The Beach Boys – Barbara Ann

About The Song

“Barbara Ann” is a song written by Fred Fassert, first recorded by The Regents in 1961, where it reached No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100. The Beach Boys recorded their version in September 1965 at United Western Recorders in Hollywood and released it as a single on December 20, 1965, backed with “Girl Don’t Tell Me”. The track appeared on their album Beach Boys’ Party!, which was presented as a casual, party-style session with overdubbed informal chatter to create a lively atmosphere.

The recording featured lead vocals by Brian Wilson and Dean Torrence of Jan and Dean, though Torrence was not credited due to contractual reasons. At the end of the song, Carl Wilson can be heard saying, “Thanks, Dean,” acknowledging Torrence’s participation. The idea to include “Barbara Ann” came from Torrence, whose duo had previously recorded the song but never released it as a single.

Capitol Records decided to rush-release “Barbara Ann” as a single after the band’s previous release, “The Little Girl I Once Knew,” underperformed on the charts. This decision was made without informing the band, and DJs began playing “Barbara Ann” from the album, leading to its rapid rise in popularity.

Upon release, “Barbara Ann” quickly climbed the charts, entering the Billboard Hot 100 at No. 81 on January 1, 1966, and reaching No. 2 by the end of the month. It was blocked from the top spot by The Beatles’ “We Can Work It Out” and Petula Clark’s “My Love”. The song also reached No. 3 in the UK and topped charts in Germany, Switzerland, and Norway, becoming the Beach Boys’ biggest hit in Italy at No. 4. Critics described the song as a “rockin’ rouser” with the Beach Boys’ signature harmonies and energy.

The Beach Boys’ Party! album, which included “Barbara Ann,” was notable for its stripped-down, acoustic approach and is considered one of the earliest “unplugged” albums. The album reached No. 6 in the US and No. 3 in the UK. The playful, informal style of the recording, along with the party sound effects, contributed to the song’s enduring appeal.

“Barbara Ann” has been performed live by the Beach Boys on various occasions and appeared on several live and compilation albums. Brian Wilson has also performed the song as a solo artist. In 1987, the Beach Boys re-recorded the song as “Here Come the Cubs” for the Chicago Cubs baseball team.

Video

Lyric

Ba-ba-ba, ba-Barbara Ann
Ba-ba-ba, ba-Barbara Ann

Barbara Ann, take my hand
Barbara Ann, you got me rockin’ and a-rollin’
Rockin’ and a-reelin’, Barbara Ann
Ba-ba-ba, ba-Barbara Ann

Went to a dance, lookin’ for romance
Saw Barbara Ann, so I thought I’d take a chance
With Barbara Ann, Barbara Ann
Take my hand

Barbara Ann, you got me rockin’ and a-rollin’
Rockin’ and a-reelin’, Barbara Ann
Ba-ba-ba, ba-Barbara Ann

Tried Peggy Sue
Tried Betty Lou
Tried Mary Lou
But I knew she wouldn’t do
But Barbara Ann, Barbara Ann
Take my hand

Barbara Ann, you got me rockin’ and a-rollin’
Rockin’ and a-reelin’, Barbara Ann
Ba-ba-ba, ba-Barbara Ann

Barbara Ann, Barbara Ann
Oh Barbara Ann, take my hand
Barbara Ann, you got me rockin’ and a-rollin’
Rockin’ and a-reelin’, Barbara Ann
Ba-ba-ba, ba-Barbara Ann

Ba-ba-ba, ba-Barbara Ann
Ba-ba-ba, ba-Barbara Ann
Ba-ba-ba, ba-Barbara Ann
Ba-ba-ba, ba-Barbara Ann