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A timeline of ‘God Only Knows’: The making of The Beach Boys’ 1966 masterpiece
The article traces the writing, recording, release and lasting influence of The Beach Boys’ ‘God Only Knows’, from early 1966 to its emergence as a landmark song. – January 1966: Brian Wilson stayed in Los Angeles during a Beach Boys tour and began writing Pet Sounds material with lyricist Tony Asher. – Spring 1966: Wilson and Asher debated the song’s pessimistic opening line and its use of ‘God’, but retained both. – March–April 1966: Session musicians recorded its elaborate instrumental backing, including French horn, accordion, harpsichord and sleigh bells. – 11 April 1966: Carl Wilson recorded the lead vocal, while Brian Wilson and Bruce Johnston added harmonies. – 14 May 1966: Pet Sounds was released, with ‘God Only Knows’ opening side two; the album later peaked at number ten in the US. – 18 July 1966: The song was issued as the B-side to ‘Wouldn’t It Be Nice’, partly because of concerns over its title. – Afterwards: Musicians including Paul McCartney, Pete Townshend and Jimmy Webb praised its composition, sound and emotional impact.
In short
- ‘God Only Knows’ evolved through bold writing and studio experimentation.
- Carl Wilson’s tender lead vocal became central to the recording.
- The song gained enduring acclaim as a pop masterpiece.
Explained simply
"God Only Knows" is a song by The Beach Boys recorded in 1966 whilst making their album Pet Sounds. This article traces how the song came to be written, recorded and released during that period.
Brian Wilson, the band's main songwriter, worked with lyricist Tony Asher to write the song in early 1966, debating its pessimistic opening line and use of the word "God". Session musicians then recorded an elaborate instrumental arrangement featuring French horn, accordion, harpsichord and sleigh bells, before Carl Wilson recorded the main vocal with harmonies from Brian Wilson and Bruce Johnston.
The song appeared on Pet Sounds when the album was released in May 1966, though it was initially released as the B-side to another song partly because of concerns about the title. It has since been recognised as a significant song, with musicians praising its musical arrangement and emotional resonance.