This song is undoubtedly one of my favourites by The Beach Boys, highlighting a criminally underrated period of their discography. After their surf classics of the 1960s and excluding Brian Wilson's incredible projects like "Smile," The Beach Boys transitioned into a more mature and developed style of songwriting. During this time, less prominent members truly came into their own; This track, from their 19th album, was written by guitarist Carl Wilson and manager Jack Rieley, who also co-wrote several other tracks on their 1973 album "Holland."
The song tells a story of generational oppression, with some of the most beautiful and blissed-out music they ever recorded, especially in the second half. It's fascinating for its incorporation of modern elements, notably synth bass and what seems to be other synth elements. This musicality gives the song a timeless appeal, and it has aged remarkably well. I used to enjoy the sound of this song so much that I never took the time to properly examine the writing. When I first read the lyrics, I was amazed at how well-constructed they were—both as a piece of creative writing and in how perfectly they flowed with the music. The intricacies of the lines, concluding with "signed sincerely" at the end of each verse, read almost like the report of an explorer's discoveries and malevolent intentions.
The lyrics are poetic, painting a picture of human injustice without ever coming across as self-righteous or preachy. As this story of great oppression unfolds within the first half of the song, it pauses, draws breath, and delivers a message of unity and togetherness throughout the second half. Personally, I think this elevates the song to near-perfect status. The lines are delivered with such tenderness and care, and the music and harmonies are The Beach Boys at their best: "Begging intently, for a slight reprieve, a night of ease, hands to touch, beyond the sorrow, on to the force without power, piercing the crust of the tower, reason to live." It is truly breathtaking in its atmospheric, calming, and blissed-out sound. It feels like a wave of euphoria, like being on a boat on a completely still ocean, with the most incredible sunset beaming down on you, enveloping you in total peace.
While the themes are clear, I believe the song goes beyond those literal themes, representing a meditation on the human condition, the capacity for cruelty, and the righteousness of compassion, hope, and love. Written towards the end of the Vietnam War in a troubled America, I can only imagine how the atmosphere of waste and hope influenced this song.
The demo of this song, called "City Jim," shows that the main track was already there. I can't emphasise enough how good this song is and how much I wish more people knew about this era of The Beach Boys. It's similar in many ways to Dennis Wilson's solo material, which also stands out for its musicality and appeal.
It's a dreadful shame that most people's impression of The Beach Boys is governed by their typical 60s surf numbers like "I Get Around" and "Surfin' Safari." While I love all of that material, the later stuff is Smithsonian-level good, and I highly recommend listening to the rest of the album, especially notable songs like "Funky Pretty" and "Sail On Sailor." You can probably tell, I think this song is basically perfection.
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