Heroes and Villains

Lyrics by Van Dyke Parks

Parks' lyrics are meant to evoke the American West but of course they've now been interpreted many ways, including as some kind of analogy for the Vietnam War.

Music by Brian Wilson

Much like "Good Vibrations", "Heroes and Villains" was not written as a conventional song, but rather as sort of suite of different sections. It was intended to be the centerpiece of Smile. It's not anywhere near as complicated as "Good Vibrations" but it was still an elaborate recording making use of numerous recording sessions in order to complete it. Once Smile was abandoned, the song became much less ambitious and was reconstructed to be used as a single.

Arrangement and Performance

• Mike Love – harmony and backing vocals
• Al Jardine – harmony and backing vocals
• Brian Wilson – lead, harmony and backing vocals, organ
• Carl Wilson – harmony and backing vocals
• Dennis Wilson – harmony and backing vocals

Additional musicians

• Billy Hinsche - harmony and backing vocals
• Hal Blaine – drums
• Carol Kaye – bass
• Lyle Ritz – string bass
• Larry Knechtel – harpsichord