This is another song that reminds me of The Wonder Years. It’s amazing that a show can use songs from generations before me and all of a sudden, I hear those songs and remember those moments like they were my own. Today’s song reminds me of a sad episode, Heartbreak, where Winnie breaks up with Kevin during a field trip because she had fallen for another guy.
God Only Knows was released in July of 1966 from their 11th album, Pet Sounds. It was composed and produced by Brian Wilson, the lyrics were written by Tony Asher. Carl Wilson sang vocals.
It became one of their most popular songs even though it only made #39 on the charts. This was due to it being released as a B-side because the band feared radio stations wouldn’t play it. At the time, it was one of the first songs to have “God” in the title and they thought it could cause problems.
Brian initially wanted to do lead vocals but later decided that his brother would probably convey the message better. Carl later said in an interview, ”I was honored to be able to sing that one. It is so beautifully written, it sings itself. Brian said something like, ‘Don’t do anything with it. Just sing it real straight. No effort. Take in a breath. Let it go real easy.’ I was really grateful to be the one to sing that song. I felt extremely lucky.”
