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"Heads You Win–Tails 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 Win–Tails 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.

Recording

"Heads You Win–Tails 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.

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

1. Elliott, Brad: "Surf's Up! The Beach Boys On Record 1961-1981", page 18. Popular Culture Ink, 1991.
2. Lambert, Philip: Inside the Music of Brian Wilson, page 48. Continuum Publishing, 2007.
3. Lambert, Philip: Inside the Music of Brian Wilson, page 48-49. Continuum Publishing, 2007.
4. Doe, Andrew G.: "gigs6162." Bellagio 10452. Retrieved on 2012-02-08.
5. Doe, Andrew G.: "Album Archive Archived 2012-03-24 at the Wayback Machine." Bellagio 10452. Retrieved on 2012-02-08.

• 1962 songs
• The Beach Boys songs
• Songs written by Gary Usher
• Songs written by Brian Wilson
• Song recordings produced by Nick Venet