Til I Die

The Beach Boys

About Til I Die

"Til I Die" is a song written by Brian Wilson for the American rock band the Beach Boys, released on the band's 1971 album Surf's Up and subsequently chosen as the B-side of the single "Long Promised Road". With autobiographical lyrics about death and hopelessness, it is one of the few songs in which both the words and music were written solely by Wilson. Biographer Jon Stebbins wrote: "''Til I Die' proves that Brian could not only write beautiful music, but that he had the ability to communicate honestly and artfully with his lyrics as well. The track is decorated with a haunting vibraphone and organ bed, which frames the strong harmony vocal arrangement perfectly." 


Year:
1981
75 
#1

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I'm a cork on the ocean
Floating over the raging sea
How deep is the ocean?
How deep is the ocean?
I lost my way
Hey hey hey

I'm a rock in a landslide
Rolling over the mountainside
How deep is the valley?
How deep is the valley?
It kills my soul
Hey hey hey

I'm a leaf on a windy day
Pretty soon I'll be blown away
How long will the wind blow?
How long will the wind blow?
Ohhhh

Until I die
Until I die

These things I'll be until I die
These things I'll be until I die
These things I'll be until I die
These things I'll be until I die

These things I'll be until I die
These things I'll be until I die
These things I'll be until I die
These things I'll be until I die

These things I'll be until I die
These things I'll be until I die

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The Beach Boys

The Beach Boys are an American rock band, formed in 1961 in Hawthorne, California. The group was initially composed of brothers Brian, Dennis and Carl Wilson, their cousin Mike Love, and friend Al Jardine. Managed by the Wilsons' father Murry, the Beach Boys signed to Capitol Records in 1962. The band's early music gained popularity across the United States for its close vocal harmonies and lyrics reflecting a Southern California youth culture of surfing, cars, and romance. By the mid 1960s, Brian Wilson's growing creative ambition and songwriting ability would dominate the group's musical direction. The primarily Wilson-composed Pet Sounds album and "Good Vibrations" single (both released in 1966) featured a complex, intricate and multi-layered sound that wa… more »

13 fans

Written by: Brian Wilson

Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


13 facts about this song

Album Release
"Til I Die" is a song by the American rock group, The Beach Boys, originally released on the band's 20th studio album, Surf's Up, in 1971.
Songwriter
This song was written by Brian Wilson, one of the founding members of the Beach Boys. It remains one of the few songs Wilson wrote himself without a co-writer during the band's peak period.
Inspired by Struggle
The inspiration for "Til I Die" came during a period of mental struggle for Wilson, as he grappled with his existential thoughts and feeling small and inconsequential in the grand scheme of life.
Influential Song
Despite not achieving commercial success, "Til I Die" has been cited by critics as one of Wilson's finest compositions, capturing his unique ability to articulate deep and complex emotions into beautiful music.
Drawn-Out Production
Recording for "Til I Die" started in 1969 and spanned over a period of two years, reflecting the drawn-out and disjointed production process that characterized much of the Beach Boys' work during this period.
Emotive Lyrics
The song’s lyrics are considered more introspective and melancholic than most of The Beach Boys’ repertoire, reflecting on themes of mortality and spiritual angst.
Unconventional Structure
"Til I Die" also deviates from the typical verse-chorus-bridge structure of pop songs, making it a standout track on the Surf's Up album.
Unique Artwork
The original artwork for the Surf's Up album, including the "Til I Die" track, was created by famous artist and illustrator, Don Brautigam, adding a unique dimension to the song's overall presentation.
Cover Versions
Various artists have covered "Til I Die", including pop singer Sarah Brightman and indie rock band, Maps that attest to its lasting impact.
Band Members' Favourite
It was reportedly a favorite song of both Bruce Johnston and Carl Wilson, other members of The Beach Boys.
Record Label Issue
Despite its critical acclaim, "Til I Die" was almost left off the Surf's Up album due to conflicts with the band’s record label.
Experienced Live
"Til I Die" remained a rare live inclusion in Beach Boys' concerts, making it a unique experience for fans to see the band perform the song on stage.
Impact on Music Industry
The introspective nature, unique musicality and deep emotion expressed in "Til I Die" have been cited as an influence by several musicians and songwriters in the pop and indie scenes.

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