While the band was initially upset by the release of such a "simplistic" song, they were appeased when it became a massive commercial success.

Despite the song's popularity, Carl Wilson famously called it "the bane of my existence" because he had to sing it at almost every encore for decades. Who Was the Real Barbara Ann?

The lead vocal is actually a duet between Brian Wilson and Dean Torrence (of Jan & Dean). Torrence was in the studio next door and dropped by to join the fun.

Torrence wasn't officially credited on the album, but you can hear Carl Wilson say, "Thanks, Dean," at the very end of the track. 💿 A Hit They Didn't Want