When I Grow Up (To Be a Man)

Album: Today! (1964)
Charted: 27 9
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Brian Wilson and Mike Love of The Beach Boys wrote this song and shared vocal duties. Wilson explained to Goldmine in 2011: "'When I Grow Up (To Be A Man)' was inspired about what it was gonna be like to grow up. Will I like the things then as I did now? I wrote that in my early twenties. As I look back on that I am happy with my life now and I didn't think I would be."
  • This is the theme song to the TV show Men of a Certain Age. The lyrics are a bit of a mismatch, as the characters in the show are already grown up.

Comments: 1

  • Barry from Sauquoit, NyOn August 30th 1964, "When I Grow Up (To Be A Man)" by the Beach Boys entered Billboard's Hot Top 100 chart at position #83; and on October 11th, 1964 it peaked at #9 {for 2 weeks} and spent 10 weeks on the Top 100...
    On October 13th, 1964 it reached #1 {for 2 weeks} on the Canadian RPM 100 Singles chart...
    The record's B-side, "Wendy", also made the Top 100 chart; it reached #44 and stayed on the chart for 6 weeks...
    R.I.P. Dennis Wilson {1944-1983} and Carl Wilson {1946-1998}.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Jesus Thinks You're a Jerk: Rock vs. Televangelists

Jesus Thinks You're a Jerk: Rock vs. TelevangelistsSong Writing

When televangelists like Jimmy Swaggart took on rockers like Ozzy Osbourne and Metallica, the rockers retaliated. Bono could even be seen mocking the preachers.

Jonathan Cain of Journey

Jonathan Cain of JourneySongwriter Interviews

Cain talks about the divine inspirations for "Don't Stop Believin'" and "Faithfully."

Gentle Giant

Gentle GiantSongwriter Interviews

An interview with Ray and Derek Shulman of the progressive rock band Gentle Giant to discuss counterpoint, polyrhythms, and... Bon Jovi.

Deconstructing Doors Songs With The Author Of The Doors Examined

Deconstructing Doors Songs With The Author Of The Doors ExaminedSong Writing

Doors expert Jim Cherry, author of The Doors Examined, talks about some of their defining songs and exposes some Jim Morrison myths.

Album Cover Inspirations

Album Cover InspirationsSong Writing

Some album art was at least "inspired" by others. A look at some very similar covers.

Artis the Spoonman

Artis the SpoonmanSong Writing

Even before Soundgarden wrote a song about him, Artis was the most famous spoon player of all time. So why has he always been broke?