Child Is Father of the Man Lyrics

Lyric discussion by discojedi97 

Cover art for Child Is Father of the Man lyrics by Beach Boys, The

The lyrics are actually taken from a poem by William Wordsworth called "My Heart Leaps Up When I Behold". Both the poem and various other songs connected to SMiLE, such as "Wonderful" and "Surf's Up", deal with the subjects of youth and spiritualism.

I personally like the song - especially its head-spinning harmonies - but only in the context of the album.

Song Meaning