About The Song
Background
- Album: The song first appeared on the 1970 Beach Boys album Sunflower, a critically acclaimed turning point for the band.
- Writers: Dennis Wilson, Carl Wilson, Al Jardine, and Bob Burchman collaborated on the song. Dennis is largely credited for the music, with Jardine contributing to the lyrics.
- Production: Dennis Wilson played a major role in the production, giving it a distinct sound compared to earlier Beach Boys hits.
Themes
- The Toll of Fame: The song delves into the darker side of the music industry, exploring the exhaustion, loneliness, and disillusionment that can come with stardom.
- Persistence and Renewal: Despite acknowledging the hardships, there’s an underlying sense of resilience. The song suggests the need to push through difficult times and continue creating.
- A Shift in Sound: The song’s sound reflects a turning point for the Beach Boys. It has a more mature, introspective, and rock-influenced feel that marked their transition away from the cheerful surf sound that defined their earlier work.
Lyrics
Here’s a look at some notable lyrics and their potential meaning:
- “Sometimes I feel, very sad / Ain’t it a shame, it’s a shame” – A straightforward expression of the melancholy and isolation that can come with fame.
- “We try to give you everything we can / Music to soothe the savage beast” – Recognizing their role as entertainers, they hint at trying to offer solace through music, even if they don’t always find it themselves.
- “Got to keep the lovin’ goin’ / Searchin’ for the way of livin'” – An emphasis on continuing the journey, even when the path is unclear. It speaks to resilience and the search for meaning.
- Latin-influenced jam outro: An unexpected musical shift that injects energy and a hint of defiance, showcasing their willingness to evolve and experiment.
Overall Meaning
“It’s About Time” is a candid and introspective song that provides a glimpse into the struggles and complexities of life in the spotlight. It’s both a lament and a statement of resilience, marking a mature shift in the Beach Boys’ musical journey.
Video
Lyric
🎶Let’s sing along with the lyrics!🎤
I used to be a famous artistProud as I could beStruggling to express myselfFor the whole world to seeI used to blow my mind sky-highSearching for the lost elationLittle did I know the joy I was to findIn knowing I am only me
I’m singin’ in my heartI’m singin’ in my heartI’m singin’ love to singI love to sing it from my heart
Oh, the creation, yeahOf a good time doin’ my partWith an open-hearted laugh of realization in my mindAnd now I’m but a child who artErect in humilityServing out a love for everyone I meetIn truth, who are really me
I’m singin’ in my heartI’m singin’ in my heartI’m singin’, love to singI love to sing it down from my heart
No-no-no, no no(Ooh, hey, yeah) no-no-no-noIt’s about time now, it’s about time nowIt’s about time now, don’t you know now?It’s about time now, it’s about time nowIt’s about time now, don’t you know nowIt’s about time we get togetherTo be out front and love one anotherBrothers, sisters, everybodyWe better start to help each other nowWe need it now
When we’re sharin’ our love, brotherThat’s when we know we can shape another world
Lord, Lord, Lord, Lord, LordLord, Lord, Lord, Lord, LordLord, Lord, Lord, Lord, LordOoh, LordLord, Lord, Lord, Lord, noOh, no (oh, no)