A symphony to God

God only knows what I’d be without you.

Brian Wilson’s passing two weeks ago was one that really hit a chord in me, just as it did for devout Beach Boys fans everywhere who are familiar with him and his story. The Beach Boys are one of my top three favorite bands ever, and I think why their music resonates so deeply with me is because of what they represent. Pure innocence and love for life and beauty which always stayed true to its roots, even when Brian took the group to more ambitious and experimental places during the Pet Sounds/SMiLE era. The profound door Brian opened up for me is in the realization of how the art an artist puts out can be a reflection of their mental state at the time. Pet Sounds and SMiLE are just that. A reflection of a tortured, yet gifted artist who believed it was his divine mission to create music on par, and perhaps even better and more grander than the masterpieces of the classical canon. As Brian too even described it, he wanted to create “a symphony to God”. The music on Pet Sounds and SMiLE are a reflection of Brian as a person. A genuine, sweet yet troubled man who poured his heart and soul into his art all for the happiness of the audience who would understand the nature and intention of his work. I have the 2011 SMiLE album on vinyl, and in the inner-sleeve notes, there is an essay written by Brian, and the last sentence goes:

“So, even though I’m smiling through the tears, knowing that Carl and Dennis aren’t here to share this moment, I am smiling. And I hope this music makes you smile too. That’s why I wrote it all those years ago.”.

A truly selfless artist who suffered for our happiness. The greatest artists who ever lived will always be the most tortured internally because that torment is what makes them recognize the beauty of life they wish they could experience, even for just one single second.

Thank you Brian for the years of happiness your music has brought me, and the lifetime of happiness it will continue to bring.