About the song
The Beach Boys need little introduction; they are synonymous with the California sound, a sonic embodiment of sun-drenched beaches, hot rods, and teenage dreams. Their influence on popular music is immeasurable, and their catalog boasts an array of classics that have stood the test of time.
Among their most enduring anthems is the irresistibly catchy “Barbara Ann”. Released in 1965 as part of their live album Beach Boys’ Party!, the song is a quintessential example of the group’s ability to transform a pre-existing hit into their own signature style. Originally recorded by The Regents in 1961, The Beach Boys breathed new life into the track, infusing it with their characteristic vocal harmonies and exuberant energy.
What makes “Barbara Ann” such a timeless classic is its simplicity and infectious melody. The lyrics, while straightforward, paint a vivid picture of youthful infatuation. It’s a song that evokes feelings of nostalgia and carefree abandon, transporting listeners back to a simpler era.
The Beach Boys’ interpretation of “Barbara Ann” is a testament to their mastery of vocal arrangements. Their harmonies are tight and precise, creating a wall of sound that is both powerful and uplifting. The instrumentation is equally impressive, with the classic surf-rock guitar riff providing the perfect backbone for the song.
In the grand tapestry of The Beach Boys’ discography, “Barbara Ann” occupies a special place. It is a song that has resonated with audiences for decades, and its popularity shows no signs of waning. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to their music, this track is sure to leave a lasting impression.
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Lyrics
“Barbara Ann”
What? No (Let’s go), once was enough
Bar, bar, you don’t know how to sing
Baa (Baa), baa (Baa), black sheep, have you any wool?
(Yes sir) I’m gon’ sing this just a little more (Now)
Ooh, aw, that was cute
A bar, bar, bar, bar, Barbara Ann
Bar, bar, bar, bar, Barbara Ann
Barbara Ann (Bar, bar, bar, bar, Barbara Ann)
Take my hand, Barbara Ann (Ah, bar, bar, bar, bar, Barbara Ann)
You got me rockin’ and a-rollin’, rockin’ and a-reelin’
Barbara Ann, bar, bar, bar, Barbara Ann
Went to a dance, looking for romance
Saw Barbara Ann, so I thought I’d take a chance
On Barbara Ann, Barbara Ann (Bar, bar, bar, bar, Barbara Ann)
You take my hand (Bar, bar, bar, bar, take my hand)
You got me rockin’ and a-rollin’ (Ho-oh), rockin’ and a-reelin’
Barbara Ann, bar, bar, bar, bar, (C’mon, black sheep)
Barbara Ann, bar, bar, bar, bar
A bar, bar, bar, bar, Barbara Ann
Bar, bar, bar, bar, Barbara Ann
Barbara Ann (Bar, bar, bar, bar, Barbara Ann)
Take my hand (Ah, bar, bar, bar, bar, Barbara Ann)
Barbara Ann (Bar, bar, bar, bar, Barbara Ann)
You got me rockin’ and a-rollin’, rockin’ and a-reelin’
Barbara Ann, bar, bar, bar, Barbara Ann
Let’s go now, ow! Baby, take it out, let’s see
Take it in, Carl
Hal, and his famous ashtray!
Get out of her, man (You’re a big dude)
You smell like Rocky, you’re always scratchin’ it
Hey, come on!
Scratch it, Carl, scratch it, baby, right over there
Ah, down a little lower, down a little lower!
Saw—, tried—
Tried Peggy Sue, tried Peggy Lou
Tried Mary Lou, but I knew she wouldn’t do
Barbara Ann, Barbara Ann (Bar, bar, bar, bar, Barbara Ann)
Take, Barbara Ann (Bar, bar), woo (Take my hand)
You got me rockin’ and a-rollin’, rockin’ and a-reelin’
Barbara Ann, bar, bar, bar, Barbara Ann
Barbara Ann (Bar, bar, bar, bar, Barbara Ann)
Take my hand (Bar, bar, bar, bar, Barbara Ann)
Well, Barbara Ann (Bar, bar, bar, bar, Barbara Ann)
You got me rockin’ and a-rollin’, rockin’ and a-reelin’
Barbara Ann, bar, bar, bar, Barbara Ann
Barbara Ann, Barbara Ann (Oh)
Barbara Ann, Barbara Ann (Oh, yeah)
Barbara Ann, Barbara Ann
Barbara Ann, Barbara Ann
You got me rockin’ and a-rollin’, rockin’ and a-reelin’
(Ah, I don’t know) Barbara Ann, bar, bar, bar, Barbara Ann
Let’s try that again one more—
You got me rockin’ and a-rollin’, rockin’ and a-reelin’
Barbara Ann, bar, bar, bar, Barbara Ann
Oh, that was fun (I think it’s great)
You got me rockin’ and a-rollin’, rockin’ and a-reelin’
Barbara Ann, bar, bar, bar, Barbara Ann
Let’s try it once more (One more time, baby)
With more artistic flavor (One more time)
You got me rockin’ and a-rollin’ (Reelin’), and rockin’ and
Oh, Barbara Ann, whoa
You got me rockin’ (Rockin’), you got me rollin’
(Oh, my) Barbara Ann
(Thank you very much!)
(Thanks, Dean) (Heavy)
That’s not bad