A timeline of ‘God Only Knows’: The making of The Beach Boys’ 1966 masterpiece
The beauty of music lies in its subjectivity. That said, there are some songs which are recognised as universally beautiful, and we have The Beach Boys to thank for a lot of them.
When we look back on the history of music, there are a few releases here and there that act as chapter titles in what is a pretty long book and resonate on an emotional level, as those listening are moved by the record and listen to it on repeat. However, it doesn’t just hit consumers, but fellow creatives as well, as the artistic world they’re a part of is fundamentally changed.
One of these major moments came when The Beach Boys released Pet Sounds, a record which is still considered one of their very best to this day. Each and every track has heart and soul buried within it, and the performances throughout the LP are second to none. There isn’t a bad song, but one of the most significant stand-out tracks is ‘God Only Knows’, which has been called game-changing, ethereal, and proof of the existence of God.
Now, decades after it was released as a single, we look back on the significance of one of the greatest pieces of music ever written. This is a timeline of the lifespan of a song that completely changed the world, and God only knows what we would do without it.
A timeline of how ‘God Only Knows’ was made:
January 1966
Writing sessions begin
The Beach Boys kick off their Japan and Hawaii tour, with Brian Wilson opting to stay behind in Los Angeles and send Glen Campbell out on tour instead.
In LA, Wilson teams up with Tony Asher to begin “making music for people on a spiritual level”, with material that would eventually become Pet Sounds.
During this, ‘God Only Knows’ emerges as a heartfelt rumination of romantic devotion.
Spring 1966
Lyric disagreements
While writing ‘God Only Knows’, Wilson and Asher have a disagreement about the opening line, claiming that Asher’s lyric, “I may not always love you”, was far too bleak to include in the final version of the song.
Wilson also wasn’t sure about keeping the word ‘God’ in the title, understanding that, in the context of 1960s America, doing so would likely invite claims of mocking religion or spiritual ideas, which Wilson was keen to avoid.
However, Asher convinced him that it was innovative rather than offensive, and so they opted to keep it in.
March-April 1966
Instrumental tracking begins
‘God Only Knows’ is one of the last songs on Pet Sounds to be recorded.
On March 10th, 1966, members of The Wrecking Crew attended the studio, including drummer Hal Blaine, drummer Jim Gordon, and bassist Carol Kaye.
Other contributions on the track included a French horn played by The Sound of Music’s Alan Robinson, an accordion, a harpsichord, a tambourine, and even Sleigh bells played by Blaine.
These choices were all made by Wilson to ensure the track immediately delivered an uplifting, larger-than-life persona, emulating the familiar euphoric feeling people have long associated with it.
April 11th, 1966
The band record lead vocal and harmonies
The band return to Columbia Studios with Wilson deciding to give the lead vocals to Carl Wilson, noting, “I gave the song to Carl because I was looking for a tenderness and a sweetness which I knew Carl had in himself as well as in his voice. He brought dignity to the song.”
The advice he gave Carl was fairly simple: don’t overdo it, just let it fall out, and “let it go easy”. The aim was to make the vocal seem as effortless as possible, no gimmicks, and just the right amount of breezy so as to not dilute the original message.
Brian and Bruce Johnston then deliver their harmonies, giving the track its additional sense of emotional vulnerability.
May 14th, 1966
Pet Sounds is released
Pet Sounds is released on May 14th, 1966, with ‘God Only Knows’ as the opening track on the record’s second side.
Some responses to the record were uncertain, and it initially debuted at number 106 on the US Billboard charts, later peaking at number ten.
Elsewhere, fellow musicians were immediately inspired by its creative innovation, including the likes of The Beatles, leading to the creation of their own conceptual masterpiece, Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.
July 18th, 1966
‘God Only Knows’ is released
‘God Only Knows’ is released with ‘Wouldn’t It Be Nice’, flipped to the B-side because of the use of the word ‘God’ in the title.
However, despite Wilson’s reservations about using the word, the desired effect paid off, with the song far outliving any concerns about momentary blasphemy.
1966 and beyond
Unmatched legacy
‘God Only Knows’ is one of the most significant songs in music history, with many musicians, legends included, even going so far as to claim it as one of the best songs ever written.
For some, like Pete Townshend and Christine McVie, its allure is inexplicable, though heavily linked to its heavenly sound and the way it makes you feel. As Towshend said, “‘God Only Knows’ is simple and elegant and was stunning when it first appeared; it still sounds perfect.”
Songwriter Jimmy Webb also argued that it “represents the whole tradition of liturgical music that I feel is a spiritual part of Brian’s music”, while Paul McCartney also chimed in with the praise, saying, “It’s really just a love song, but it’s brilliantly done. It shows the genius of Brian [Wilson]”.
