Beach Boys – Wouldn’t It Be Nice

About the song

“Wouldn’t It Be Nice,” a cornerstone of the Beach Boys’ iconic album *Pet Sounds*, stands as a testament to Brian Wilson’s genius as a composer and producer. Released in 1966, this song captivated audiences with its innovative blend of upbeat melodies and introspective lyrics, diverging from the band’s earlier, more superficial themes.

At its heart, “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” paints a portrait of youthful yearning and the idealism of young love. Brian Wilson, alongside lyricist Tony Asher, drew inspiration from personal infatuations, particularly Wilson’s fascination with his sister-in-law’s innocent charm. This admiration for innocence and the longing for romantic freedom are palpable throughout the song’s narrative, which explores the aspirations of a couple eager to break free from societal constraints.

The song’s production was equally groundbreaking, employing a lush “Wall of Sound” arrangement that featured a diverse array of instruments including timpani, glockenspiel, and even a 12-string mando-guitar. Wilson’s meticulous attention to detail extended to the vocal performances, which required multiple takes to achieve the desired harmony and emotional depth. The inclusion of a ritardando, a rare musical device in pop music, further underscored Wilson’s commitment to pushing artistic boundaries.

Upon its release, “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” resonated deeply with audiences, reaching number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and cementing its place as one of the Beach Boys’ most beloved tracks. Its enduring popularity is evident in its continued presence in popular culture, from films like *Roger & Me* to its status as the most streamed Beach Boys song on Spotify as of 2021.

Despite controversies surrounding songwriting credits, with Mike Love’s contributions disputed, the song remains a testament to Wilson’s singular vision and the collaborative efforts that shaped *Pet Sounds*. Tony Asher’s lyrical craftsmanship, melded with Wilson’s musical ingenuity, created a timeless piece that captures the complexities of youthful optimism and romantic longing.

In conclusion, “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” not only showcases the Beach Boys’ evolution towards more introspective themes but also highlights Brian Wilson’s role as a pioneer in music production and arrangement. Its legacy endures as a masterpiece that continues to inspire generations of listeners with its poignant portrayal of love’s possibilities and aspirations.

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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?
After having spent the day together
Hold each other close the whole night through

But 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
Oh, we could be married (Oh, 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