so
He shared his secrets and plans with me.
You better watch out, you better not cry
Warning: Be careful of your behavior.
Better not pout, I'm telling you why
Don't be sad or upset, here's the reason.
Santa Claus is comin' to town
Santa is on his way.
He's making a list and checking it twice
He's keeping track of who's naughty and nice.
Gonna find out who's naughty and nice
He will discover who has been good or bad.
He sees you when you're sleepin'
Santa knows when you're sleeping.
He knows when you're a wake
He knows when you're awake, alert and active.
He knows if you've been bad or good
He knows whether you've been a good or bad person.
So be good for goodness sake
Behave well just because it's the right thing to do.
With little tin horns and little toy drums
There will be musical toys such as horns and drums.
Rooty toot toots and rummy tum tums
These toys will make fun sounds.
And curly head dolls that toddle and coo
Dolls with curly hair will walk around and make sweet sounds.
Elephants, boats, and kiddie cars too
There will be toys of elephants, boats and toy cars.
Then kids in Girl and Boy land will have a jubilee
Both girls and boys will celebrate and be happy.
They're gonna build a Toyland all around the Christmas tree
A land of toys will be created surrounding the Christmas tree.
Now Santa is a busy man, He has no time to play
Santa is very occupied and has no chance to rest.
He's got millions of stockings to fill on Christmas day
He has many presents to give on Christmas.
You'd better write your letter now
Write a letter to Santa quickly.
And mail it right away
Don't waste any time, send it now.
Because he's getting ready
He's preparing for the big event.
His reindeer's and his sleigh. So
He's making sure his sleigh and reindeer are prepared.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave
Written by: John Coots, Haven Gillespie
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jane Dunn
My Mom had this album on vinyl & I loved hearing this as a child. 😊❤️🎄
dre key
I listen to this every year. I love that it's upbeat and fun!
MeloLand
Wonderful version.
pyramidfan90
Wonderful christmas song.
Neil S&M 2 Production
Great chrismas song
Tommy Vermiglio
Me And Charli Should Dance To That On The Radio
JCBro2014
Some of these instruments sound like they came from a Hanna Barbera cartoon, like The Flintstones or The Jetsons.
Anthony V
Not gonna lie, they kinda ruin the song 😬
Lupton2000
@Anthony V I always say That is the worst rendition of Santa Claus is Coming To Town.
Anthony V
@Clorox Bleachman no, I like this one, I just try to filter out the Tom and Jerry sounds 😂