"Cuckoo Clock" is a song written by Brian Wilson and Gary Usher for the American rock band The Beach Boys. It was released on their 1962 album Surfin' Safari.[1] The song was written about the myna bird of Brian's father Murry Wilson.[2]

"Cuckoo Clock"
Song by The Beach Boys
from the album Surfin' Safari
LanguageEnglish
ReleasedOctober 1, 1962 (1962-10-01)
RecordedSeptember 6, 1962 (1962-09-06)
Capitol Studios
GenreSurf rock
Length2:08
LabelCapitol
Songwriter(s)Brian Wilson
Gary Usher
Producer(s)Nik Venet

Composition

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"Cuckoo Clock" relates the story of a teenage couple trying to spend time together. When things start to get romantic, however, they are interrupted by a cuckoo clock. In the final verse, the teenage boy dismantles the clock so they will not be bothered again.[3] The song is in basic verse-chorus-bridge form. The organ solo in the bridge points the way towards future Beach Boys songs.[4]

Recording

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"Cuckoo Clock" was recorded on September 6, 1962, at the last Surfin' Safari session.[5] While Nik Venet is officially credited as producer, some of the participants claim that Brian Wilson did the production work.[6]

Personnel

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References

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  1. ^ Elliott, Brad: "Surf's Up! The Beach Boys On Record 1961-1981", page 18. Popular Culture Ink, 1991.
  2. ^ Carlin, Peter Ames: "Catch a Wave", page 35. Rodale Inc., 2006.
  3. ^ Lambert, Philip: Inside the Music of Brian Wilson, page 46-47. Continuum Publishing, 2007.
  4. ^ Doe, Andrew G. & Tobler, John: "Brian Wilson and The Beach Boys: The Complete Guide to their Music", page 10. Omnibus Press, 2004.
  5. ^ Doe, Andrew G.: "gigs6162." Bellagio 10452. Retrieved on 2012-02-10.
  6. ^ Doe, Andrew G.: "Album Archive Archived March 24, 2012, at the Wayback Machine." Bellagio 10452. Retrieved on 2012-02-10.