About the song
**”Good Vibrations”** stands as one of the most groundbreaking and influential songs in rock history, encapsulating the creative genius of The Beach Boys during a pivotal moment in their career. Released on October 10, 1966, this iconic track was composed by Brian Wilson, with lyrics crafted by Mike Love. The song’s immediate impact was evident as it soared to the top of the charts in both the United States and the United Kingdom, marking a major milestone for the band and solidifying its place in musical history.
The inspiration behind “Good Vibrations” is deeply rooted in Brian Wilson’s fascination with cosmic vibrations—a concept he had been intrigued by since childhood. His mother had told him that dogs often reacted to “bad vibrations,” and Wilson transformed this notion into a broader theme of extrasensory perception. Mike Love’s lyrics, on the other hand, drew inspiration from the burgeoning Flower Power movement of the 1960s, which championed themes of peace and love.
The production of “Good Vibrations” was nothing short of revolutionary. Following his innovative work on *Pet Sounds*, Wilson embarked on a meticulous recording process that spanned several months and involved a staggering number of studio hours. The song was recorded across four Hollywood studios, utilizing a plethora of musicians and over 90 hours of tape. This complex and experimental approach led to a composition characterized by its episodic structure, dramatic shifts in key and mood, and a diverse array of instrumental textures, including the use of jaw harp and Electro-Theremin.
At the time of its release, “Good Vibrations” was the most expensive single ever produced, reflecting Wilson’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of pop music. The track was initially intended to be part of the unfinished album *Smile*, but it eventually appeared on the September 1967 release *Smiley Smile*.
Critically acclaimed for its innovative use of studio techniques and its role in the evolution of psychedelic and progressive rock, “Good Vibrations” earned a Grammy nomination for Best Vocal Group Performance in 1967 and was later inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1994. It has also been ranked highly on numerous all-time greatest songs lists, including Mojo’s “Top 100 Records of All Time” and Rolling Stone’s “500 Greatest Songs of All Time.”
The song’s influence extends beyond its own era, often cited as a precursor to the Beatles’ “A Day in the Life” and Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody.” Even years after its release, “Good Vibrations” continues to be celebrated for its pioneering spirit and enduring impact on the world of music.
Video
Lyrics
I-I love the colorful clothes she wears
And the way the sunlight plays upon her hair
I hear the sound of a gentle word
On the wind that lifts her perfume through the air
I’m pickin’ up good vibrations
She’s giving me the excitations (oom bop bop)
I’m pickin’ up good vibrations (good vibrations, oom bop bop)
She’s giving me the excitations (excitations, oom bop bop)
I’m pickin’ up good vibrations (oom bop bop)
She’s giving me the excitations (excitations, oom bop bop)
I’m pickin’ up good vibrations (oom bop bop)
She’s giving me the excitations (excitations)
Close my eyes, she’s somehow closer now
Softly smile, I know she must be kind
When I look in her eyes
She goes with me to a blossom world
I’m pickin’ up good vibrations
She’s giving me excitations (oom bop bop)
I’m pickin’ up good vibrations (good vibrations, oom bop bop)
She’s giving me excitations (excitations, oom bop bop)
Good, good, good, good vibrations (oom bop bop)
She’s giving me excitations (excitations, oom bop bop)
Good, good, good, good vibrations (oom bop bop)
She’s giving me excitations (excitations)
Ah, ah, my my, what elation
I don’t know where but she sends me there
Oh, my my, what a sensation
Oh, my my, what elation
Oh, 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’
Good, good, good, good vibrations (oom bop bop)
She’s giving me the excitations (excitations, oom bop bop)
I’m pickin’ up good vibrations
Na na na na na, na na na
Na na na na na, na na na (bop bop-bop-bop-bop, bop)
Do do do do do, do do do (bop bop-bop-bop-bop, bop)
Do do do do do, do do do (bop bop-bop-bop-bop, bop)