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
You Still Believe In Me
The Beach Boys Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm not where I should be
I've been very aware
You've been patient with me
Every time we break up
You bring back your love to me
And after all I've done to you
You still believe in me
I try hard to be more
What you want me to be
But I can't help how I act
When you're not here with me
I try hard to be strong
But sometimes I fail myself
And after all I've promised you
So faithfully
You still believe in me
I wanna cry
Ah
Ah
Ah
Ah
The lyrics of The Beach Boys song, "You Still Believe in Me", are a poignant reflection on the struggles that come with growing up and maintaining a committed relationship. The song seems to be written from the perspective of someone who is aware that they have not lived up to their partner's expectations - they acknowledge that they are not where they "should be", and they have failed themselves and their partner in the past. The singer expresses gratitude for their partner's patience and unconditional love, acknowledging that they have been repeatedly forgiven and given another chance.
Despite their missteps, the singer is committed to working on themselves and being the person their partner wants them to be. However, they also acknowledge that they have moments of weakness and vulnerability, moments when they are unable to be strong and resolute. Despite all of this, their partner still believes in them and continues to love them, even when they cannot love themselves.
Overall, the lyrics are a beautiful testament to the power of forgiveness, understanding, and faith in a relationship. They encourage us to be patient with those we love, and remind us that sometimes the act of believing in someone can make all the difference.
Line by Line Meaning
I know perfectly well
I am aware of my shortcomings
I'm not where I should be
I am not living up to my potential
I've been very aware
I know that you have been patient and understanding with me
You've been patient with me
You have been forgiving despite my mistakes
Every time we break up
Whenever we go through a rough patch
You bring back your love to me
You show me love and support
And after all I've done to you
Despite all the wrongs I have committed against you
How can it be
I am amazed that you still have faith in me
You still believe in me
You still have faith in our relationship despite my flaws
I try hard to be more
I strive to improve and be better for you
What you want me to be
To live up to your expectations and desires
But I can't help how I act
I sometimes act impulsively and without thinking
When you're not here with me
When I am left alone with my thoughts
I try hard to be strong
I endeavor to be resilient in the face of challenges
But sometimes I fail myself
I fall short of my own expectations
And after all I've promised you
Despite all the vows I have made to you
So faithfully
I have tried to keep those promises with all sincerity
I wanna cry
I feel overwhelmed with emotions
Ah
Expressing grief and sadness
Ah
Continues to express sadness and pain
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Brian Douglas Wilson, Tony Asher
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