Brian Wilson wasn’t just the sonic architect of the Beach Boys—he was a poet of the American dream, a master of harmony and heartbreak. His lyrics, often written in collaboration with Tony Asher, Van Dyke Parks, and others, reflect a deep emotional intelligence that transcends surfboards and sunshine. Here are some of the most iconic lines that bear his unmistakable touch.

1. “God only knows what I’d be without you”

Song: God Only Knows A line so simple, yet so profound. It’s been called one of the greatest love lyrics of all time, and for good reason—it’s vulnerable, honest, and timeless.

2. “Wouldn’t it be nice if we were older / Then we wouldn’t have to wait so long”

Song: Wouldn’t It Be Nice This lyric captures the yearning of young love with heartbreaking clarity. It’s the sound of dreaming beyond your years.

3. “I may not always love you / But long as there are stars above you”

Song: God Only Knows Yes, it’s back again—because this song is a lyrical masterpiece. The contradiction in this line is what makes it so human: love is eternal, even when it’s uncertain.

4. “In this world I lock out all my worries and my fears / In my room”

Song: In My Room A quiet anthem for introverts and dreamers. Wilson’s introspection here is raw and relatable, a rare moment of solitude in pop music.

5. “I guess I just wasn’t made for these times”

Song: I Just Wasn’t Made for These Times A lyric that feels like a sigh. It’s Wilson at his most self-aware, expressing alienation with poetic grace.

6. “Don’t worry, baby / Everything will turn out alright”

Song: Don’t Worry Baby A tender reassurance wrapped in falsetto. It’s a love song, a pep talk, and a lullaby all in one.

7. “I know there’s an answer / I know now but I have to find it by myself”

Song: I Know There’s an Answer This lyric reflects Wilson’s philosophical side—searching for meaning, even when the path is unclear.

8. “Caroline, no / Who took that look away?”

Song: Caroline, No A lament for lost innocence. The lyric is haunting in its simplicity, echoing the melancholy of growing up.

9. “She’s giving me the excitations”

Song: Good Vibrations Playful and psychedelic, this line helped define the Summer of Love. It’s pure pop alchemy.

10. “Love and mercy, that’s what you need tonight”

Song: Love and Mercy From Wilson’s solo work, this lyric is a benediction. It’s a reminder that kindness is revolutionary.

Brian Wilson’s lyrics are more than just words—they’re emotional landscapes. Whether he was writing about teenage dreams or existential dread, he did it with a sincerity that still resonates. His songs are time capsules of feeling, and we’re lucky to have them.