About the song
*”The Beach Boys – Sloop John B is a timeless classic that continues to captivate audiences of all ages. Released in 1966 as part of their album Pet Sounds, this folk-rock gem stands as a testament to the band’s ability to seamlessly blend intricate harmonies with infectious melodies. The song’s enduring popularity can be attributed to its universal themes of longing, adventure, and the search for something more.
Inspired by a traditional folk song, The Beach Boys put their unique spin on “Sloop John B,” transforming it into a psychedelic masterpiece. The lyrics paint vivid imagery of a sailor’s life at sea, filled with both excitement and uncertainty. Brian Wilson’s intricate vocal arrangements and the band’s tight harmonies create a rich and textured sound that transports listeners to a sun-drenched beach.
One of the most striking aspects of “Sloop John B” is its timeless quality. Despite being over half a century old, the song feels as fresh and relevant today as it did when it was first released. This is a testament to the universal appeal of its themes and the enduring power of great songwriting. The song’s popularity has only grown over the years, and it has been covered by countless artists, from The Byrds to Counting Crows.
The Beach Boys’ version of “Sloop John B” is a must-listen for any fan of classic rock or folk music. Its combination of beautiful harmonies, evocative lyrics, and infectious melody make it a true masterpiece. Whether you’re a longtime fan of The Beach Boys or simply looking for a new song to add to your playlist, “Sloop John B” is sure to leave a lasting impression.”*
Video
Lyrics
We come on the sloop John B
My grandfather and me
Around Nassau town we did roam
Drinking all night
Got into a fight
Well, I feel so broke up
I want to go home
So hoist up the John B’s sail
See how the mainsail sets
Call for the captain ashore
Let me go home
Let me go home
I wanna go home, yeah, yeah
Well, I feel so broke up
I wanna go home
The first mate he got drunk
And broke in the captain’s trunk
The constable had to come and take him away
Sheriff John Stone
Why don’t you leave me alone? Yeah, yeah
Well, I feel so broke up
I wanna go home
So hoist up the John B’s sail
See how the mainsail sets
Call for the captain ashore
Let me go home
Let me go home
I wanna go home
Let me go home
Why don’t you let me go home?
(Hoist up the John B’s sail)
Hoist up the John B
Well, I feel so broke up
I wanna go home
Let me go home
The poor cook he caught the fits
And threw away all my grits
And then he took and he ate up all of my corn
Let me go home
Why don’t they let me go home?
This is the worst trip
I’ve ever been on
So hoist up the John B’s sail
See how the mainsail sets
Call for the captain ashore
Let me go home
Let me go home
I wanna go home
Let me go home
Why don’t you let me go home?