Beach Boys fans are only just learning story of hit song 'Sloop John B'

Among the list of unforgettable bands, the Beach Boys undoubtedly stand shoulder to shoulder with some of the greatest. Their timeless tunes have resonated with fans around the globe for generations, and their catalogue boasts an impressive array of classic hits.

Beach Boys fans might find themselves revisiting the band’s music more often these days following the sad news that Brian Wilson, the group’s legendary leader and creative force, has passed away. As the mastermind behind anthems like “Surfin’ USA”, “Good Vibrations” and “God Only Knows”, his legacy as a monumental contributor to the music world is assured.

Yet, there remains one Beach Boys track that continues to perplex listeners to this day. The enigma surrounding the song “Sloop John B” was highlighted on the question-and-answer site Quora, where someone inquired: “What is The Beach Boys song ‘Sloop John B’ about?”

The responses were diverse, indicating that, while some interpret the song superficially, others ascribe to it a more profound significance. Eager music fans took to the internet to voice their interpretations, offering a variety of perspectives on the tune. Despite the differing views, it’s evident that “Sloop John B” remains a source of bewilderment for some.

One individual posited: “‘Sloop John B’ is a traditional folk song that was popularized by The Beach Boys in their 1966 album Pet Sounds. The song tells the story of a group of sailors on a small boat, the Sloop John B, who experience a series of misfortunes during their voyage.”

Another individual commented: “A sloop is a single-masted sailing vessel. The song is about a sailing voyage gone horribly wrong. According to the protagonist, it is the worst sailing trip he’s ever been on and he just wants to go home.”

A third person responded: “A sloop is a fishing boat. The song is basically about a boat called the John B, which is on a particularly disastrous trip. It’s actually an old Bahamian folk song which has also gone by the titles ‘I Want to Go Home’ and ‘The Wreck of the John B’.”

What is the true meaning behind “Sloop John B”?

Perhaps unbeknownst to many, “Sloop John B” is in fact a traditional folk song hailing from the Bahamas with a rich history. The Beach Boys recorded their popular rendition for their 1966 album, Pet Sounds, adding their unique touch to the classic.

The song narrates the tale of a disorderly, uncontrollable ship witnessing such severe misbehaviour and drunkenness that the storyteller simply yearns to return home. However, the song carries a much deeper narrative than initially meets the ear.

Originally titled “The John B. Sails”, the song made its first literary appearance in British author Richard Le Gallienne’s 1917 novel “Pieces of Eight.” Later, American poet and biographer Carl Sandburg included the song in his 1927 folk compilation, The American Songbag, according to American Songwriter.

“John T. McCuteheon, cartoonist and kindly philosopher, and his wife Evelyn Shaw McCuteheon, mother and poet, learned to sing this on their Treasure Island in the West Indies,” he detailed in his notes on the song. “They tell of it, ‘Time and usage have given this song almost the dignity of a national anthem around Nassau’.”

In 1958, The Kingston Trio, often credited with reinvigorating the classic folk tune, recorded a rendition titled “(The Wreck of the) John B” for their debut album. Following this, numerous artists including Johnny Cash (1969), Lonnie Donegan (1960) and Jimmie Rodgers (1960) released their own interpretations.

During a recording session in 1965, Beach Boys member Al Jardine had an idea. He “had been studying the song at home, and from my early experiences as a fan of the Kingston Trio, I thought that it would be a great song for us to do.”

Over time, there has been speculation about the song’s authenticity, with some suggesting it was composed for the tourism industry. However, it is believed to narrate a true tale. Reports suggest that a 19th-century vessel named after Captain John Bethel did exist.

It is said that he constructed and sailed the ship until its unfortunate wreck, which could explain why some renditions are titled “The Wreck of the John B”. Nevertheless, it remains unconfirmed whether the ship mentioned in the song refers to his vessel.

Regarding the legendary Beach Boys, it is told that Brian Wilson was positioned at his piano when Jardine began experimenting with a chord sequence, with Jardine explaining: “I said, ‘Remember this song?’ I played it.”

Wilson apparently wasn’t too impressed initially. “He said, ‘I’m not a big fan of the Kingston Trio.’ He wasn’t into folk music. But I didn’t give up on the idea,” Jardine recounted to American Songwriter.

Undeterred, Jardine reworked the chords, aiming to infuse them with the Beach Boys’ signature sound, asserting: “I figured if I gave it to him in the right light, he might end up believing in it.”

Continuing with his adjustments, Jardine said: “So, I modified the chord changes so it would be a little more interesting.”

From there, Wilson began shaping the tune, adding a touch more commercial appeal. After several months, they laid down the vocal tracks, with Brian and Mike taking centre stage.

The consensus was that the song needed a stronger rock sensibility to resonate on the radio. This very track later debuted as the forefront single for the album Pet Sounds, and climbed to No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 at the time.

To this day, the song remains an enduring favourite among fans.