Summer's Gone

Original Album

That's Why God Made The Radio

Written By

Brian Wilson, Joe Thomas, Jon Bon Jovi

Produced By

Brian Wilson

Lead Vocals

Brian

Recorded On

Late 2011/early 2012

Length

4:42

Notes

It would be a very Brian Wilson thing to want a song called Summer's Gone, and to keep the song for over ten years until the Beach Boys were back again. And for a group known for celebrating the good times to possibly end their studio album career with a reflective song looking at the passing of those times.
If Pacific Coast Highway is rumored to be inspired by Dennis Wilson's passing, then there is some sense in this being inspired by Carl's passing, and the realisation of being the last Wilson standing. It also dates back to the original Joe Thomas sessions, with the interesting, some may say, incongruous, additional involvement of Jon Bon Jovi.
Unlike the previous two tracks which dazzle in their movement between different motifs, Summer's Gone has a more conventional song structure, with a single pace and melodic structure. This is not to say the standard has dropped from the previous two songs, but more that you need to listen very carefully -unlike many of Brian's songs which soar melodically, this one digs deep and slowly into one's consciousness.

Lyrics: Summer's gone
Summer's gone away
Gone away
With yesterday

Old friends have gone
They've gone their separate ways
Our dreams hold on
For those who still have more to say

Summer's gone
Gone like yesterday
The nights grow cold
It's time to go
I'm thinking maybe I'll just stay

Another summer gone

Summer's gone
It's finally sinking in
One day begins
Another ends
I live them all and back again

Summer's gone
I'm gonna sit and watch the waves
We laugh, we cry
We live then die
And dream about our yesterday