Summer's Gone

Brian Wilson has passed away at age 82

I’ve had Summer’s Gone stuck in my head for a few hours now.

It’s the final song on the final Beach Boys record…and an amazing walk-off with the perfect title. There are hardly any 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 (I should stay)

…and yeah. Old friends have gone.

In my own life, 2024 was a year of changes…and I find 2025 being the year where I remember you have to pick yourself off the mat and start over. New friends. New adventures.

I’m sitting here poolside, watching “the new dogs” run around chasing each other and it’s a reminder “Life goes on and on, Like your favorite song…” (that’s from Brian Wilson’s “This Beautiful Day,”)

Much will be written today about the surfing songs, Good Vibrations, Smile, mental health and the usual Brian Wilson Story beats - but today the sweets-pot is in the melancholy songs. Tomorrow might be a day to blast Fun Fun Fun, but today is more of a Surf’s Up vibe.

So today, let’s be sad. Tomorrow, let’s hit the beach!

I never met Brian, although I’ve met Al Jardine, Bruce Johnston and on three occasions Mike Love (who I have way better things to say about than most people, but that’s for another day, and good for Mike keeping the endless summer going with his touring band.)

Brian leaves us with another last track, from his solo album (the wonderfully titled and really fun album) No Pier Pressure…and the perfectly titled The Last Song.

Hold on tight and everything will be alright

I've never really felt this way before

Don't let go

There's still time for us so let's take it slow

I wish that I could give you so much more

…

Maybe we'll be coming back someday

Together in the end

To sing with you again

I've never really felt this way before

Don't be sad

There was a time and place for what we had

If there was just another chance for me to sing to you