'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:
2002
2:41
60 

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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


8 facts about this song

Creation and Origin
"'Til I Die" is a song written by Brian Wilson for the American rock band, The Beach Boys. - Released in 1971, it was included in their 20th studio album, "Surf's Up".
Brilliant Artistry
This haunting ballad is considered one of the most personal and profound songs that Brian Wilson ever wrote. - Wilson himself described "’Til I Die" as "the most personal song I ever wrote for The Beach Boys".
Brian Wilson's Inspiration
The song was inspired by a period of depression and contemplation of life and death that Wilson underwent in his 20s. - Its lyrics are about mortality, reflecting the growing maturity and introspection of Wilson’s songwriting approach.
Music Arrangement
The song is renowned for its complex vocal harmonies and intricate layering of sound, featuring the group's distinctive a cappella style. - It incorporates a variety of interesting musical elements, including a pipe organ and a swirling, kaleidoscopic keyboard sound.
Critical Recognition
Music critics praise it as one of The Beach Boys' finest songs. - Some critics consider "'Til I Die" to be among the strongest material on the "Surf's Up" album.
Other Versions
Brian Wilson revisited the song in 1995 for his solo album "I Just Wasn't Made for These Times". In this adaptation, he modified the arrangement to be more intimate and plaintive. - The song has also been covered by a variety of artists over the years, demonstrating its enduring appeal to musicians and listeners.
Lyrics Meaning
The famous phrase “I’m a cork on the ocean” from the song, signifies Brian’s feeling of being lost and directionless. - The final words ‘until I die’ demonstrate Brian Wilson’s commitment to continue his musical journey despite numerous personal struggles.
Influence
Despite being less commercially popular, "'Til I Die" is regarded as an important part of The Beach Boys' musical transition and evolution. - It continues to influence modern bands, and remains a fan favorite due to its profound lyrical exploration of life's existential nature.

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