About the song
The Beach Boys’ iconic rendition of “Sloop John B” stands as a testament to the group’s ability to transform traditional folk music into a groundbreaking sound that would define an era. While the song’s origins trace back to the Kingston Trio’s 1958 recording, the Beach Boys’ interpretation, released in 1966, injected new life into the timeless melody.
Al Jardine, a passionate folk music enthusiast, played a pivotal role in introducing the song to Brian Wilson. Despite Wilson’s initial skepticism towards the Kingston Trio’s style, Jardine’s persistence and his ability to present the song in a Beach Boys-esque manner ultimately convinced Wilson of its potential. Jardine’s innovative chord changes, departing from the original’s simplicity, expanded the song’s melodic possibilities, providing a richer musical canvas for the group to explore.
Wilson’s lyrical modifications, such as the altered line “this is the worst trip I’ve ever been on,” added a layer of ambiguity and hinted at the psychedelic subculture emerging in the 1960s. These subtle changes, combined with the song’s evocative imagery of a sailor’s perilous journey, contributed to its enduring appeal.
The Beach Boys’ recording of “Sloop John B” was a collaborative effort that showcased the group’s musical prowess. Brian Wilson’s meticulous production, featuring a blend of rock and marching band instrumentation, created a unique sonic landscape. The vocal harmonies, featuring the distinctive voices of Brian Wilson and Mike Love, added depth and emotion to the song. Billy Strange’s electric twelve-string guitar solo, recorded in a single take, provided a memorable instrumental interlude.
The song’s commercial success was undeniable, reaching the top of the charts in several countries. Its enduring popularity can be attributed to its infectious melody, relatable lyrics, and innovative arrangement. “Sloop John B” remains a cornerstone of the Beach Boys’ discography, a testament to their ability to seamlessly blend traditional folk music with their distinctive sound.
Video
Lyrics
… We come on the sloop John B
My grandfather and me
Around Nassau town we did roam
Drinking all night
Got into a fight
Well, I feel so broke up
I want to go home
… So hoist up the John B’s sail
See how the main sail sets
Call for the captain ashore
Let me go home
Let me go home
I wanna go home, yeah, yeah
Well, I feel so broke up
I wanna go home
… The first mate, he got drunk
And broke in the captain’s trunk
The constable had to come and take him away
Sheriff John Stone
Why don’t you leave me alone? Yeah, yeah
Well, I feel so broke up
I wanna go home
… So hoist up the John B’s sail (hoist up the John B’s sail)
See how the main sail sets (see how the main sail sets)
Call for the captain ashore, let me go home
Let me go home
I wanna go home, let me go home
Why don’t you let me go home? (Hoist up the John B’s sail)
Hoist up the John B (hoist up the John B’s)
I feel so broke up, I wanna go home
Let me go home
… The poor cook, he caught the fits
And threw away all my grits
And then he took, and he ate up all of my corn
Let me go home
Why don’t they let me go home?
This is the worst trip I’ve ever been on
… Hoist up the John B’s sail (hoist up the John B’s sail)
See how the main sail sets (see how the main sail sets)
Call for the captain ashore, let me go home
Let me go home
I wanna go home
Let me go home