Mt. Vernon and Fairway Theme

Song ratings

Rating	Comments	Author	Date
	(This rating is for the entire six-part "Mount Vernon and Fairway" composition). Brian Wilson was in a state of deep depression during most of the Holland sessions, and when he presented this six-part fairy tale as his contribution for inclusion in the new album, brother Carl's immediate reaction was "You've got to be kidding". Later he relented and the entire story was appended to the album as a bonus single. That little vignette pretty much reflects my own opinion of the "Mount Vernon and Fairway Theme". At first listen, I was appalled at the depths to which the creator of "Good Vibrations" and "Surf's Up" had fallen. The story is odd, has no real resolution or redeeming value, and features Brian's most inanely goofy voice as the Pied Piper. But as I continue to listen to it my appreciation for it grows. There is some real magical story-telling going on in this tale--it is excellently narrated by Jack Rieley-- and there is an element of wonder which compensates for its lack of coherence. Finally, take some time to listen to the backing music. It takes a while for it to make its impression, but this is some beautiful stuff. "Mount Vernon and Fairway" is a unique and charming peek into Brian Wilson's head, and a worthwhile addition to the Holland album.	Bruce Beatlefan	January 26, 2009

Lyrics

There was a mansion on a hill
But deep in a secret kingdom
Where a young prince lived
He had four sisters and four brothers

The prince had a special bedroom on the ground floor
With a window that looked down into a deep deep forest
He could see distant lights from other castles in the kingdom
From his window

During the day
He went to school
When it became night
He stayed by himself
Usually in his secret hidden bedroom

One night
While nearly everyone was asleep
He took out of the attic a radio
And he decided to listen to it

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