About the song
Background of “I Get Around” by The Beach Boys
- Songwriters: Originally credited to Brian Wilson alone, but later Mike Love received co-writing credit.
- Release: 1964. Became the band’s first No. 1 hit on the Billboard Pop charts.
- Inspiration:
- The Regents’ 1961 hit “Barbara-Ann” influenced the intro.
- Brian Wilson’s favorite chord progression (ii and V) used in previous songs.
- The band’s own experiences with newfound fame and touring.
Themes in “I Get Around”
- California Dreamin’: The song embodies the Beach Boys’ signature “California sound” with themes of surfing, cars, and teenage life.
- Breaking Routine: While celebrating success, the lyrics hint at a desire for something new, “a new place where the kids are hip”.
- Rock and Roll Lifestyle: The song portrays the perks of being a rockstar: traveling, making money, and attracting girls.
- Early Hints of Change: The restlessness with routine foreshadowed the band’s future move beyond pure “beach” themes.
Video
Lyrics
Round round, get aroundI get aroundYeah(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 stripI gotta find a new place where the kids are hip
My buddies and me are gettin’ real well knownYeah, 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, roundGet around round round, ooh
We always take my car ’cause it’s never been beatAnd we’ve never missed yet with the girls we meet
None of the guys go steady ’cause it wouldn’t be rightTo 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, roundOoh, ooh
Round round, get aroundI get aroundYeah(Get around round round, I get around)