Video: Watch Lorde, One Direction celebrate “God Only Knows”

The BBC went all out on its tribute to “God Only Knows,” the Brian Wilson-penned classic by the Beach Boys. Featuring some of the biggest voices and personalities in music, the clip covers genres, continents and galaxies as it celebrates one of the great pop songs of the past half-century.

Specifically, the performance includes artists including Pharrell Williams, Lorde, Elton John, Stevie Wonder, One Direction, Sam Smith, Chris Martin, Paloma Faith, Baba Maal and Dave Grohl -- among many others.

The song’s composer is shown, as well, playing the piano while opening and closing the song. He and others are set in London’s glorious Alexandra Palace theatre by the BBC Concert Orchestra and the Tees Valley Youth Choir.

This isn’t the first time the BBC has celebrated a song in this manner. Seventeen years ago to the day, the British broadcasting company took on Lou Reed’s “Perfect Day.” The only holdover from that version? Elton John.

Seventeen years from now maybe they’ll do Lorde’s “Royals.” (She’ll only be 34.)

Follow Randall Roberts on Twitter: @liledit