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Let Him Run Wild
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Wikipedia article
"'Let Him Run Wild'" is a song by the American rock band the Beach Boys from their 1965 album 'Summer Days (And Summer Nights!!)'. Written by Brian Wilson and Mike Love, it was issued as the B-side to "California Girls" and was one of the first songs that Wilson wrote while under the influence of marijuana.
According to Wilson, the song is "about a girl who was dating a guy who didnt stay close to her. The guy singing wants the girl to let her boyfriend run around and eventually leave her so he can come in and get her. He wants a bad thing to happen so that itll turn into a good thing." Carl and Dennis Wilson later praised "Let Him Run Wild", calling it the point where they began to take notice of Brian's abilities. Al Jardine expressed a similar sentiment, stating, "In terms of the musical direction Brian was going, I always thought that 'Let Him Run Wild' was the turning point, the beginning of that phase when things began to get more complicated."
Production
A soulful ballad, the song is said to have been inspired by Burt Bacharach while also foreshadowing the relatively complex music dynamics of 'Pet Sounds' several months later. Author Jim Fusilli explained, "[it] is a gorgeous track, albeit a bit busy at the chorus when compared to what's ahead, with major seventh chords that ring beautifully. The song's subtle horn charts, prominent tremolo bass, the vibraphone, and the sweet, pensive section after the chorus portend the sounds of a forthcoming classic." 'MOJO' wrote: "With key and tempo changes bolder and weirder than anything before, this was Brian's signpost to the psychedelic country up ahead."
With production by Brian Wilson and engineering by Chuck Britz, the instrumental was recorded on March 20, 1965, at United Western Recorders, Hollywood. A few weeks later, vocals were overdubbed at CBS Columbia Square with a final mix occurring on May 28. Brian later reflected that his vocal on the track was too shrill, saying, "I sounded like a little girl," and "I sounded like a fairy," naming it his least favorite Beach Boys recording. This caused Brian Wilson to remake the song on 'Imagination'.
Reception
'Cash Box' described it as an "interesting weeper which blends in generous portions of counterpoint and harmony."
Personnel
Sourced from Musician's Union AFM contract sheets and surviving session audio, documented by Craig Slowinski.
;The Beach Boys
*Al Jardine harmony and backing vocals, handclaps
*Bruce Johnston harmony and backing vocals, handclaps
*Mike Love harmony and backing vocals, handclaps
*Brian Wilson lead, harmony and backing vocals, handclaps
*Carl Wilson harmony and backing vocals, handclaps, twelve-string guitar
*Dennis Wilson harmony and backing vocals, handclaps, tambourine
;Additional musicians
Variations
*An instrumental version is found on the 1968 'Stack-O-Tracks' compilation.
*The 19902001 reissue of 'Summer Days (And Summer Nights!!)' includes among the bonus tracks a version of the song with alternate backing vocals.
*The 2007 compilation 'The Warmth of the Sun' featured the first stereo mix of the song.
See also
* List of cover versions of Beach Boys songs"Let Him Run Wild" entries
References
Category:1960s ballads
Category:1965 songs
Category:1965 singles
Category:The Beach Boys songs
Category:Brian Wilson songs
Category:Songs written by Brian Wilson
Category:Songs written by Mike Love
Category:Song recordings produced by Brian Wilson
Category:Song recordings with Wall of Sound arrangements
Category:Pop ballads
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