That's Not Me (The Beach Boys song)

Written by Brian Wilson and Tony Asher, it is distinguished for its sophisticated harmonic structure and its sudden shifts in mood and instrumental textures.

Owing to its relatively sparse orchestration, it is the track on Pet Sounds that most closely resembles a conventional rock song.

[1] The lyric illustrates a young man in his path toward self-discovery and independence, ending with the realization that he is better living with a lover than pursuing a life of solitude in service to his dream.

Other writers speculate that the song may have been inspired by his use of psychedelic drugs or his withdrawal from regular concert appearances in the year prior.

"[11] Music historian Jim DeRogatis states that the song was written after Wilson, influenced by psychedelic drugs, had been inspired to turn his attention inward and probe "his deep-seated self-doubts".

[12] According to biographer Timothy White, the song was written about Wilson's feelings about his withdrawal from the group's regular touring line-up after December 1964.

[15] Musicologist Philip Lambert felt that "the move from A to F♯ major symbolizes the narrator's journey away from home to gain a new perspective".

[21] Music historian Charles Granata compares the music of "That's Not Me" to "the spacious atmosphere" heard in Aaron Copland's Billy the Kid and Rodeo ballets; moreover, the "uncluttered arrangement (featuring guitar, organ, bass, and percussion) allows each instrument to breathe, making the tune a study in contrast and texture.

"[1] As written in the Student's Guide to Music Tech, "That's Not Me" is another example [re: "Wouldn't it Be Nice"] of the way in which the Beach Boys (or more properly, Brian Wilson) use texture to reflect changes of mood.

The strong percussive elements drop out to leave a smooth, sustained organ and vocal texture with a heavily reverbed guitar.

The basic track was recorded on February 15, with Brian on organ, Dennis on drums, Carl on lead guitar, and their cousin Steve Korthof joining Terry Melcher on tambourine.

[19] Bruce Johnston recounted an anecdote concerning this session: I distinctly remember that Terry Melcher played tambourine on that song.

"[5] AllMusic reviewer Stewart Mason decreed that "That's Not Me" was "a largely underappreciated gem" that had been "[o]vershadowed by the even-better tracks that surround it on side one of Pet Sounds".

[19] The Beach Boys Additional players Technical staff The American Federation of Musicians (AFM) sheets indicate the presence of Jardine and Johnston, but they did not contribute to the recording of the basic track.