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

The Girl from New York City
The Beach Boys Lyrics

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She came out with her best friend for the summer in L.A.
They took a spot and plopped down on the beach
You find them there near every day

And I said
California guys all can't peel their eyes
From that girl from New York City
And L.A. boys all heard the noise

About that girl from New York City

We'll turn 'em on with all the things that will be happening night and day
We'll show them such a groovy time that they'll both be decidin' to stay

And let me say
California guys all can't peel their eyes
From that girl from New York City
And L.A. boys all heard the noise
About that girl from New York City

California guys all can't peel their eyes
From that girl from New York City
And L.A. boys all heard the noise
About that girl from New York City

California guys all can't peel their eyes
From that girl from New York City

And L.A. boys all heard the noise
About that girl from New York City

Overall Meaning

The Beach Boys' song "The Girl from New York City" describes the arrival of a young woman from New York City and her friend who come to visit Los Angeles. They spend their days on the beach, attracting attention from California and L.A. guys alike. The lyrics suggest that these guys are so enamoured by this girl from New York City that they can't take their eyes off her. The song also highlights a desire to show the girls a good time while they're in California, hoping that they'll enjoy it enough to stay.

The lyrics are simple, yet they convey an interesting take on the differences between the east and west coasts of the United States. The song is a typical Beach Boys tune, with its upbeat melody and harmonies. The message seems to be about youthful exuberance and having fun. The main focus, however, seems to be the girl from New York City and the impact she has on the Californian and L.A. guys.

Line by Line Meaning

She came out with her best friend for the summer in L.A.
She arrived in Los Angeles with her friend for the summer season.

They took a spot and plopped down on the beach
They settled down on the sand at the beach.

You find them there near every day
They spend a lot of time at the beach.

And I said
The artist is about to make a statement.

California guys all can't peel their eyes
The men from California can't stop looking at her.

From that girl from New York City
The girl from New York City is the reason for their staring.

And L.A. boys all heard the noise
The boys from Los Angeles are aware of the commotion.

About that girl from New York City
The talk is all about the girl from New York City.

We'll turn 'em on with all the things that will be happening night and day
They plan to engage them in activities around the clock.

We'll show them such a groovy time that they'll both be decidin' to stay
They will have such a pleasant time that they would want to extend their stay.

And let me say
The singer wants to add more to the conversation.

California guys all can't peel their eyes
The men from California are still unable to look away from her.

From that girl from New York City
The girl from New York City still holds their attention.

And L.A. boys all heard the noise
The boys from Los Angeles continue to be aware of the talk.

About that girl from New York City
The discussions continue to revolve around the girl from New York City.

California guys all can't peel their eyes
The men from California are still fixated on her.

From that girl from New York City
They are still captivated by the girl from New York City.

And L.A. boys all heard the noise
The boys from Los Angeles are still aware of the chatter.

About that girl from New York City
The rumors about the girl from New York City are still circulating.

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BRIAN DOUGLAS WILSON, MIKE E. LOVE

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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