God Only Knows
What is god only knows?
Key facts
“God only knows” is an English idiom meaning that only God knows, or more commonly, that no one knows or it is impossible to say. It is also the title of a 1966 Beach Boys song from the album *Pet Sounds*.
Context
“God only knows” is an English idiom that expresses uncertainty or the impossibility of knowing something [3]. It is also the title of a 1966 Beach Boys song from the album *Pet Sounds* [2]. The song was written by Brian Wilson and Tony Asher, and it is known for its baroque-style arrangement and harmonic complexity [2]. In the lyrics, the narrator suggests that only God could fathom life without the beloved [2].
Documented claims
- The phrase is used as an idiomatic expression of uncertainty. [3]
- The Beach Boys song “God Only Knows” is from the album *Pet Sounds*. [2]
- The song was written by Brian Wilson and Tony Asher. [2]
- The song is described as a baroque-style love song with harmonic innovation and complexity. [2]
- In the song’s lyrics, the narrator says life without the lover could only be fathomed by God. [2]
Related
Questions and answers
Why was God Only Knows banned?
The sources do not mention any ban on the song.
Who originally sang God Only Knows?
The Beach Boys originally sang “God Only Knows” [2].
Did Paul McCartney ever sing God Only Knows with Brian Wilson?
The sources do not mention Paul McCartney performing the song with Brian Wilson.
Sources
- God only knows - WordSense Dictionary — wordsense.eu (retrieved August 3, 2026)
- God only knows — dictionary.cambridge.org (retrieved August 3, 2026)
- God (only) knows — ldoceonline.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)
- god only knows - Weblio 英和・和英辞典 — ejje.weblio.jp (retrieved August 3, 2026)