Cuckoo Clock (song)

"Cuckoo Clock" is a song written by Brian Wilson and Gary Usher for the American rock band The Beach Boys. It was released on their 1962 album Surfin' Safari.^[1] The song was written about the myna bird of Brian's father Murry Wilson.^[2]

"Cuckoo Clock"
Song by The Beach Boys
from the album Surfin' Safari
Language	English
Released	October 1, 1962 (1962-10-01)
Recorded	September 6, 1962 (1962-09-06) Capitol Studios
Genre	Surf rock
Length	2:08
Label	Capitol
Songwriter(s)	Brian Wilson Gary Usher
Producer(s)	Nik Venet

Composition

"Cuckoo Clock" relates the story of a teenage couple trying to spend time together. When things start to get romantic, however, they are interrupted by a cuckoo clock. In the final verse, the teenage boy dismantles the clock so they will not be bothered again.^[3] The song is in basic verse-chorus-bridge form. The organ solo in the bridge points the way towards future Beach Boys songs.^[4]

Recording

"Cuckoo Clock" was recorded on September 6, 1962, at the last Surfin' Safari session.^[5] While Nik Venet is officially credited as producer, some of the participants claim that Brian Wilson did the production work.^[6]

Personnel

• Mike Love – vocals
• David Marks – guitar
• Brian Wilson – bass guitar, organ, lead vocal
• Carl Wilson – guitar, vocals
• Dennis Wilson – drums, vocals