The Smiley Smile Message Board

At the end of surf's up, with the child parts,

Who is saying the 'A children's song' song part. For me it really makes the song

Thanks

I think the part you're referring to is sung by Al Jardine...  :)

A children's song, have you listened as they played?
Their song is love, and the children know the way...

Simple, yet outstanding lyrics imo. But if I remember correctly, those two sentences weren't written by Van Dyke.

Wow al sings that, Very cool

I've always loved that line, too.

Gave me goosebumps the first time I heard it.  I'd heard the original demo but had never heard the 71 version... but had heard that Brian 'punched in' the other BB's vocals to finish the song after hearing them tinkering with it (downstairs maybe?) without his permission.  Very powerful way to end the song.  The 04 version just doesn't compare in that portion, at least, although Brian? I think sounds good singing that high part. 

so, was those lyrics...children's song, have you listened as they play....etc


were those written during smile or post smile?

Post smile by Jack Rieley...according to him

Many years ago, Steve Desper showed me the lyrics the band used for the 1971 sessions - written in purple felt tip on cream musical notation paper... by Carl, I think he said.

"A children's song..." etc is in felt tip.

Then below that, in pencil, and in a totally different hand (not Brian's) was scribbled:

"The father's life is done and the children carry on". I think that might be Jack's contribution.

Perhaps that was supposed to be sung where Al ultimately sings "na na na na...."

Handwritten post-SMilE, meaning added to the lyric sheet at the last moment during the session, as pointed out by Andrew.  However, I think it could well have been "composed" during the actual SMiLE-era, and "remembered", as-you-will, by Brian at the last moment.  Personally, I like that story a whole lot!

Craig

In that last section of the song, what vocals were contributed by Brian in 1971?  I've read that he decided to participate in the recording session at the last minute.

I think the story is that he instructed them what to sing and handed out the harmonies but didn't sing himself, just 'produced' that portion of the track. 

 ??? See for me I always thought that was Brian singing at the very end.... shows what I know. By the way this is my second posting. Thanks for letting me put in my two cents worth and coming out a head.


Beckgtr09 = Ted

According to Steve Desper, Brian did indeed sing on the tag in '71.

Brian's singing the highest part from the original tape that you can still hear in the background; we'd have to ask Mr. Desper what other part he's singing from 71. 

Brian sings "that's why the child." And a copy of the handwritten lyric sheet that  Mr. Doe mentioned can be seen on p. 46 of the Desper book, "Recording the Beach Boys."
Paul R.

I'd heard that before, but was inclined not to believe it.  That voice simply does not sound anything like Brian Wilson's.  It sounds more like Jack Rieley, actually!

If it is indeed Brian, did he do some weird effect on his voice to make it NOT sound like him?

I think its Brian myself. Sounds like him to me Check out the Break Away solo version, I'd Love Just Once To See You and he sounds a lot like that at that time. It is very hard to tell Brian and Al apart from Pet Sounds to Holland.

What is it you think Brian is singing?  The "A children's song" lyrics, or "That's why the child"?