36 Quotes by Brian Wilson
Brian Wilson, born on June 20, 1942, is an American musician, singer, and songwriter who is regarded as one of the most influential figures in popular music. As a founding member of the Beach Boys, Wilson played a pivotal role in shaping the sound and direction of the band. His musical genius and innovative approach to composition resulted in timeless hits such as "Good Vibrations," "God Only Knows," and "Wouldn't It Be Nice." Wilson's use of lush harmonies, intricate arrangements, and introspective lyrics set the Beach Boys apart from their contemporaries and elevated them to iconic status.
His creative vision extended beyond traditional pop music, as he experimented with complex song structures and studio techniques, pushing the boundaries of what was possible in popular music at the time. Despite personal struggles and challenges, Brian Wilson's contributions to the music industry have left an indelible mark, inspiring generations of musicians and earning him a well-deserved place among the great songwriters of his era.
Brian Wilson Quotes
I think in terms of emotions. And feelings. So sometimes what I say may not always be clear. But creatively, there's a lot to be said for that way of thinking.
I still believe that something is right only when it feels right.
If there's not love present, it's much, much harder to function. When there's love present, it's easier to deal with life.
The only reason I'd ever get a sex change operation is to see what it's like to be right all the time.
You say how you feel, and songs don't lie. Songs are the most honest form of human expression there is--there's nothing that lies about a song.
I believe that music is God's voice.
I approach my music-making as an art-form--something pure from the spirit to which I can add dynamics and marketable reality. Music is genuine and healthy and the stimulation I get from molding it and adding dynamics is like nothing else on earth.
Summer means happy times and good sunshine. It means going to the beach, going to Disneyland, having fun.
The idea of taking a song, envisioning the overall sound in my head and then bringing the arrangement to life in the studio...well, that gives me satisfaction like nothing else.
I'm not a genius. I'm just a hard-working guy.
Every now and then I hear voices in my head, but not very clear. I can't understand what they are saying. It's a mental illness. I have been diagnosed as a manic depressive.
Humor - it helps to make the vibe better - it loosens up the vibrations.
I'm doing good. I've had a slight nervous breakdown in the '60s. I got through that. And I got through the '70s. And I was in a doctor's program during the '80s and then I met Melinda and we've been together ever since. I've got a happy life.
Love and mercy that's what you need tonight. Love and mercy to you and your friends tonight.
I'm happy; I'm a happy person.
People are part of my music. A lot of my songs are the result of emotional experiences, sadness, pain, joy, and exultation in nature and sunshine and so on...like 'California Girls' which was a hymn to youth.
I meditate and I also think about meditation. Which is funny. I think about Maharishi, about just the idea of meditating. It gives me something.
Some people might think that sex is the highest experience you can have. I tend to think that music is.
Being single is like liking a Phil Spector record.
I've never written one note or word of music simply because I think it will make money.
I have an instinct for music, or a feeling about it, and I'll have my feelings guide my hands.
All of the artists did such a beautiful job I can’t thank them enough. I’m just honored that 'God Only Knows' was chosen. 'God Only Knows' is a very special song. An extremely spiritual song and one of the best I’ve ever written.
You're called a genius by people, and then your whole life you become the part.
I was very, very financially secure my whole life. I have been very lucky to say that.
Freedom and Liberty cannot exist without Individual Responsibility. Failure to exercise Individual Responsibility forfeits your right to self-governance and delivers it to Government which, through force, will set the parameters of your life.
Any article's good. Long as it's publicity, I think that's all that matters. I think it's advancement for my career.
Surfing music is dead. It was just a summer craze for kids on the beach. I'm finished with it.
I hate those old falsettos, I really do, and it's embarrassing since I've grown up.
So it's 1976 and we're still riding on our past success. I mean I've gone on like that for I don't know how long.
You don't really know what to believe until the Government denies it.
The Beatles, the Rolling Stones and Phil Spector. Those were my idols.
If you're going to write a song, try to get together with a collaborator because it's better to write with collaborators.
Gershwin inspired me very much. The concept of 'That Lucky Old Sun' was inspired by 'Rhapsody in Blue' - not influenced, but inspired.
There's nothing greater than a girl.... Well a kid, your daughter, but that's a girl too.
― Brian Wilson Quotes
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Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.
