The Beach Boys – Wouldn’t It Be Nice

About the song

Origin:

  • Released in 1966 as the opening track on their critically acclaimed album, Pet Sounds
  • Written by Brian Wilson (music) and lyricist Tony Asher

Genre:

  • Though rooted in The Beach Boys’ signature surf rock sound, “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” takes a more introspective and experimental approach. It blends elements of pop, rock, and baroque pop.

Lyrical Themes:

  • The song explores teenage daydreams and desires. The narrator imagines a world where he and his crush are free from adult constraints and can live a carefree life together.
  • It touches on themes of adolescent longing, rebellion against societal expectations, and the fantasy of escaping into a world built for two.

Musical Style:

  • The song features a unique and complex arrangement for The Beach Boys, with layered vocals, French horn, unusual percussion, and a distinctive harpsichord part.
  • It’s a departure from their earlier, sun-soaked sound and showcases Brian Wilson’s growing ambition as a songwriter and arranger.

Legacy:

  • “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” is considered a landmark song in popular music. It’s praised for its innovative sound, relatable lyrics, and beautiful melodies.
  • It’s been covered by many artists and remains a popular choice for weddings and other special occasions.

Video

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