"Long Promised Road" is a song by the American rock band the Beach Boys from their 1971 album Surf's Up. It was written by Carl Wilson and Jack Rieley. Aside from a few guitar instrumentals written in the early days of the band and collective co-writing credits, the song is Wilson's first solo composition, and he plays all of the instruments himself.

Background

Asked about the song in a 2013 interview, Jack Rieley said:

Release

The song was first released as a single in May 1971, and did not chart. It was then included on Surf's Up, and was re-released as a single, with a different b-side, "'Til I Die", in October of the same year. This time it made it to No. 89 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Brian Wilson, who regularly included the song in his solo concerts, described it as "an incredible tune."

Personnel

Credits from Craig Slowinski.

The Beach Boys

• Al Jardine – backing vocals

• Bruce Johnston – backing vocals

• Mike Love – backing vocals

• Brian Wilson – backing vocals

• Carl Wilson – lead and backing vocals, Wurlitzer electronic pianos, grand piano, upright piano, Hammond organ, Moog synthesizer, electric and acoustic guitars, drums, tambourine, shakers, temple blocks, ride cymbal swell

Guests

• Diane Rovell – backing vocals

• Marilyn Wilson – backing vocals

References

External links