About the song
**”Wouldn’t It Be Nice”** stands as a quintessential example of The Beach Boys’ innovation and musical sophistication. Released in July 1966 as the opening track from their seminal album *Pet Sounds*, this song showcases the band’s foray into a more complex and emotionally nuanced sound. Written by Brian Wilson, Tony Asher, and Mike Love, it exemplifies the pioneering spirit of the mid-1960s’ rock scene, blending joyous melodies with introspective lyrics.
The track is notable for its sophisticated Wall of Sound-style arrangement, a hallmark of producer Phil Spector’s influence, combined with Brian Wilson’s unique touch. The song features a lush orchestration, with contributions from 16 studio musicians who played an array of instruments including drums, timpani, glockenspiel, trumpet, saxophones, accordions, guitars, pianos, and upright bass. The introduction of a 12-string mando-guitar, plugged directly into the recording console to produce a harp-like effect, adds to the song’s distinctive sound. Additionally, the use of ritardando, a gradual slowing down of tempo, adds a layer of musical complexity rarely seen in pop music.
Lyrically, “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” captures the hopeful yearning of youth. The song reflects the fantasies of a young couple dreaming about the romantic freedom they would enjoy if only they could marry each other. This theme of idealistic love and longing is underscored by the juxtaposition of the song’s upbeat melody and the more melancholic undertones of its lyrics.
Brian Wilson’s inspiration for the song came from his own feelings towards his sister-in-law, whom he admired for her innocent charm. He sought to encapsulate this sense of innocent idealism in the song. Despite the band’s struggles with the multiple vocal layers and the meticulous production process, which made “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” the most time-consuming track to record for *Pet Sounds*, the result is a masterpiece of pop craftsmanship.
Upon its release, the song reached number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and has since become one of The Beach Boys’ most enduring and beloved tracks. Its inclusion in various film soundtracks, including the 1989 documentary *Roger & Me*, and its status as the band’s most streamed song on Spotify as of 2021, attest to its lasting impact and relevance.
“Wouldn’t It Be Nice” not only exemplifies The Beach Boys’ artistic evolution but also represents a significant moment in the development of progressive pop, making it a pivotal track in the history of popular music.
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Lyrics
Wouldn’t it be nice if we were older?
Then we wouldn’t have to wait so long
And wouldn’t it be nice to live together
In the kind of world where we belong?
You know it’s gonna make it that much better
When we can say goodnight and stay together
Wouldn’t it be nice if we could wake up
In the morning when the day is new?
And after having spent the day together
Hold each other close the whole night through
Happy times together we’ve been spending
I wish that every kiss was never ending
Oh, wouldn’t it be nice?
Maybe if we think and wish and hope and pray
It might come true (run, run, we-ooh)
Oh, baby, then there wouldn’t be a single thing we couldn’t do
We could be married (we could be married)
And then we’d be happy (and then we’d be happy)
Oh, wouldn’t it be nice?
You know it seems the more we talk about it
It only makes it worse to live without it
But let’s talk about it
But wouldn’t it be nice?
Goodnight, my baby
Sleep tight, my baby
Goodnight, my baby
Sleep tight, my baby
Goodnight, my baby
Sleep tight, my baby