Don't Worry Baby

Last updated

The earlier verses contrasted the narrator's lust for his girl—"She makes me come alive"—with his fears regarding the power of his car: "I guess I should have kept my mouth shut when I started to brag about my car. . . ." But while his lover keeps telling him not to worry, her reassurances lead to the sexual encounter in the final verse and the intriguing reversal in the transitive verb that describes it. She's making love to him, which implies a sexual assertiveness (if not quite aggressiveness) that the narrator won't, or can't, claim for himself. [12]

Biographer Mark Dillon compared the lyrical themes to "a musical equivalent of Rebel Without a Cause ." [3] In his book Sonic Alchemy, David Howard wrote that "Don't Worry Baby" was a "subtle harbinger for the growing dichotomy within the California Sound. While 'I Get Around' symbolized the sunshine ideal in all its carefree splendor, 'Don't Worry Baby' suggested something entirely more pensive and even slightly dark underneath its pristine facade." [13]

Composition

Musically, "Don't Worry Baby" is closely similar to "Be My Baby". [14] Both songs start with a standalone drumbeat that is then joined by other instruments. [10] The verses in "Don't Worry Baby" are in E major (the same key as "Be My Baby") and follow a I–IV–V chord progression. [15] [9] The chorus has the same changes as the verses of "Be My Baby" (I–ii–V), [9] [10] and both choruses have the same scale tones in the melody, albeit with a different rhythm. [10]

One of the ways in which the song distinguishes itself from "Be My Baby" is through the use of a key change preceding the chorus. [14] At the end of the verses, the song shifts from E to F♯ major by repeating a ii7–V sequence one whole step above. [16] Musicologist Philip Lambert notes, "The key shift is a transcendent expression of the change in perspective, from the guy in the verse to the girl in the chorus." [17]

Recording

The Beach Boys at a 1964 photoshoot The Beach Boys (1965).png
The Beach Boys at a 1964 photoshoot

The Beach Boys recorded "Don't Worry Baby" as part of two eight-hour sessions at United Western Recorders, Hollywood, on January 7, 1964. [18] [9] All of the band members played their own instruments on the recording. [18] [19] Vocals and guitars were overdubbed on January 8 or 9. Take 12 was used for the master. [18] Former member David Marks, who had left the group several months earlier, may have played at this overdubbing session. [20]

Commenting on Wilson's singing, White wrote, "Brian upped the vocal ceiling in his emulative arrangement to accommodate the Wagnerian Minnie Mouse yodel that was Ronette lead singer Ronnie Bennett's standard sonic slope." [5] An alternate take of Wilson's singing was included on the 2013 box set Made in California . [21]

Despite being modeled heavily after "Be My Baby", "Don't Worry Baby" does not emulate Phil Spector's Wall of Sound production technique. [9]

Release

Shut Down Volume 2 was released on March 2, 1964, with "Don't Worry Baby" placed as the second track. On March 14, the band appeared on American Bandstand , during which they lip synced a performance of "Don't Worry Baby". The segment was broadcast on ABC on April 18. [22]

On May 11, "Don't Worry Baby" was issued as the B-side to their single "I Get Around". [22] The B-side charted separately from the A-side due to differences in radio plays, peaking at number 24 on July 4. [23] Cash Box described it as an "attention-getting shuffle beat cha cha" song that "has the big hit goods." [24]

Legacy and recognition

OK, so maybe the appeal of this one has nothing to do with the specifics of the story, but surely we can all relate to the idea of support, how knowing that someone cares for you regardless of what happens gives you strength to do great things. And the music is such a perfect accompaniment to this theme, so damn cozy and warm, a tender respite from the stressful reality of the main narrative.

— Pitchfork editor Mark Richardson [25]

Biographer David Leaf declared that "Don't Worry Baby" became Wilson's first "pop standard", [1] while Dillon decreed that it marked "one of his defining [vocal] performances on one of his greatest records." [3] In a 1970 interview, Wilson opined, "Probably the best record we've done was 'Don't Worry Baby'. It has about the best proportion of our voices and ranges." [26] Wilson has since called his vocal on the song the best he has done for the band, commenting, "I think I sang it sweetly enough that you could feel the love in my voice." [27]

In 1988, "Don't Worry Baby" was ranked number 11 on Spin 's list of the greatest singles in history. [3] In 2010, it was ranked number 178 on Rolling Stone 's list of the greatest songs in history. [28] In 2010, it was ranked number 14 on Pitchfork 's list of the greatest songs of the 1960s. [25]

"Don't Worry Baby" was featured in the 2006 film Déjà Vu starring Denzel Washington.

Cover versions and homages

Terry Melcher drew heavily on "Don't Worry Baby" for his production and arrangement of the Byrds' 1965 rendition of "Mr. Tambourine Man". [29] [30] The two tracks share a similar tempo, as well as the same drum beat and rhythm guitar patterns. [30] Byrds member Roger McGuinn greatly admired "Don't Worry Baby" and stated that, at one point, he listened to the record (alongside "God Only Knows") nearly every morning. "I'd wake up and play those songs. It was really inspirational. It was almost like going to church." [31] Dillon writes that part of the Byrds' subsequent success "can be attributed to how they successfully adapted Beach Boys-style harmonies" on songs such as "Mr. Tambourine Man". [32]

"Don't Worry Baby"
Beach Boys - I Get Around.jpg
Single by the Beach Boys
from the album Shut Down Volume 2
A-side "I Get Around"
ReleasedMay 11, 1964
RecordedJanuary 1964
Studio Western, Hollywood
Genre
Length2:47
Label Capitol
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s) Brian Wilson
The Beach Boys singles chronology
"Fun, Fun, Fun"
(1964)		"Don't Worry Baby"
(1964)		"When I Grow Up (To Be a Man)"
(1964)
Licensed audio
Don't Worry Baby (Mono) on YouTube
"Don't Worry Baby"
Don't Worry Baby - B.J. Thomas.jpg
Single by B.J. Thomas
from the album B.J. Thomas
B-side "My Love"
ReleasedJune 1977
Label MCA
Songwriter(s) Brian Wilson, Roger Christian
Producer(s) Chris Christian
B.J. Thomas singles chronology
"Without a Doubt"
(1977)		"Don't Worry Baby"
(1977)		"Still the Lovin' Is Fun"
(1977)

The song was Keith Moon's favorite Beach Boys track, and he recorded two versions of it for his only solo album, Two Sides of the Moon (1975). [33] Another cover by the Bay City Rollers became a Top 40 hit in Australia. [34] B. J. Thomas released "Don't Worry Baby" as a single in 1977, making it the most successful cover, and outperforming the sales of the Beach Boys' version. Thomas later said: "I have always loved the Beach Boys—all of their records. They could do no wrong in my book. Brian Wilson was amazing. It wasn't my biggest hit, but it did sell about 800,000 copies and I still perform it live in concert." [35]

In the 1980s, Randy Bachman and Carl Wilson wrote an homage to "Don't Worry Baby", titled "What's Your Hurry, Darlin'?", that was recorded by Bachman's band Ironhorse. In 1988, the Beach Boys re-recorded the song featuring the Everly Brothers and released the song as a single. [36] Lorrie Morgan was the featured guest on the Beach Boys' rerecording of "Don't Worry Baby" for the band's 1996 album Stars and Stripes Vol. 1 . [37] Garbage's 1998 single, "Push It", contained an interpolation of the "Don't Worry Baby" chorus; Wilson and Christian were subsequently given songwriting credits on "Push It". [38]

Personnel

Per Craig Slowinski. [18]

The Beach Boys

Additional musicians and production staff

David Marks may have played the overdubbed lead guitar solo, however, Slowinski could not confirm this with complete certainty. [20]

Charts

Weekly singles charts

The Beach Boys version
Chart (1964)Peak
position
U.S. Billboard Hot 100 [35] 24
The Bay City Rollers version
Chart (1976)Peak
position
Australia (Kent Music Report) [34] 34
B.J. Thomas version
Chart (1977)Peak
position
Canada RPM Top Singles [39] 12
Canada RPM Adult Contemporary [40] 1
U.S. Billboard Hot 100 [35] 17
U.S. Billboard Adult Contemporary [41] 2
U.S. Cash Box Top 100 [42] 13
Lorrie Morgan version
Chart (1996)Peak
position
U.S. Billboard Hot Country Songs [43] 73

Year-end charts

B.J. Thomas version
Chart (1977)Rank
Canada RPM Top Singles [44] 118
U.S. Billboard Hot 100 [45] 96
U.S. Cash Box [46] 83

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brian Wilson</span> American musician (born 1942)

Brian Douglas Wilson is an American musician, singer, songwriter, and record producer who co-founded the Beach Boys. Often called a genius for his novel approaches to pop composition, extraordinary musical aptitude, and mastery of recording techniques, he is widely acknowledged as one of the most innovative and significant songwriters of the 20th century. His best-known work is distinguished for its high production values, complex harmonies and orchestrations, layered vocals, and introspective or ingenuous themes. Wilson is also known for his formerly high-ranged singing and for his lifelong struggles with mental illness.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">California Girls</span> 1965 song by the Beach Boys

"California Girls" is a song by the American rock band the Beach Boys from their 1965 album Summer Days . Written by Brian Wilson and Mike Love, the lyrics detail an appreciation for women across the world, but how they don't compare to women from California, the band's home state. It was released as a single, backed with "Let Him Run Wild", and reached number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. It was also a top 10 hit in several other countries, becoming one of the band's most successful songs globally.

<i>The Beach Boys Today!</i> 1965 album by the Beach Boys

The Beach Boys Today! is the eighth studio album by the American rock band the Beach Boys, released March 8, 1965, by Capitol Records. It signaled a departure from their previous records with its orchestral sound, intimate subject matter, and abandonment of car or surf songs. Side one features an uptempo sound, while side two consists mostly of introspective ballads. Supported by this thematic approach, the record became an early example of a rock concept album and established the group as album artists rather than just a singles band. It has since become regarded as one of the greatest albums of all time.

<i>15 Big Ones</i> 1976 album by the Beach Boys

15 Big Ones is the 20th studio album by the American rock band the Beach Boys, released July 5, 1976, by Brother/Reprise. It includes a mix of original songs and renditions of rock 'n' roll and R&B standards. The LP was the band's first album with production credited solely to Brian Wilson since Pet Sounds (1966). As such, its release was accompanied by a controversial media campaign that declared his comeback as an active member of the Beach Boys' recording and touring group.

<i>The Beach Boys Love You</i> 1977 studio album by The Beach Boys

The Beach Boys Love You is the 21st studio album by American rock band the Beach Boys, released April 11, 1977, on Brother/Reprise. Sometimes called the band's "punk" or "synth-pop" album, Love You is characterized for its pioneering use of synthesizers and its juxtaposition of adolescent-oriented lyrics with the adult band members' gravelly vocals.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Heroes and Villains</span> 1967 single by the Beach Boys

"Heroes and Villains" is a song by the American rock band the Beach Boys from their 1967 album Smiley Smile and their unfinished Smile project. Written by Brian Wilson and Van Dyke Parks, Wilson envisioned the song as an Old West-themed musical comedy that would surpass the recording and artistic achievements of "Good Vibrations". The single was Brother Records' first release. While it failed to meet critical and commercial expectations, it was a hit record, peaking at number 12 in the U.S. and number 8 in the UK.

<i>All Summer Long</i> (album) 1964 album by the Beach Boys

All Summer Long is the sixth album by American rock band the Beach Boys, released July 13, 1964 on Capitol Records. Regarded as their first artistically unified collection of songs, as well as one of the first true concept albums, it marked the Beach Boys' first LP that was not focused on themes of cars or surfing. Instead, the songs are semi-autobiographical and relate to the experiences of a typical Southern Californian teenager, a theme encapsulated by the title track, "All Summer Long", and the often-imitated front cover, a modernist style photo collage depicting the band members fraternizing with young women on a beach.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wouldn't It Be Nice</span> 1966 single by the Beach Boys

"Wouldn't It Be Nice" is a song by the American rock band the Beach Boys and the opening track from their 1966 album Pet Sounds. Written by Brian Wilson, Tony Asher, and Mike Love, it is distinguished for its sophisticated Wall of Sound-style arrangement and refined vocal performances, and is regarded among the band's finest songs. With its juxtaposition of joyous-sounding music and melancholic lyrics, it is considered a formative work of power pop, and with respect to musical innovation, progressive pop.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Be My Baby</span> 1963 song by the Ronettes

"Be My Baby" is a song by American girl group the Ronettes that was released as a single on Philles Records in August 1963. Written by Jeff Barry, Ellie Greenwich, and Phil Spector, the song was the Ronettes' biggest hit, reaching number 2 in the U.S. and number 4 in the UK. It is often ranked as among the best songs of the 1960s, and it is regarded by some as one of the greatest songs of all time.

"I Know There's an Answer" is a song by American rock band the Beach Boys from their 1966 album Pet Sounds. Written by Brian Wilson, Terry Sachen, and Mike Love, the song was inspired by Wilson's experience with the drug LSD and his struggle with ego death. Musically, it is distinguished for its colorful arrangement, unorthodox structure, and bass harmonica solo. The instrumentation also includes guitars, tambourine, tack piano, banjo, clarinets, flutes, electric keyboards, and timpani. Wilson, Love, and Al Jardine trade the lead vocal, for which the melody spans two octaves.

"You Still Believe in Me" is a song by American rock band the Beach Boys from their 1966 album Pet Sounds. Initially conceived as "In My Childhood", it was the first songwriting collaboration between Brian Wilson, the group's de facto leader, and songwriter Tony Asher. Wilson sang the lead vocal.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Please Let Me Wonder</span> 1965 single by the Beach Boys

"Please Let Me Wonder" is a song by the American rock band the Beach Boys from their 1965 album The Beach Boys Today!. Written by Brian Wilson and Mike Love, it was the first song Wilson wrote under the influence of marijuana. The lyrics are about a man who does not know if a girl loves him and is afraid of learning the answer, and so he prefers to fantasize that she does. On February 15, the song was issued as the B-side to their "Do You Wanna Dance?" single before the album's release.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I'm Waiting for the Day</span> 1966 song by the Beach Boys

"I'm Waiting for the Day" is a song by the American rock band the Beach Boys from their 1966 album Pet Sounds. Written primarily by Brian Wilson, the lyrics describe a man who is "waiting for the day" when the woman he loves will be ready to commit to a relationship with him. Wilson, alongside co-author Mike Love, are the only Beach Boys who appear on the recording.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Here Today (The Beach Boys song)</span> 1966 song by the Beach Boys

"Here Today" is a song by the American rock band the Beach Boys from their 1966 album Pet Sounds. Written by Brian Wilson and Tony Asher, the lyric warns the listener of inevitable heartbreak before the narrator reveals himself to be the ex-boyfriend of the listener's newfound love. Musically, the song features an uncommon formal structure, the use of electric bass guitar as a lead instrument, and a 20-bar length instrumental break.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Surf's Up (song)</span> Song written by Brian Wilson and Van Dyke Parks for the Beach Boys

"Surf's Up" is a song recorded by the American rock band the Beach Boys that was written by Brian Wilson and Van Dyke Parks. It was originally intended for Smile, an unfinished Beach Boys album that was scrapped in 1967. The song was later completed by Brian and Carl Wilson as the closing track of the band's 1971 album Surf's Up.

"Wonderful" is a song by the American rock band the Beach Boys from their 1967 album Smiley Smile and their unfinished Smile project. Written by Brian Wilson and Van Dyke Parks, it was their only collaboration that resulted in a love song, telling the story of a young girl's sexual awakening and its disruption of her devotion to God and her parents.

"Don't Hurt My Little Sister" is a song by the American rock band the Beach Boys from their 1965 album The Beach Boys Today!. Written by Brian Wilson with additional lyrics by Mike Love, it was inspired by Wilson's interactions with sisters Marilyn, Diane, and Barbara Rovell. It was produced on June 22, 1964, making it the earliest-recorded song on the album.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Little Girl I Once Knew</span> 1965 single by the Beach Boys

"The Little Girl I Once Knew" is a song by the American rock band the Beach Boys that was issued as a standalone single on November 22, 1965. Written and produced by Brian Wilson, it was recorded during the making of the band's 1966 album Pet Sounds.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I Get Around</span> 1964 song by the Beach Boys

"I Get Around" is a song by American rock band the Beach Boys and the opening track from their 1964 album All Summer Long. Written by Brian Wilson and Mike Love, the autobiographical lyrics describe the group's reaction to their newfound fame and success, as well as their restlessness concerning the status quo, and their desire to find new places "where the kids are hip". It was released as a single on May 11, 1964, with the B-side "Don't Worry Baby".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I Just Wasn't Made for These Times</span> 1966 song by the Beach Boys

"I Just Wasn't Made for These Times" is a song by American rock band the Beach Boys from their 1966 album Pet Sounds. Written by Brian Wilson and Tony Asher, the lyrics describe the disillusionment of someone who struggles to fit into society. Musically, it is distinguished for its melodic bass guitar, layered vocals, and Electro-Theremin solo, marking the first time the instrument was used in popular music and the first time theremin-like sounds were used on a rock record.

References

  1. 1 2 Leaf 1978, p. 52.
  2. ↑ Sanchez 2014, p. 54.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 Dillon 2012, p. 29.
  4. ↑ Breihan, Tom (November 15, 2022). "The Beach Boys - "Good Vibrations". The Number Ones: Twenty Chart-Topping Hits That Reveal the History of Pop Music. New York: Hachette Book Group. pp. 86–87.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 White 1996, p. 186.
  6. ↑ Dillon 2012, pp. 28–29.
  7. 1 2 3 Wilson & Gold 1991, p. 82.
  8. ↑ Sharp, Ken (January 2, 2009). "Brian Wilson: God's Messenger". American Songwriter .
  9. 1 2 3 4 5 Rooksby 2001, pp. 27–28.
  10. 1 2 3 4 Lambert 2007, p. 135.
  11. ↑ White 1996, p. 352.
  12. ↑ Carlin 2006, p. 40.
  13. ↑ Howard 2004, p. 57.
  14. 1 2 Lambert 2016, p. 69.
  15. ↑ Lambert 2007, pp. 135–137.
  16. ↑ Lambert 2016, p. 71.
  17. ↑ Lambert 2007, p. 136.
  18. 1 2 3 4 Slowinski, Craig (2014). Keep an Eye On Summer 1964 (Digital Liner). The Beach Boys. Capitol Records. Mirror Archived March 4, 2016, at the Wayback Machine
  19. ↑ Dillon 2012, p. 25.
  20. 1 2 Slowinki, Craig (January 18, 2016). "Re: The Recording of Fun, Fun, Fun and Don't Worry Baby". smileysmile.net. Retrieved September 3, 2021.
  21. ↑ Sharp, Ken (September 4, 2013). "Beach Boys Producers Alan Boyd, Dennis Wolfe, Mark Linett Discuss 'Made in California' (Q&A)". Rock Cellar Magazine. Archived from the original on 30 September 2013.
  22. 1 2 Badman 2004, p. 53.
  23. ↑ Badman 2004, pp. 53, 61.
  24. ↑ "CashBox Record Reviews" (PDF). Cash Box. May 16, 1964. p. 10. Retrieved 2022-01-12.
  25. 1 2 "The 200 Greatest Songs of the 1960s". Pitchfork . 2010. Retrieved September 18, 2021.
  26. ↑ Badman 2004, p. 273.
  27. ↑ Sharp, Ken (2 March 2011). "Best Individual Artist: Brian Wilson". Goldmine Magazine: Record Collector & Music Memorabilia. Retrieved 23 July 2022.
  28. ↑ "500 Greatest Songs of All Time: Don't Worry Baby". Rolling Stone . 2004. Retrieved September 18, 2021.
  29. ↑ White 1996, p. 246.
  30. 1 2 Dillon 2012, p. 31.
  31. ↑ Dillon 2012, pp. 29–30.
  32. ↑ Dillon 2012, p. 32.
  33. ↑ Badman 2004, p. 342.
  34. 1 2 Kent, David (1993). Australian Chart Book 1970-1992 . St Ives, N.S.W.: Australian Chart Book. ISBN   0-646-11917-6.
  35. 1 2 3 Leszczak, Bob (2014). Who did it first? : great pop cover songs and their original artists. Lanham, Maryland. p. 60. ISBN   9781442230682.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  36. ↑ Dillon 2012, p. 243.
  37. ↑ "Remembering the Beach Boys' Crossover into '90s Country, 'Stars and Stripes Vol. 1'". 26 June 2018.
  38. ↑ Eden, Dawn (1998-05-01). Short Takes; Garbage Version 2.0. Record Collector. pp. 136, 137.
  39. ↑ "Item Display - RPM - Library and Archives Canada". Collectionscanada.gc.ca. 1977-10-22. Retrieved 2021-09-26.
  40. ↑ "Item Display - RPM - Library and Archives Canada". Collectionscanada.gc.ca. 1977-09-10. Retrieved 2021-09-22.
  41. ↑ Whitburn, Joel (2002). Top Adult Contemporary: 1961-2001. Record Research. p. 242.
  42. ↑ Cash Box Top 100 Singles, October 15, 1977
  43. ↑ "Lorrie Morgan". Billboard .
  44. ↑ "Top 200 Singles of '77 – Volume 28, No. 11, December 31 1977". RPM . Library and Archives Canada. 17 July 2013. Retrieved June 25, 2016.
  45. ↑ "Top 100 Hits of 1977/Top 100 Songs of 1977". Musicoutfitters.com. Retrieved 2016-09-27.
  46. ↑ "Top 100 Year End Charts: 1977". Cashbox Magazine . Archived from the original on 2012-10-28. Retrieved 2016-07-26.
  47. ↑ Carlin 2006, p. 213.

Bibliography

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.