So basically, the first part = hubris? In more words than probably necessary, the decadence of civilization.
The second part = violent change/reform? "Surf's up" seems to imply erosion and metamorphosis. Aud Lang Syne, of course, symbolizing the end of an era.
The third part = the answer: Wilson's obsession with regression - songs about childhood as catharsis/longing/nostalgia. The bike horns in "You Still Believe in Me". The whistles and noisemakers in "Heroes & Villains", "Mrs. O'Leary's Cow", etc. The sing-songiness of "On a Holiday" and "Sloop John B", etc. etc.
So basically, the first part = hubris? In more words than probably necessary, the decadence of civilization.
The second part = violent change/reform? "Surf's up" seems to imply erosion and metamorphosis. Aud Lang Syne, of course, symbolizing the end of an era.
The third part = the answer: Wilson's obsession with regression - songs about childhood as catharsis/longing/nostalgia. The bike horns in "You Still Believe in Me". The whistles and noisemakers in "Heroes & Villains", "Mrs. O'Leary's Cow", etc. The sing-songiness of "On a Holiday" and "Sloop John B", etc. etc.