Here Today

When you dive into *Here Today*, you encounter a piece that departs from the conventional. The lyrics, written by Tony Asher, pose a warning about the fleeting nature of love, suggesting that what is a passionate new relationship today may be just a painful memory tomorrow. The narrator, in fact, reveals himself as the ex of the person he is addressing, adding a layer of melancholy and experience to the warning. Musically, the song stands out for its uncommon structure and the use of the electric bass as the main instrument, almost leading the melody. There is an instrumental passage of twenty bars that breaks with linearity, inviting close listening.

This song was one of the last to be recorded for the album Pet Sounds, in March 1966. Brian Wilson produced the session, with the support of his bandmates for vocal harmonies and the collaboration of twelve studio musicians. These musicians contributed a rich sonic palette, including guitars, organ, double bass, trombones, saxophones, tack piano, drums, and various percussion. The lead vocal on the final version fell to Mike Love. The influence of *Here Today* was felt by other musicians, and it has been covered by several artists.