Don't Go Near the Water

The Beach Boys

About Don't Go Near the Water

"Don't Go Near the Water" is a song written by Mike Love and Al Jardine for the American rock band The Beach Boys. It was the first track on their 1971 album Surf's Up.


Year:
1971
2:42
116 

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Don't go near the water
Don't you think it's sad
What's happened to the water
Our water's going bad

Oceans, rivers, lakes and streams
Have all been touched by man
The poison floating out to sea
Now threatens life on land

Don't go near the water
Ain't it sad
What's happened to the water
It's going bad

Don't go near the water
Don't go near the water

Toothpaste and soap will make our oceans a bubble bath
So let's avoid an ecological aftermath
Beginning with me
Beginning with you

Don't go near the water
To do it any wrong
To be cool with the water
Is the message of this song

Let's all help the water
Right away
Do what we can and ought to
Let's start today

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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 »

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Written by: Alan C. Jardine, Mike E. Love

Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Release Details
"Don't Go Near the Water" is the opening track from The Beach Boys' 1971 album, Surf's Up.
Songwriters
The song was written by Mike Love and Al Jardine, members of the Beach Boys.
Environmental Theme
The song subtly speaks out against water pollution, making it an early instance of popular music taking an environmental stance.
Lyrics
The lyrics, rather than being about enjoying the beach and water (as was typical for the Beach Boys), instead warn about the dangers of polluting our oceans and rivers.
Vocalists
Al Jardine and Mike Love were the main vocalists for the track.
Album Performance
The album, Surf's Up, peaked at number 29 on the U.S. Billboard charts, showcasing a shift from their light-hearted surf music to more serious, socially conscious themes.
Music Composition
"Don't Go Near the Water" is a departure from the typical Beach Boys sound, with its moody melodies and prominent use of acoustic guitars and piano, reflecting a new level of creative progression.
Jardine's Commitment
Al Jardine, one of the songwriters, has remained a strong voice for environmental conservation, demonstrating that the song wasn't just a passing phase, but a true reflection of his values.
Variety of Sounds
"Don't Go Near the Water" is distinct for its blend of vocal harmonies, piano, banjo, and a cappella breaks – it isn't simply a straightforward pop song.
Album Legacy
The message of "Don't Go Near The Water" set the tone for the rest of the Surf's Up album, which is often hailed as a great creative achievement in The Beach Boys' discography despite not achieving high commercial success.

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