The Beach Boys, God Only Knows | Controversial Songs

In the 20th edition of Controversial Songs (2025), we explore the controversy behind “God Only Knows” by The Beach Boys.

Bring on the controversy! Controversial Songs is a column that provides background information and insight into songs that raised eyebrows, stirred the pot, or were banned. The more censorship censor$hit, the better! The records that grace Controversial Songs are old and new alike, with all genres of music welcome.  In the 20^th edition of Controversial Songs (2025), we explore the controversy behind “God Only Knows” by The Beach Boys.

“I may not always love you / But long as there are stars above you / You never need to doubt it / I’ll make you so sure about it.” Can you fill in the next line? If you recited or sang, “God only knows what I’d be without you,” you’d be correct! “God Only Knows” is considered to be the crème de la crème from the legendary, Grammy-nominated surf rock band, The Beach Boys. It appears as the eighth track (in mono) on their 1966, platinum-certified album, Pet Sounds.  The remastered version is the 22^nd track on the LP. Brian Wilson (1942 – 2025) and Tony Asher (1939 – ) wrote “God Only Knows.” Brian also produced it. The beloved classic snuck into the top 40 of the pop charts, peaking at number 39 on the Billboard Hot 100.

The late Carl Wilson (1946 – 1998) sings lead on “God Only Knows,” and it’s beautiful.  His voice is one of the reasons this ranks among the top of The Beach Boys’ musical catalog.  The first verse is incredibly memorable, with successive verses similarly penned. “If you should ever leave me / Well, life would still go on, believe me,” Carl sings in the third and final verse, continuing, “The world could show nothing to me / So what good would living do me?” The answer is the familiar refrain, “God only knows what I’d be without you.” Brian and Bruce Johnston (1942 – ) assist Carl in the song’s outro, which continues that familiar refrain.

Beyond the impeccable songwriting and Carl’s lead vocals, the musical backdrop is delightful.  Beyond the standard rock/pop instrumentation, “God Only Knows” features the organ, band, and orchestral instruments (flute, bass clarinet, baritone saxophone, French Horn, strings), and accordion.  So, with all the gloriousness that “God Only Knows” brings to the musical table, where does the controversy arise? God. Yes, you read correctly.  The song title featured God, leading some radio stations (*cough* in the South 😏) to ban it. Pardon my French, rather, my profanity, but ain’t that some $h!t 💩, Morgan Wallen?