Brian Wilson – Good Vibrations

About The Song

In the annals of popular music, few songs stand as tall and groundbreaking as “Good Vibrations” by The Beach Boys. Released in 1966, this magnum opus from the mind of Brian Wilson is widely considered to be one of the most influential and innovative recordings of all time. A true sonic tapestry, “Good Vibrations” seamlessly blends elements of pop, rock, jazz, and even classical music to create a listening experience that is both exhilarating and thought-provoking.

Wilson, the band’s de facto leader and primary songwriter, was a musical genius who was constantly pushing the boundaries of what was possible in the studio. With “Good Vibrations”, he took his experimentation to new heights, crafting a song that was unlike anything that had been heard before. The song’s structure is unconventional, featuring multiple sections that segue seamlessly into one another. The instrumentation is equally complex, with layers of vocals, harmonies, and instrumentation that create a rich and textured soundscape.

“Good Vibrations” is also notable for its groundbreaking use of studio techniques. Wilson employed a variety of innovative recording methods, including overdubbing, phasing, and echo, to create a truly immersive sonic experience. The song’s iconic opening riff, with its swirling guitars and harmonized vocals, is a testament to Wilson’s genius in the studio.

Lyrically, “Good Vibrations” is a paean to love and happiness. The song’s narrator is smitten with a beautiful woman, and he describes the feeling of being in love as a series of positive vibrations. The lyrics are simple and direct, but they are also infused with a sense of wonder and optimism that is perfectly captured by the song’s music.

“Good Vibrations” was an immediate commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1966. The song has since been covered by countless artists and has been sampled in numerous hip-hop and electronic tracks. It has also been inducted into several Halls of Fame, including the Grammy Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

More than just a pop song, “Good Vibrations” is a work of art that has had a profound impact on popular music. It is a testament to the genius of Brian Wilson and a reminder of the power of music to transport us to other worlds and make us feel all kinds of emotions.

Video

Lyrics

I, I love the colorful clothes she wears
And she’s already workin’ on my brain
I, I only looked in her eyes
But I picked up something I just can’t explain

Man, I’m pickin’ up
I’m pickin’ up good vibrations
She’s givin’ me the excitations
I’m pickin’ up good vibrations
(Oom bop bop, good vibrations)
She’s giving me the excitations
(Oom bop bop, excitations)
Good, good, good, good vibrations
(Oom bop bop)
She’s giving me the excitations
(Oom bop bop, excitations)
Good, good, good, good vibrations
(Oom bop bop)
She’s giving me the excitations
(Oom bop bop, excitations)

I, I bet I know what she’s like
And I can feel how right she’d be for me
It’s weird how she comes in so strong
And I wonder what she’s pickin’ up from me

And I’m pickin’ up
I’m pickin’ up good vibrations
She’s giving me the excitations
I’m pickin’ up good vibrations
(Oom bop bop, good vibrations)
She’s giving me the excitations
(Oom bop bop, excitations)
Good, good, good, good vibrations
(Oom bop bop)
She’s giving me the excitations
(Oom bop bop, excitations)
Good, good, good, good vibrations
(Oom bop bop)
She’s giving me the excitations
(Oom bop bop, excitations)

(Ahh)
(Ah, my, my, what elation)
I don’t know where, but she sends me there
(Ah, my, my, what a sensation)
(Ah, my, my, what elations)
(Ah, my, my, what)

Gotta keep those lovin’ good vibrations a-happenin’ with her
Gotta keep those lovin’ good vibrations a-happenin’ with her
Gotta keep those lovin’ good vibrations a-happenin’ with her
Gotta keep those lovin’ good vibrations a-happenin’

Hum-be-num, hum-be-num (Oh)
Hum-be-num, hum-be-num (Oh)
Hum-be-num, hum-be-num (Oh)
Hum-be-num, hum-be-num (Oh)

Gotta keep those lovin’ good vibrations a-happenin’ with her
Gotta keep those lovin’ good vibrations a-happenin’ with her

Ahh
Good, good, good, good vibrations
(Oom bop bop)
(I’m pickin’ up good vibrations)
She’s giving me the excitations
(Oom bop bop)
(Excitations)
Good, good, good, good vibrations
(Oom bop bop)

Na na na na na, na na na
Na na na na na, na na na
Na na na na na, na na na
Na na na na na, na na na