Brian Wilson

Barenaked Ladies

About Brian Wilson

"Brian Wilson" is a song written by Steven Page for Canadian rock band Barenaked Ladies as a tribute to the Beach Boys' co-founder Brian Wilson. It was released as a single from the band's debut studio album, Gordon (1992), peaking at number 18 on the Canadian Singles Chart and number 68 on the US Billboard Hot 100. In 2000, Wilson responded with a cover version that was released on his live album Live at the Roxy Theatre.


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Drove downtown in the rain
Nine-thirty on a Tuesday night
Just to check out the late-night record shop
Call it impulsive, Call it compulsive
Call it insane
But when I'm surrounded I just can't stop

It's a matter of instinct
It's a matter of conditioning and a matter of fact
You can call me Pavlov's Dog
Ring a bell and I'll salivate
How'd you like that?
Dr. Landy tell me you're not just a pedagogue

'Cause right now I'm lying in bed
Just like Brian Wilson did
Well I am lying in bed
Just like Brian Wilson did

So I'm lying here
Just staring at the ceiling tiles
And I'm thinking about, oh what to think about
Just listening and relistening
To Smiley Smile
And I'm wondering if this is some kind of creative drought

Because I'm lying in bed
Just like Brian Wilson did
Well I am lying in bed
Just like Brian Wilson did, whoa

And if you want to find me
I'll be out in the sandbox
Just wondering where the hell all the love has gone
I'm playing my guitar and building 
Castles in the sun, oh oh oh 
And singing "Fun, Fun, Fun"

Lying in bed
Just like Brian Wilson did
Well I am lying in bed
Just like Brian Wilson did, whoa

I had a dream
That I was three hundred pounds
And though I was very heavy
I floated 'til I couldn't see the ground
I floated 'til I couldn't see the ground
Somebody, I couldn't see the ground
Somebody, I couldn't see the ground
Somebody

Because I'm lying in bed
Just like Brian Wilson did
Well I am lying in bed
Just like Brian Wilson did, yeah

Drove downtown in the rain
Nine-thirty on a Tuesday night
Just to check out the late-night record shop

Call it impulsive, call it compulsive
You can call it insane, oh oh
But when I'm surrounded I just can't stop

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Barenaked Ladies

Barenaked Ladies (often abbreviated BNL or occasionally BnL) is a Canadian alternative rock band. The band is currently composed of Jim Creeggan, Kevin Hearn, Ed Robertson, and Tyler Stewart. Barenaked Ladies formed in 1988 in Scarborough, Ontario, then a suburban municipality outside the City of Toronto. They are best known for their hit singles, "One Week", "The Old Apartment", "Pinch Me", "If I Had $1000000", "Brian Wilson"; as well as the theme for the sitcom The Big Bang Theory. They have won multiple Juno Awards and have been nominated for Grammy Awards. They are also known for their light-hearted, comedic performance style. Their live shows are known for humorous banter between songs and improvised raps/songs, both of which are staples at virtually eve… more »

1 fan

Written by: Steven Page

Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Historical Relevance
Brian Wilson," a song by the Canadian music group Barenaked Ladies, was written by the band's lead vocalist Steven Page in 1992. It was named after the famous American musician and co-founder of the Beach Boys, Brian Wilson.
Song Inspiration
Page wrote the song when he was dealing with mental health struggles, a topic that became synonymous with Brian Wilson. The Beach Boys' icon battled mental health issues for most of his life, lending added significance to the song's title and lyrics.
Album Feature
The song initially appeared on Barenaked Ladies' first independent release, the "Yellow Tape," in 1991. The popularity of "Brian Wilson" helped the tape become the first indie release ever to achieve platinum status in Canada.
Rerelease
In 1992, the song was re-released on Barenaked Ladies' debut studio record, "Gordon." It was this version that became a huge hit, reaching #18 on the Canadian singles chart and #68 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
Live Performance
Barenaked Ladies have performed "Brian Wilson" at nearly all their concerts to date. It remains one of their most popular live songs.
Musical Genius
Brian Wilson, the namesake of the song, is widely regarded as one of the greatest songwriters and producers in the history of pop music, especially known for his innovative harmonies and production techniques.
Beach Boys Legacy
Co-founder of "The Beach Boys," Brian's influence was vital in shaping the band's sound. He contributed to the creation of some of history's most celebrated albums like "Pet Sounds" and songs like "Good Vibrations."
Mental Health Struggles
Wilson's mental health problems, which included depression, hallucinations, and a nervous breakdown, heavily impacted his life and career. He even retired from live performances in the late 1960s due to his issues.
Brian Wilson’s reaction
Brian Wilson himself reported to enjoy the Barenaked Ladies song named after him. He has even performed it in concert on a few occasions.
Ongoing Career
Despite his struggles, Brian Wilson continues to create music and has released several critically acclaimed solo albums. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988 as a member of The Beach Boys and received a Grammy Award for Best Rock Instrumental Performance in 2005.

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    Brian Wilson

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1998

    Billboard #68


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