Supriya Ghosh (Editor)

Student Demonstration Time

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Released
  
August 30, 1971

Length
  
3:58

Genre
  
Hard rock, blues rock

Label
  
Brother/Reprise

Recorded
  
November 3, 1970 early 1971

Composer(s)
  
Jerry Leiber/Mike Stoller/Mike Love

"Student Demonstration Time" is a song written by Jerry Leiber, Mike Stoller and Mike Love, which was recorded by the American rock band the Beach Boys for the album Surf's Up, released in 1971.

Contents

Composition

The song which "Student Demonstration Time" is based on - "Riot in Cell Block Number 9" - was originally written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller in 1954, and was considered for inclusion on the Beach Boys' 1965 album Party!, but was ultimately not included. The song was subsequently performed live by the Beach Boys in concert starting in 1969. In mid-1970, Mike Love re-wrote the lyrics after learning of the Kent State Shootings where four unarmed college students protesting the Cambodian Campaign were killed by the Ohio National Guard on Monday, May 4, 1970. Stephen Desper, engineer of the Beach Boys during this period, explained the genesis and context behind the song:

Other events referred to in the song include (in order of appearance):

  • Autumn 1964 – Berkeley Free Speech Movement
  • May 1969 – People's Park
  • June 1970 – rioting in Isla Vista, California
  • May 14–15, 1970 – Jackson State killings
  • May 4, 1970 – Kent State shootings
  • "Student Demonstration Time" (backed with "Don't Go Near the Water") was released as a single in the Netherlands -- where it peaked at #21 -- and Italy, as well as Australia, where it charted during 1972. However, for the British and German releases of the single, the A-side and B-side were switched, resulting in "Don't Go Near the Water" being the A-side.

    Personnel

    The Beach Boys
  • Al Jardine – harmony and backing vocals
  • Bruce Johnston – harmony and backing vocals
  • Mike Love – lead, harmony and backing vocals; tambourine
  • Brian Wilson – harmony and backing vocals
  • Carl Wilson – harmony and backing vocals; lead guitar
  • Dennis Wilson – harmony and backing vocals; drums
  • Session musicians and production staff
  • Stephen W. Desper – sound engineer; moog
  • Daryl Dragon – bass; tack piano
  • References

    Student Demonstration Time Wikipedia