About the song
“I Get Around,” an iconic song by the Beach Boys, epitomizes the exuberance and restlessness of youth in the early 1960s. Released as the opening track of their 1964 album *All Summer Long*, this track marked a pivotal moment for the band as they navigated newfound fame and the evolving American music scene. Penned by Brian Wilson and Mike Love, the song’s autobiographical lyrics reflect the band’s reaction to their rapid rise to stardom and their perpetual quest for novelty in life.
The narrative of “I Get Around” captures the group’s desire to explore new environments “where the kids are hip,” highlighting their yearning for experiences beyond their immediate surroundings. This sentiment is underscored by the chorus declaration “I get around,” signifying not just physical movement but also a deeper understanding of what’s current and relevant.
Musically, the song showcases Brian Wilson’s innovative approach, blending a cappella harmonies with a driving rhythm that mimics the excitement of cruising along coastal highways. The use of chord progressions and instrumental breaks, including saxophone and electric guitar solos, adds layers of dynamism that complement the lyrical themes of freedom and exploration.
Upon its release on May 11, 1964, “I Get Around” quickly ascended the charts, becoming the Beach Boys’ first number-one hit in the U.S. Its success not only solidified their standing in the music industry but also sparked friendly competition with the Beatles, who were dominating the charts during the same period.
The recording process itself was not without drama, as tensions between Brian Wilson and his father, Murry Wilson, boiled over during the sessions. Despite these challenges, the track’s polished production and infectious energy captured the zeitgeist of the early ’60s youth culture.
Over the years, “I Get Around” has been celebrated for its cultural impact and musical innovation. Its induction into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2017 further cemented its legacy as a timeless classic. Through its vivid lyrics and dynamic composition, the song remains a vivid snapshot of a bygone era, where the Beach Boys’ pioneering spirit and Brian Wilson’s musical genius continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.
Video
Lyrics
Round round, get around
I get around
Yeah
(Get around round round, I get around)
I get around
(Get around round round, I get around)
My kinda town
(Get around round round, I get around)
I’m a real cool head
(Get around round round, I get around)
I’m makin’ real good bread
I’m gettin’ bugged driving up and down the same old strip
I gotta find a new place where the kids are hip
My buddies and me are gettin’ real well known
Yeah, the bad guys know us and they leave us alone
I get around
(Get around round round, I get around)
My kinda town
(Get around round round, I get around)
I’m a real cool head
(Get around round round, I get around)
I’m makin’ real good bread
(Get around round round, I get around)
I get around, round
Get around round round, ooh
We always take my car ’cause it’s never been beat
And we’ve never missed yet with the girls we meet
None of the guys go steady ’cause it wouldn’t be right
To leave their best girl home now on Saturday night
I get around
(Get around round round, I get around)
My kinda town
(Get around round round, I get around)
I’m a real cool head
(Get around round round, I get around)
I’m makin’ real good bread
(Get around round round, I get around)
I get around, round
Ooh, ooh
Round round, get around
I get around
Yeah
(Get around round round, I get around)