God Only Knows

The Beach Boys (Brian Wilson)
Arranged by Douglas Niedt

YOU CAN PLAY THIS! Purchase the arrangement below.

The arrangement I play in the video is difficult. But I also provide an easier intermediate-level version. You can mix the two as needed. When you come to a spot you cannot play in the advanced version, try the same measure in the easier version. Both versions come in standard notation with tab or standard notation only. See samples below.

When you purchase the arrangement you can download the PDFs of any or all of these versions:

1. Advanced version, standard notation and tab.
2. Advanced version, standard notation only.
3. Easier version, standard notation and tab.
4. Easier version, standard notation only.

This is a digital download.

Download all six scores and the video to all your computers and devices.

Only $10.00. Buy the arrangement (includes all four versions).

Below are samples of the scores you will be able to download.

Advanced Version, Standard Notation.

Advanced Version, Standard Notation Plus Tab.

Easier Version, Standard Notation.

Easier Version, Standard Notation Plus Tab.

FUN FACTS:

• Brian Wilson wrote the song in 45 minutes with Tony Asher, an advertising copyrighter and lyricist.
• Released in 1966, God Only Knows is considered a Beach Boys classic, but was released as a B-side, partly because of fear that radio stations would refuse to play a song with "God" in the title.
• The song reflects Wilson's interest in spirituality, and was a big departure from previous Beach Boys songs that dealt with girls, cars, and surfing.
• Lyricist Asher felt they were taking some real chances with the song, not just because "God" was in the title, but also because "it opens by saying, 'I may not always love you,' which is a very unusual way to start a love song."
• In the version recorded by the Beach Boys, a percussionist plays an almost continuous rhythm on two empty jugs of orange juice. At measure #39 Doug imitates the sound with tongue clucks.