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
Surfer Girl
The Beach Boys Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Made my heart come all undone
Do you love me, do you surfer girl
Surfer girl, my little surfer girl
I have watched you on the shore
Standing by the ocean's roar
Do you love me, do you surfer girl
We could ride the surf together
While our love would grow
In my woody I would take you, everywhere I go
So I say from me to you
I will make your dreams come true
Do you love me, do you surfer girl
Surfer girl, my little surfer girl
Little one
Girl surfer, girl, my little surfer girl
Little one
Girl surfer, girl, my little surfer girl
Little one
Girl surfer, girl, my little surfer girl
The Beach Boys' “Surfer Girl” is a simple and sweet love song that takes the listeners to the serenity of the ocean filled with surfers. The lyrics are straightforward; the persona is declaring his love to a surfer girl who he has watched on the shore for a long time. The persona is lost in his love and is asking if she loves him too.
The persona is proclaiming his love to the surfer girl and is offering to take her on a ride on his woody, a wooden-bodied station wagon at the time, and journey together, riding the waves and growing their love. He promises to make her dreams come true indicating that he is committed to her at any cost.
Through the use of the beach and surfing as a backdrop, the song captures an essence of life that was popular among young people in the early 60s when the song was written. The repetitive lyrics, the falsetto vocals, the harmonies, and the instrumental arrangement all contribute to making this song a classic and perfect representation of the Beach Boys' signature sound.
Line by Line Meaning
Little surfer, little one
Addressing the girl he loves as a young surfer
Made my heart come all undone
Acknowledging the impact she has had on his emotions
Do you love me, do you surfer girl
Asking the surfer girl if she reciprocates his love
Surfer girl, my little surfer girl
Repeated affectionate reference to the surfer girl
I have watched you on the shore
Observing her as she enjoys the beach and ocean
Standing by the ocean's roar
Noting how close she is to the powerful waves
We could ride the surf together
Suggesting a shared pastime and experience
While our love would grow
Expressing romantic intentions for their relationship
In my woody I would take you, everywhere I go
Implying his desire to be with her always, even in his car
So I say from me to you
Starting a declaration of his feelings
I will make your dreams come true
Promising to fulfill her aspirations
Little one, girl surfer, girl, my little surfer girl
Final affectionate address to the surfer girl
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Songtrust Ave
Written by: Brian Wilson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@jmmatthews3115
My dad passed away this year. He went to high school in the 60's and loved the music from that era. I remember riding around with him when I was a kid and listening to the "Oldies" on the radio. Everytime I hear the Beach Boys it reminds me of him. Love you Dad. RIP.
@gigiuvvu
my dad passed away too , just a week ago from covid , and he loved this song too
@austinstratman1809
God bless your Dad and Hook 'em Horns!
@ayrintiyapidenetimltd.sti.2108
so sad for your loss..R.I.P..
@feathersheathers4823
I lost my dad in 2017. He grew up loving The Beach Boys as well. I listen to them and imagine him as a young man. I’m sorry for your loss.
@immunegarden5104
When I was a kid my parents did the same... My dad is 69 and my mother 61.. Both have health issues.... Serious ! I don't know you but I love you.😊
@stevenmay2863
Such a special song for me. I was just 13 or 14 years old and my first love had just broken up with me. I was walking home at night carrying my radio. I sat down and looked up at the full moon and I could see some clouds going by. This song came on the radio. I remember this like yesterday. I am now 71 years old. Believe it or not, it still hurts, but I start smiling because I am so fortunate to remember this.
@user-ii4zf5iq3t
I was 12. Wasn't it a grand time. Times were so much brighter and warmer and hopeful then. 💕
@jacksemporiumofstuff
I wish I could have experienced the 60s. Born in '72.......🤏 "missed it by that much!" The 50s and 60s just seem like such an exciting time to have been alive. Thanks for sharing your memory!!
@billthomas9328
Thank you for your service