Is there a more poignant and beautiful early Beach-Boys era song than “The Warmth of the Sun”? When people talk about Beach Boys’ leader and producer Brian Wilson‘s best lyricists, they’re often referring to either Tony Asher (“Pet Sounds”) or Van Dyke Parks (“SMiLE”). But often overlooked is Mike Love, Beach Boys front-man, who actually penned these lyrics the day before JFK was assassinated and completed them the day afterwards:

What good is the dawn
That grows into day?
The sunset at night
Or living this way

For I have the warmth of the sun
(Warmth of the sun)
Within me at night…
(Warmth of the sun)

The love of my life
She left me one day
I cried when she said,
“I don’t feel the same way”

Still I have the warmth of the sun
(Warmth of the sun)
Within me tonight..
(Warmth of the sun)

I’ll dream of her arms
And know they’re not real
Just like they’re still there
The way that I feel

My love’s like the warmth of the sun
(Warmth of the sun)
It won’t ever die…
(Warmth of the sun)

Beautiful lyrics augmented by a lovely and complex melody. Certainly one of the Beach Boys’ finest.