20. The Beach Boys - Never Learn Not To Love

A song written by Charles Manson

Artwork by me: Enrique Seemann

The story behind The Beach Boys’ “Never Learn Not to Love” is shrouded in a dark and complex web of events. What started as a potential musical collaboration took an unsettling turn, connecting the band to one of the bleakest chapters in American history: the involvement of Charles Manson and his infamous “Family.”

Encountering the “Family”

It all began in 1968 when Dennis Wilson, the drummer of The Beach Boys, offered a ride to two unknown young women, Jo Bailey and Pat Krenwinkel. Unaware that they were part of the notorious “Manson Family,” led by the charismatic and disturbed Charles Manson, who sought to infiltrate the music industry through his followers. By inviting the girls into his home and offering them milk and cookies, Dennis unintentionally opened the door to this dark world. That same night, Manson and his “Family” arrived at Dennis’s house, taking possession of the place. When the drummer returned from a recording session, he found a surreal scene: his house was filled with people, a school bus parked outside, and a strange, small man with a beard acting as the host.

Initially intimidated, Dennis was quickly captivated by Manson, who knelt before him, kissing his feet and assuring him he meant no harm. This strange encounter led Dennis to become fascinated by Manson’s presence, as he exerted a hypnotic control over his followers. The Manson Family ended up living with Dennis for several months. At that time, The Beach Boys were not in their best shape. The departure of Brian Wilson from songwriting due to mental health issues and the failure of a recent tour with guru Maharishi Mahesh Yogi left the band vulnerable. Additionally, Dennis had recently divorced and moved to his new home on Sunset Boulevard. The arrival of the girls accompanying Manson, combined with Dennis’ desire for a voice of his own within the band and his interest in Manson as an aspiring songwriter, led him to welcome them with open arms.

The Relationship and Manson’s Influence

As the relationship between Dennis and Manson deepened, Dennis was captivated with Manson’s musical abilities. Manson even taught him how to play guitar. In turn, Dennis introduced Manson to several music industry contacts, including Terry Melcher, a notable producer known for his work with The Byrds.

However, the relationship began to deteriorate as the costs of hosting Manson’s group increased. Reports indicate that Dennis spent over $100,000 on food, drugs, property damage, and penicillin injections to treat the gonorrhea of Manson’s followers. After incurring significant expenses, Dennis took advantage of a Beach Boys tour to encourage the family to move out. Manson and his followers relocated to Spahn Ranch, where Manson’s control over them only grew stronger.

A product of the musical collaboration and the ongoing connections between Manson and Dennis was a song that Manson had written, “Cease to Exist.”

The Beach Boys recorded a modified version of the song in September 1968, renamed it “Never Learn Not to Love,” and released it without crediting Manson. Although Dennis reportedly compensated Manson with money and a motorcycle, Manson felt betrayed by the changes and the lack of proper acknowledgment.

Despite the tension, Dennis attempted to help Manson secure a demo session to present to the Beach Boys. The band had recently launched its own label, Brother Records, and was actively seeking new talent. They recorded a significant amount of material in Brian’s studio, but ultimately did not sign him. After that rejection, Manson focused his efforts on impressing Terry Melcher, managing to get him to visit for an audition at Spahn Ranch, but he was stood up. Manson took the rejection personally and sought out Melcher, knowing where he lived. Upon arriving, he discovered that Melcher no longer resided there and that the place was occupied by none other than Roman Polanski and his wife, actress Sharon Tate. Later, Melcher did visit Manson for an audition but ultimately rejected him. This blow crushed Manson’s dreams of breaking into music and left him desperate for income. Afterward came the infamous murders, and Manson began to harass Dennis for compensation over “Cease to Exist,” threatening to kidnap his son or kill him. This had a tremendous impact on Dennis’s life, leading him to struggle with substance abuse, which ultimately contributed to his early death.

The Contrast between “Cease to Exist” and “Never Learn Not to Love”

In “Cease to Exist,” Manson uses direct and almost coercive language, with lines like “Cease to exist” and “Submission is a gift, go on, give it to your brother.” These words reflect his philosophy of control, urging his followers to renounce their identities for the sake of loyalty to him and the community. The phrase “submission is a gift” becomes a manipulative mantra, suggesting that surrendering one’s will is an act of love.

In contrast, The Beach Boys transformed the tone significantly in “Never Learn Not to Love.” The title shift emphasizes an idea of eternal love, moving away from the heavy connotations of “Cease to exist.” In their version, submission feels more like a romantic gesture than absolute surrender. While they retain some similar lines—such as “I’m your kind, I’m your kind, and I see”—the overall context shifts, making devotion appear to be a choice rather than an obligation.

The line “Never had a lesson I ever learned” appears in both songs, hinting at rejecting conformity. However, in Manson’s version, it carries an unsettling warning that we all eventually “get our turn,” adding a darker vibe that’s missing from The Beach Boys’ take. In “Never Learn Not to Love,” the line loses its menacing tone, suggesting a more carefree view of love.

Another significant change occurs in the chorus and the final vocalizations. Manson’s repetition reinforces his themes of submission and conditional love. In contrast, The Beach Boys maintain a similar vocal structure, but it feels more ambiguous, conveying a sense of romantic urgency rather than a demand for obedience. These shifts in vocal style and production help to mask the darker themes present in the original song.

Reflections

The story of “Never Learn Not to Love” is a striking reminder of the complex dance between art and the darker sides of human experience. While The Beach Boys softened Manson’s original message into something more romantic, the song’s origins remain tangled with the unsettling events of the Manson Family. Dennis Wilson’s brief brush with Charles Manson and the fallout that followed reveal the fragility of personal connections and the shadows that can linger behind creative work.

As the music industry continues to face its past and the influences that shape its stories, “Never Learn Not to Love” shows how songs can carry their history. It encourages listeners to think about the intricacies of love, control, and artistic integrity while reminding us that even the most beautiful tunes can come from the darkest places. In this sense, the song isn’t just a snapshot of its time; it’s a meaningful exploration of the human experience, inviting us to reflect on our own relationships and the narratives that define them.

My personal thoughts: