Sloop John B
Beach Boys · The Beach Boys Sounds of Summer: The Very Best of the Beach Boys
My grandfather and me
Around Nassau town we did roam
Drinking all night
Got into a fight
Well I feel so broke up
I wanna go home
So hoist up the John B's sail
See how the mainsail sets
Call for the captain ashore
Let me go home, let me go home
I wanna go home, yeah, yeah
Well I feel so broke up
I wanna go home
Well. first mate, he got drunk
Broke in the captain's trunk
The constable had to come and take him away
Sheriff John Stone
Why don't you leave me alone, yeah, yeah
Well I feel so broke up
I wanna go home
So hoist up the John B's sails
See how the mainsail sets
Call for the captain ashore
Let me go home, let me go home
I wanna go home, let me go home
Why don't you let me go home
Hoist up the John B
I feel so broke up
I wanna go home, let me go home
The poor cook he caught the fits
And threw away all my grits
And then he took and he ate up all of my corn
Let me go home
Why don't they let me go home
This is the worst trip I've ever been on
So hoist up the John B's sails
See how the mainsail sets
Call for the captain ashore
Let me go home, let me go home
I wanna go home, let me go home
Why don't you let me go home
Sloop John B
Sloop John B stands as one of the Beach Boys' most enduring recordings, showcasing the group's mastery of vocal harmony and melodic pop. Adapted from a traditional folk song, the track was reimagined by Brian Wilson to fit the band's signature California sound. The recording features a distinctive bass line and intricate backing vocals that have made it a staple of the group's live performances and studio catalog. As a highlight of their extensive discography, the song exemplifies the band's ability to transform traditional material into timeless pop anthems. Its inclusion on various compilation albums underscores its lasting appeal and significance within the broader context of American rock music history.