‘God Only Knows’ by The Beach Boys is the most perfect pop song ever
written. A bold statement perhaps, but one that I’ll stick by until the day I
die. From the grandiose opening to its wonderful melody and that killer hook,
there are fewer greater listening experiences than getting lost amongst its
sheer beauty.
“But long as there are stars above you..”
Though not a big hit in their home country of the United States, the track peaked at number two in the UK singles charts, but the legacy it has left
has transcended time. Having topped a whole range of “best of” polls over the
years, it is evident how much this song means to people, including none other
than Paul McCartney who has frequently referred to it as his favourite song of
all-time.
The BBC used it to launch their BBC Music service with a range of
musicians sharing the song’s iconic lyrics, and it has also been covered by a
wide range of artists from the likes of David Bowie and Biffy Clyro, to Michael
Buble and Taylor Swift.
“You never need to doubt it…”
The track was released in May 1966, when The Beach Boys unveiled their
piece-de-resistance ‘Pet Sounds’. It is testament to the strength of the record
that this was not the lead single but was later released as a double A-side
with the uplifting ‘Wouldn’t It Be Nice’.
The song incorporates a range of musical styles and influences.
Sonically, it can almost be classified as a classical piece. Magical strings
swirl and horns provide an underlying urgency, beneath those classic Beach Boys
harmonies which are a staple of their best material. There are even plastic
orange juice cups “played” to provide an additional layer of subtle percussion.
Carl Wilson was (somewhat unusually) put forward to sing the lead vocal
on the song as songwriter and lead Beach Boy Brian Wilson felt he could deliver
the song the way it was intended. What a masterstroke it turned out to be. The
vocal delivery conveyed subtle, heartfelt compassion.
Then there’s the lyrics. Starting a love song with the words “I may not always love you” is a bold
move, but the overwhelming sentiment doesn’t take long to creep in. The song is
about undying love, one in which the protagonist cannot imagine living
without, best demonstrated in the heart-wrenching lines; “If you should ever leave me, though life would still go on believe me,
the world could show nothing to me so what good would living do me”. Simplistic,
perhaps, rhyming “me” four times consecutively, but its simplicity is what
makes ‘God Only Knows’ so universally appealing. The arrangement takes care of
the complicated parts, allowing the undying affection to come to the fore lyrically.
On the chorus (that wonderful chorus), “God only knows what I’d be without you” is, without question, one of
the most romantic lyrics ever written. Again, the lyric may seem fairly
straightforward, but it is impossible not to get goosebumps when Wilson sings
it. Every. Single. Time. The main vocal repeats the line a total of sixteen
times in less than three minutes, and it still never loses its magic. The
classic Beach Boys call-and-response which plays the song out just takes it to
the next level with an utter vocal masterclass.
“I’ll make you so sure about it…”
‘God Only Knows’ is one of those classic songs which transcend genre and
generations and will rightfully hold its place as a masterpiece for generations
to come. Its versatility is unrivalled and is perfect for listening (like most
other Beach Boys tracks) on a summer’s day to further brighten surroundings, or
through headphones in the middle of the night to break from any troubling
thoughts.
On a personal level, the song is one which gets me through the day, good
or bad, and I make sure I listen to it at least daily for that reason. The positivity
which emanates through it, from the strings to the innocence of the vocals, it
is medicinal in its ability to inject positivity, even briefly, no matter what
else is happening around you.
I cannot recommend this song enough.
“God only knows what I’d be without you.”
GM
Was trying to find out about the 'orange cups' when I came across your celebration of the greatest pop song of all time...
ReplyDeleteIt struck me reading what you say about the four rhymes with 'me' that the four rhyming lines are really just a variation on the two plus two rhyme scheme (aa bb): aa= believe me and leave me; bb= to me and do me.
Not an earth-shattering observation but I'd never thought about it before until I read your piece.
Three under-appreciated aspects of God Only Knows which I never tire of:
1. The way Carl's voice breaks with emotion at the end of the third verse.
2. The 'toc t-toc' percussion instrument, which I thought was some kind of wood block (surely this isn't the famed orange cups?)
3. The quality of Bruce Johnston's voice on the outro...that gliding feeling when he sings 'withoouuuuttt'
Now it's back to YT to listen to this masterpiece for n000th time...cheers friend!