Surf's Up

Album: Surf's Up (1971)
Play Video
  • Lyrics currently unavailable Writer/s: Brian Douglas Wilson, Van Dyke Parks
    Publisher: Wixen Music Publishing

Comments: 7

  • Asil Nospmis from 2000 Miles From NelraThe song’s message makes sense, but the lyrics don’t
  • Rick Morrow from CaliforniaLet me try to explan the lyrics and music that Van Dake Parks could not express. This song is a mosaic of poetry and lyrical imagery as a protagonist who is dealing with the responsibility of adulthood while lamenting the loss of childhood innocense. The surf is up and the tidal wave of adulthood and responsibility has formed. The movement from childhood and fun to responsibility and adulthood is overwhelming and the man mourns the loss of innocense.
  • Deethewriter from Saint Petersburg, Russia FederationOne of the highlights on the five-disc box set, called The Smile Sessions [released on November 1st, 2011 A.D.] is a version of Brian Wilson, solo on the piano, running through "Surf's Up" during 1967's Wild Honey album sessions -- long after the Smile album had been abandoned. Jon Stebbins, author of several watershed Beach Boys books -- including The Beach Boys FAQ -- explained that the performance is indicative of the importance of the Beach Boys' middle period music: "The version of 'Surf's Up' that's Brian at the piano in 1967 with the Wild Honey piano sound on it just kind of (laughs) blew my mind, because it just emphasized what a genius Brian was with his left hand. Listening to hear him sing this incredible melody; it's wonderful in it's beauty and the progression he's reaching for in his musical attitude, basically."
  • George from Belleville, NjSurf's Up is a song that's so complex in it's beauty that it's hard to put it into a category.It's like a pop symphony bordering on classical with a touch of psycedelic added to it.A strange but beautiful trip on a musical journey.This song conjures up all kinds of thoughts and dreams and far away feelings.This is a true masterpiece.
  • Sabrina from Corvallis, OrI finally got to hear Brian Wilson's SMiLE and heard Surf's Up on that CD. It's an awesome song. It's too bad Mike Love wouldn't give it or Van Dyke Parks a chance back in the day...but then they say all things happen for a reason,so maybe it's best it came out more fully later on than back in the 60s when Brian was initially working on SMiLE.
  • Robert from Vancouver, BcThis is perhaps one of most sublime songs of all time?
  • Bill from Downers Grove, IlMike Love disliked the song lyrics and questioned VanDyke Parks about their meaning. He didn't know what they meant, just liked the way they sounded together. I agree..
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Supertramp founder Roger Hodgson

Supertramp founder Roger HodgsonSongwriter Interviews

Roger tells the stories behind some of his biggest hits, including "Give a Little Bit," "Take the Long Way Home" and "The Logical Song."

Barney Hoskyns Explores The Forgotten History Of Woodstock, New York

Barney Hoskyns Explores The Forgotten History Of Woodstock, New YorkSong Writing

Our chat with Barney Hoskyns, who covers the wild years of Woodstock - the town, not the festival - in his book Small Town Talk.

Classic Metal

Classic MetalFact or Fiction

Ozzy, Guns N' Roses, Judas Priest and even Michael Bolton show up in this Classic Metal quiz.

Millie Jackson

Millie JacksonSongwriter Interviews

Outrageously gifted and just plain outrageous, Millie is an R&B and Rap innovator.

Verdine White of Earth, Wind & Fire

Verdine White of Earth, Wind & FireSongwriter Interviews

The longtime bassist of Earth, Wind & Fire discusses how his band came to do a holiday album, and offers insight into some of the greatest dance/soul tunes of all-time.

Allen Toussaint - "Southern Nights"

Allen Toussaint - "Southern Nights"They're Playing My Song

A song he wrote and recorded from "sheer spiritual inspiration," Allen's didn't think "Southern Nights" had hit potential until Glen Campbell took it to #1 two years later.