"Heads You WinTails I Lose" 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.

Composition

According to lyricist Gary Usher, "Heads You WinTails I Lose" resulted from an effort to turn contemporary expressions into songs. The song is in AABA form. In the A sections, the typical doo-wop chord patterns are split in half, and then repeated: I-vi-I-vi-IV-V-IV-V. The B section is a more traditional pattern, much like other songs from Surfin' Safari

Heads You Win–Tails I Lose

Recording

"Heads You WinTails I Lose" was recorded at the last Surfin' Safari session, on September 6, 1962. While Nik Venet is officially credited as producer, some of the participants claim that Brian Wilson did the production work.

Heads You Win–Tails I Lose

Personnel

The Beach Boys

Mike Love lead vocals

David Marks rhythm guitar

Brian Wilson harmony and backing vocals; bass guitar

Carl Wilson harmony and backing vocals; lead guitar

Dennis Wilson harmony and backing vocals; drums

References

1962 songs

The Beach Boys songs

Songs written by Gary Usher

Songs written by Brian Wilson

Song recordings produced by Nick Venet

Heads You Win–Tails I Lose