Cuckoo Clock (song)

"Cuckoo Clock"
Song by The Beach Boys
from the album Surfin' Safari
Language	English
Released	October 1, 1962 (1962-10-01)
Recorded	September 6, 1962 (1962-09-06) Capitol Studios
Genre	Surf rock
Length	2:08
Label	Capitol
Songwriter(s)	Brian Wilson Gary Usher
Producer(s)	Nik Venet

"Cuckoo Clock" is a song written by Brian Wilson and Gary Usher for the American rock band The Beach Boys. It was released on their 1962 album Surfin' Safari.[1] The song was written about the myna bird of Brian's father Murry Wilson.[2]

Composition

"Cuckoo Clock" relates the story of a teenage couple trying to spend time together. When things start to get romantic, however, they are interrupted by a cuckoo clock. In the final verse, the teenage boy dismantles the clock so they will not be bothered again.[3] The song is in basic verse-chorus-bridge form. The organ solo in the bridge points the way towards future Beach Boys songs.[4]

Recording

"Cuckoo Clock" was recorded on September 6, 1962, at the last Surfin' Safari session.[5] While Nik Venet is officially credited as producer, some of the participants claim that Brian Wilson did the production work.[6]

Personnel

• Mike Love – vocals
• David Marks – guitar
• Brian Wilson – bass guitar, organ, lead vocal
• Carl Wilson – guitar, vocals
• Dennis Wilson – drums, vocals

References

1. Elliott, Brad: "Surf's Up! The Beach Boys On Record 1961-1981", page 18. Popular Culture Ink, 1991.
2. Carlin, Peter Ames: "Catch a Wave", page 35. Rodale Inc., 2006.
3. Lambert, Philip: Inside the Music of Brian Wilson, page 46-47. Continuum Publishing, 2007.
4. Doe, Andrew G. & Tobler, John: "Brian Wilson and The Beach Boys: The Complete Guide to their Music", page 10. Omnibus Press, 2004.
5. Doe, Andrew G.: "gigs6162." Bellagio 10452. Retrieved on 2012-02-10.
6. Doe, Andrew G.: "Album Archive Archived March 24, 2012, at the Wayback Machine." Bellagio 10452. Retrieved on 2012-02-10.