Barbara Ann (Beach Boys)

18 MARCH 1966


The Beach Boys’ classic ‘Barbara Ann’ reaches its peak UK chart position of #3. It reached #2 on the US Billboard Hot 100 charts.

This had originally been recorded by the Regents as 'Barbara-Ann' in 1961, when it reached #13 on the Billboard chart. This version was taken from Beach Boys' 1965 album 'Beach Boys' Party!'. Until 1966 the Beach Boys, despite having a string of very memorable hits, had quite a naff stage style and released a lot of party and Christmas-type albums. It was during this year that they dropped the 'yacht club' clothing and started exploring new sounds. Although vocalist Mike Love would always remain the world's worst dancer.

Recorded: 23 September 1965, United Western Recorders, Hollywood
Released: 20 December 1965
Highest chart position: #3 (UK), #2 (US)
Length: 2:05, 3:23 (album version) 
Label: Capitol 5561
Writer: Fred Fassert
Producer: Brian Wilson


'A Bar bar bar bar Barbar Ann
Bar bar bar bar Barbar Ann
(Bar bar bar bar Barbar Ann)
Oh Barbara Ann take my hand
(Bar bar bar bar Barbar Ann)
Barbara Ann
(Bar bar bar bar Barbar Ann)
You got me rockin' and a rollin'
Rockin' and a reelin' Barbara Ann
Bar bar bar bar Barbar Ann

Went to a dance looking for romance
Saw Barbara Ann so I thought I'd take a chance
Barbara Ann
Bar bar bar bar Barbar Ann

Oh Barbara Ann take my hand
(Bar bar bar bar Barbar Ann)
Barbara Ann
(Bar bar bar bar Barbar Ann)
You got me rockin' and a rollin'
Rockin' and a reelin' Barbara Ann
Bar bar bar bar Barbar Ann

Say Bar bar bar bar Barbar Ann
Bar bar bar bar Barbar Ann
Oh Barbara Ann take my hand
(Bar bar bar bar Barbar Ann)
Barbara Ann
(Bar bar bar bar Barbar Ann)
You got me rockin' and a rollin'
Rockin' and a reelin' Barbara Ann
Bar bar bar bar Barbar Ann

Tried Betty Sue
Tried Betty Lou
Tried Mary Sue but I knew she wouldn't do

Bar bar bar bar Barbar Ann
Oh Barbara Ann take my hand
(Bar bar bar bar Barbar Ann)
Barbara Ann
(Bar bar bar bar Barbar Ann)
You got me rockin' and a rollin'
Rockin' and a reelin' Barbara Ann
Bar bar bar bar Barbar Ann

Bar bar bar bar Barbar Ann
Bar bar bar bar Barbar Ann
Bar bar bar bar Barbar Ann
Oh Barbara Ann take my hand
(Bar bar bar bar Barbar Ann)
Barbara Ann
(Bar bar bar bar Barbar Ann)
You got me rockin' and a rollin'
Rockin' and a reelin' Barbara Ann
Bar bar bar bar Barbar Ann

Barbar Ann
Barbar Ann'