BEACH BOYS - CAROLINE, NO

Released: March 7, 1966

Charts:  US: #32 

"Caroline, No" is a song by Brian Wilson, released as his first solo single on March 1966, and later included as the closing track on the Beach Boys' album “Pet Sounds”. The song draws from Wilson's personal life, particularly the changes in his relationship with his first wife, Marilyn. Brian Wilson brought his concept of lost innocence to lyricist Tony Asher, who used his own personal experience to complete the lyrics. 

The song features lyrics about a man reflecting on a past love and her lost innocence. This melody is a poignant ballad about a girl who has changed and moved on, leaving the singer heartbroken and reflecting on what went wrong. Brian Wilson regards it as one of his most successful ballads, alongside "In My Room," "Surfer Girl," and "God Only Knows," describing them as "sweet, pretty, angelic songs." 

Asher had recently ended a relationship with his girlfriend, Carol, who had moved to New York City. When he visited her, he was struck by how much she had changed, particularly her new haircut, which inspired the song’s opening line. Asher initially wrote the lyric as "Carol, I Know," but Wilson misheard it as "Caroline, No." Both agreed that "Caroline, No" made for a much more intriguing and evocative title.

Musically, it stands out for its use of jazz chords and a unique blend of instruments such as bass flutes, 12-string electric guitar, and muted harpsichord. The music is beautifully melancholic, and the final note of Brian Wilson’s vocal, filled with anguish, is utterly heartbreaking, making it one of the most powerful moments on the album.

"Caroline, No" was the final track on the original “Pet Sounds” album. At the end of the song, listeners hear a train passing and dogs barking, which tie into the album's "Pet Sounds" theme. The train sound was taken from a sound effects reel, while the barking dogs were Brian Wilson's own pets, Banana and Louie, whose barks he recorded in the studio. 

"Caroline, No" offers a hushed, sorrowful shift in the album's tone. This track stands out as a masterstroke, contrasting the upbeat nature of many other songs with its melancholic beauty. Its delicate, half-notes create a heavenly, emotional atmosphere. The Beach Boys took their time on this record, carefully balancing technological innovation with artistry, which is evident in the refined production of "Caroline, No."