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God Only Knows

Music by Brian Wilson and Mike Love

Originally Performed by The Beach Boys

"God Only Knows" is a song written by Brian Wilson and Tony Asher for American rock band The Beach Boys, released in May 1966 as the eighth track on the group's album Pet Sounds. Two months later, it was released as the B-side of "Wouldn't It Be Nice" in the United States. In other countries, "God Only Knows" was the single's A-side. According to historian John Robert Greene, "God Only Knows" led to the reinvention of the popular love song.

The song names God in its title and lyrics, unusual for a pop single of its time, as Asher recalled: "Unless you were Kate Smith and you were singing 'God Bless America', no one [in 1966] thought you could say 'God' in a song." The sentiments expressed in its lyric were not specific to any God, and could be addressed to any higher force, being a song about moving forward after loss. Wilson later explained that his and Asher's intention was to create the feeling of "being blind but in being blind, you can see more".

Sung by his younger brother Carl Wilson, the Beach Boys' recording was produced and arranged by Brian using an unorthodox selection of instruments, including French horn, accordions, sleigh bell, harpsichord, and a quartet of violas and cellos heard throughout the piece in counterpoint. The musical structure has been variously cited for its harmonic complexity, inspiring tension through its disuse of authentic cadences and a definite key signature. Its closing section features perpetual rounds, a device that was not normally heard in popular music of the era.

"God Only Knows" was voted 25 in Rolling Stone magazine's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, the second of seven Beach Boys songs to feature (the first being "Good Vibrations" at 6), and was ranked by Pitchfork Media as the greatest song of the 1960s. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame included it as one of "500 Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll".

    Release Date: 1966 on the album Pet Sounds


God Only Knows

God Only Knows

Pentatonix

See us live https://ptxofficial.com/tour


God Only Knows

God Only Knows

The Manhattan Transfer

Taken from the album Fifty.



Songbooks, Arrangements and/or Media

Displaying 1-8 of 8 items.


The Beach Boys : Note-for-Note Vocal Transcriptions : Solo : Songbook : 073999592801 : 0634033735 : 00740178

The Beach Boys : Note-for-Note Vocal Transcriptions

12 sundrenched hits from The Beach Boys, with vocal parts transcribed exactly as recorded - lead, harmony and background parts, and all inflections. Includes a keyboard reduction of the instrumental parts, and chords labeled to be played by any instrument.

Songlist: Barbara Ann, California Girls, Don't Worry Baby, Fun, Fun, Fun, God Only Knows, Good Vibrations, I Get Around, In My Room, Little Deuce Coupe, Surfer Girl, Surfin' U.S.A., Wouldn't It Be Nice

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Voicing: Solo | Performed by The Beach Boys | 4016b | Songbook | $21.95 ON SALE $19.95


Deke Sharon : Pop Hits for Women's Voices : SSAA : Sheet Music Collection

Deke Sharon : Pop Hits for Women's Voices

Deke Sharon has become one of the leading arranger of "contemporary" a cappella and here is a fine collection of classic pop songs. "Dancing Queen" - ABBA is back, so get some dancing shoes for your choir! Upbeat, infectious and fun, this arrangement will bring energy to singers and get audiences dancing in the aisles. "Killing Me Softly With His Song" was popularized by Roberta Flack in the 1970s, updated by the Fugees and Lauryn Hill in the 90s, this song connects with many generations. This arrangement provides a terrific vehicle to show off the talents of a sensitive female soloist. The modern day classic "True Colors" has been a huge hit for both Cyndi Lauper and Phil Collins. Now it's your turn! "Good Old A Cappella" was first performed by The Persuasions and popularized by The Nylons, this tune has been sung by countless contemporary a cappella groups. Originally from the collection Contemporary A Cappella Volume 1, now for treble voices too! "God Only Knows" with music by Brian Wilson, made popular by The Beach Boys in the '60s, this arrangement for women's choirs is a great one to feature your soprano soloist or section. "Hallelujah" - From the Dreamworks animated feature film "Shrek" comes this sweet and poignant Leonard Cohen hit, scored here for your women's group.

Songlist: Dancing Queen, Killing Me Softly with His Song, True Colors, Good Old A Cappella, God Only Knows, Hallelujah

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Voicing: SSAA | 8010b | Sheet Music Collection | $11.95 | A Cappella


The Real Group : Arrangements of The Real Group Vol 2 : Mixed 5-8 Parts : Sheet Music Collection

The Real Group : Arrangements of The Real Group Vol 2

The CD 'Nothing But The Real Group' was met with nothing but praise and excitement by fans worldwide. This package includes 3 titles from that album - 'Chili Con Carne,' Anders Edenroth's most popular original arrangement; this title has become a staple in the high school and collegiate Jazz Choir repertoire. 'As Rain,' another Anders Edenroth original; this beautiful ballad will challenge the singers and warm the hearts of any who hear it. Their arrangement of 'God Only Knows,' is a very worthy treatment of the Beach Boys' classic. Also included is 'A Cappella In Acapulco' another exciting Anders Edenroth original with an exciting Latin groove, featured on their album titled 'Unreal.' Anders Edenroth's playful, humorous composition, 'I Sing, You Sing,' features a wickedly catchy tune and clever lyrics, with a repeating refrain and verse structure that make this a pleasure to learn. Perfect for a good high school jazz choir and beyond! Featured on their CD 'One For All.'

Songlist: Chili Con Carne, As Rain, A Cappella In Acapulco, God Only Knows, I Sing, You Sing

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Voicing: Mixed 5-8 Parts | Performed by The Real Group | 4389b | Sheet Music Collection | $12.98 | A Cappella


Tom Wiggall : Just Voices - Popular Favorites : SSA. / SAT : Songbook : 884088625665 : 1846098750 : 14041561

Tom Wiggall : Just Voices - Popular Favorites

This volume of the Just Voices series includes 10 timeless pop songs that make an ideal introduction to mastering the a cappella style. Complete with piano reductions for easy rehearsal, all of the songs in the book can be sung by either a SSA or SAT choir, making Just Voices the most enjoyable and flexible introduction to unaccompanied choral singing available.

Songlist: (Something Inside) So Strong, Ain't No Sunshine, All I Have To Do Is Dream, Bridge Over Troubled Water, California Dreamin', God Only Knows, I Say A Little Prayer, Our House, With A Little Help From My Friends, Yesterday Once More

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Voicing: SSA. / SAT | 7263b | Songbook | $14.95 | A Cappella


The Beach Boys : The Beach Boys Anthology : Solo : Songbook : 073999064339 : 0634032453 : 00306433

The Beach Boys : The Beach Boys Anthology

The Beach Boys are an American rock band. Formed in 1961, the group gained popularity for its close vocal harmonies and lyrics reflecting a Southern California youth culture of cars and surfing. Brian Wilson's growing creative ambitions later transformed them into a more artistically innovative group that earned critical praise and influenced many later musicians.

Songlist: All Summer Long, Barbara Ann, Be True To Your School, California Girls, Caroline, No, Catch A Wave, Dance, Dance, Dance, Darlin', Do It Again, Do You Want To Dance?, Don't Back Down, Don't Worry Baby, 409, Fun, Fun, Fun, Girls On The Beach, God Only Knows, Good Vibrations, Help Me Rhonda, Heroes And Villains, I Get Around, In My Room, It's OK, Keep An Eye On Summer, Kokomo, Little Deuce Coupe, The Little Girl I Once Knew, Little Honda, Little Saint Nick, Pet Sounds, Please Let Me Wonder, and more

More details
Voicing: Solo | Performed by The Beach Boys | 5311b | Songbook | $22.95 ON SALE $19.95 | PVG


Carole King : Deluxe Anthology : Solo : Songbook : 073999060904 : 0793565499 : 00306090

Carole King : Deluxe Anthology

A comprehensive collection of 70 of her hits, including: Been to Canaan - I Feel the Earth Move - It's Too Late - (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman - One Fine Day - Smackwater Jack - Some Kind of Wonderful - Up on the Roof - Will You Love Me Tomorrow? - You Light Up My Life - You've Got a Friend - and more.

Songlist: Some Kind Of Wonderful, Home Again, Way Over Yonder, Beautiful, Smackwater Jack, Don't Bring Me Down, Believe In Humanity, Brother, Brother, You Light Up My Life, Only Love Is Real, Nightingale, Hard Rock Cafe, Snow Queen, Simple Things, Wrap Around Joy, Hey, Girl, So Much Love, One To One, Being At War With Each Other, Chicken Soup With Rice, You're Something New, Stand Behind Me, Main Street Saturday Night, You're The One Who Knows, Where Does Love Go, Music, Time Gone By, Too Much Rain, I Can't Stay Mad At You, Wasn't Born To Follow, and more

More details
Voicing: Solo | Performed by Carole King | 20255b | Songbook | $28.95 | PVG


Michael Buble : Nobody But Me : Solo : Songbook : 888680664718 : 1495087964 : 00215499

Michael Buble : Nobody But Me

Piano/vocal arrangements of all 12 tracks from Buble's 2016 release featuring a combination of originals, covers, and pop collaborations!

Songlist: Someday, God Only Knows, Nobody But Me, On An Evening In Roma (Sotter Celo De Roma), I Believe In You, Take You Away, Today Is Yesterday's Tomorrow, I Wanna Be Around, My Baby Just Cares For Me, My Kind Of Girl, This Love Of Mine, The Very Thought Of You

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Voicing: Solo | Performed by Michael Buble | 4458b | Songbook | $17.95 | Voice and Piano


Various : The Great American Songbook - Pop/Rock Era : Solo : Songbook : 888680754419 : 1540030504 : 00278788

Various : The Great American Songbook - Pop/Rock Era

Most people think of older standards when they hear Great American Songbook, but these more recent hits are so successful that they already have earned their place in musical history. Includes piano, voice and guitar arrangements of 100 songs.

Songlist: Lowdown, More Than A Feeling, Ain't That A Shame, Time After Time, Runaway, All Along The Watchtower, God Only Knows, All I Have To Do Is Dream, Rocky Mountain High, Stand By Me, Lean On Me, American Pie, The Look Of Love, Walking In Memphis, Don't Know Why, Don't Stop Believin', Be-Bop-A-Lula, Billie Jean, Blue Suede Shoes, Blueberry Hill, Summertime Blues, Bridge Over Troubled Water, Daydream, Bye Bye Love, California Dreamin', Drift Away, Can't Help Falling In Love, Good Vibrations, Dance To The Music, Deacon Blues, and more

More details
Voicing: Solo | 40602b | Songbook | $36.95 | PVG


Individual Folios

Displaying 1-3 of 3 items.


God Only Knows : SSATB : Tomas Bergquist : Brian Wilson : The Real Group : Songbook : WRG1003 : 073999590814

Tomas Bergquist : God Only Knows

Arranger: Tomas Bergquist | Composers: Brian Wilson and Mike Love Performed By: The Real Group

More details
Voicing: SSATB | Sheet Music | $2.25 | A Cappella |
(Minimum order 4 copies)
| WRG1003


God Only Knows : SATB : Ed Lojeski : Brian Wilson : The Beach Boys : Sheet Music : 00155566 : 888680600747

Ed Lojeski : God Only Knows

From the Beach Boys' 1966 album Pet Sounds, this is arguably one of the top rock songs of all time, with its unconventional orchestration, harmonies, vocal textures and recording techniques - a perfect selection for choirs of today!

Arranger: Ed Lojeski | Composers: Brian Wilson and Mike Love Performed By: The Beach Boys

More details
Voicing: SATB | Sheet Music | $2.15 | With Piano |
(Minimum order 4 copies)
| 00155566 | Showtrax CD Available
Other Voicings: SAB, TTB, SATB, SAB


God Only Knows : SSAA : Deke Sharon : Brian Wilson : The Beach Boys : Sheet Music : 08748505 : 884088235802

Deke Sharon : God Only Knows

Music by Brian Wilson & Tony Asher, made popular by The Beach Boys in the '60s, this arrangement for women's choirs is a great one to feature your soprano soloist or section.

Arranger: Deke Sharon | Composers: Brian Wilson and Mike Love Performed By: The Beach Boys

More details
Voicing: SSAA | Sheet Music | $2.10 | A Cappella |
(Minimum order 4 copies)
| 08748505 | Digital Version Available

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