Meaning of "Surf's Up" by Brian Wilson

"Surf's Up" is a complex and poetic composition by Brian Wilson that explores various themes and emotions. The lyrics start by critiquing a class-divided society, exemplified by the diamond necklace "playing the pawn" and the blind class aristocracy. This imagery suggests the power held by the wealthy and their control over the lower classes. The line "back through the opera glass you see, the pit and the pendulum drawn" alludes to Edgar Allan Poe's story "The Pit and the Pendulum," symbolizing the struggle between social classes.

The next section speaks of a loss of music and artistic expression. The "hung velvet overtaking me" and "dim chandelier awaken me" represent a sense of melancholy and fading creativity. The music hall, once a place of joy and inspiration, is now a "costly bow" where the music is lost or silenced. The muted trumpeter swan signifies a metaphorical death of creativity and artistry.

The following lines shift to a surrealistic narrative, describing a scene with dove-nested towers, quicksilver moonlight, and a carriage crossing through fog. This imagery creates a dreamlike atmosphere and emphasizes the fleeting nature of life and art.

The lyrics then briefly mention Auld Lang Syne, a traditional Scottish song often associated with farewells and nostalgia. The glass being raised and the dim last toasting demonstrate a sense of finality and the passing of time. The mention of grief and a broken man unable to cry suggests emotional turmoil and the difficulties of dealing with loss and hardship.

However, the song takes a turn towards hope in the final section. The chorus of "Surf's Up" is introduced, symbolizing a tidal wave of change and transformation. The phrase "come about hard and join the young and often spring you gave" encourages listeners to embrace new beginnings and the youthful spirit of optimism. The word "wonderful thing" represents the power of love and its ability to bring joy and happiness. The reference to a children's song emphasizes the purity and wisdom of children, suggesting that they hold the key to understanding and spreading love.

In its entirety, "Surf's Up" portrays a society plagued by social inequality and a loss of artistic inspiration, but ultimately holds onto the belief that love and the innocence of children can bring about change and hope.