God Only Knows

Lot's of talk about the wonder years, not much about the song. So, here we go. It's a plain and simple love song - the title says it all. But the reason it's so good is the first line of each verse. How many love songs do you know that start with a sentiment - "I may not always love you"? This is to throw you off course, because he later reveals that actually he'll love her forever "as long as there are stars above you, you never need to doubt it. it's a little lovers joke.

Same in the second verse. So many songs say how you can't go on without the other person, but Wilson sings "life would still go on". But again, it's a ruse. He says life would go on, but that it would not be worth living. Again, he flips it round. That's why this is one of the best love songs ever. Plus, let's not forget that the music itself is unfathomably touching.

I get hardcore chills just THINKING about this song, the vocal harmonies.. the vocal shift at "So what good would living do me?" ahhh I can't even type, Beach Boys rule! Says a 21 year old guy.

At 17, this is my favourite song of all time. I'm not afraid to tell anyone this, and am constantly trying to introduce others to it's perfection. No song in the present or future will be better than this. Brian Wilson is a complete genius regardless of his problems.

God only knows what I'd be without this song.

:)

For me this song IS about love. I don't think that there is any twisted, underlying theme here. Thanks to Hollywood, people seem to think that 'true love' is like some magical act of destiny. I have fallen in love with my partner over and over again over the years. We have been together since we were 15. W'ere now almost 30 and we've had our ups and downs. Sometimes we forget what people mean to us and are reminded at a later date when we fall in love with them all over again. Relationships take hard work and dedication. It isn't an easy ride. That's why we say for better, for worse. So yeah, to me when he says "I may not always love you" he is acknowledging that there may be tough times in the future, but he is reassuring his lover that no matter what he belongs to them. For me this song is about true romance in all of its ugliness and beauty.

I'd like people to verify this story if they can, I'm taking it from the top of my head. Tony was singing this song. He sang the first line to Brian. "I may not always love you", he sang and played. Brian didn't like it. Asher found himself having to justify. "Brian, that's life. People may not stay together all their lives, and so be it when it happens". He was struck by the pure beauty of it, and, from my personal point of view, anything that's voted the best Beach Boys song by loads and loads of fans (view Cabinessence for more details) they must agree with me, too.

God seriously only knows how much they’re in love with this person and adore them.

This will be played at my wedding...who cares that I don't even have a boyfriend.

Great song ... I love the clever simplicity of the phrase "God only knows what I'd be without you." God only knows can either mean I'll be a wreck without you or can be seen as a sarcastic jeez how could I live without you? Clever words and great harmonies.

this song is unbelievable. it makes me teary-eyed. i love it. the second verse, i believe, is the most powerful. he's saying that if she left him, he wouldn't die or anything...but everything would just mean so much left. that's how real, healthy love is. it's a good thing to be so greatful for someone in your life.

Definitely one of the most underrated love songs of all time. It has a SoCal laid back feel to it and the deepness is great too. You can't help but find yourself captivated by it