Surfin' U.S.A. - Wikipedia

About the song

“Surfin’ U.S.A.” by The Beach Boys is a seminal track in the history of American rock and roll. Released on March 4, 1963, this iconic song is the title track from their album of the same name, “Surfin’ U.S.A.”. The release of this single marked a pivotal moment in the evolution of surf music and established The Beach Boys as leading figures in the genre.

The song is notable for its upbeat, catchy melody and its infectious celebration of the California surf culture. Written by Brian Wilson and Mike Love, “Surfin’ U.S.A.” pays homage to the beach lifestyle and the surf scene that was burgeoning on the West Coast during the early 1960s. Its lyrics describe various surf spots across the United States, with a particular focus on the enjoyment and excitement associated with surfing. This exuberant tribute to the sport helped to popularize surfing as a cultural phenomenon and contributed significantly to the rise of surf music.

“Surfin’ U.S.A.” was groundbreaking not only for its musical style but also for its impact on American pop culture. The song’s energetic rhythm and harmonized vocals became a defining characteristic of The Beach Boys’ sound and influenced countless artists and bands that followed. The track’s success on the charts—reaching number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100—solidified The Beach Boys’ place in the musical landscape of the 1960s. It played a crucial role in the surf music movement and helped to bring a wave of attention to the California surf culture.

The influence of “Surfin’ U.S.A.” extends beyond its initial release. The song has been covered and referenced by various artists over the decades, illustrating its enduring appeal. Its catchy chorus and upbeat tempo continue to resonate with audiences, and the track remains a staple in classic rock playlists and surf-themed media. The song also contributed to the broader cultural fascination with surfing and beach life, themes that have remained relevant in American music and entertainment.

In summary, “Surfin’ U.S.A.” by The Beach Boys is much more than just a catchy tune from the early 60s; it is a landmark piece in the history of rock music. Its release marked the beginning of a new era in popular music, defined by a unique blend of rock and surf culture. The song’s celebration of beach life and surfing culture, combined with its infectious melody and harmonies, helped to define an era and cemented The Beach Boys’ status as one of the most influential bands in music history.

Video

Lyrics

If everybody had an oceanAcross the U.S.A.Then everybody’d be surfin’Like Californi-aYou’d seem ’em wearing their baggiesHuarachi sandals tooA bushy bushy blonde hairdoSurfin’ U.S.A.
You’d catch ’em surfin’ at Del MarVentura County lineSanta Cruz and TrestleAustralia’s NarrabeenAll over ManhattanAnd down Doheny Way
Everybody’s gone surfin’Surfin’ U.S.A.
We’ll all be planning that routeWe’re gonna take real soonWe’re waxing down our surfboardsWe can’t wait for JuneWe’ll all be gone for the summerWe’re on surfari to stayTell the teacher we’re surfin’Surfin’ U.S.A.
Haggerties and SwamiesPacific PalisadesSan Anofree and SunsetRedondo Beach L.A.All over La JollaAt Waimia BayEverybody’s gone surfin’Surfin’ U.S.A.
Everybody’s gone surfin’Surfin’ U.S.A.
Everybody’s gone surfin’Surfin’ U.S.A.
Everybody’s gone surfin’Surfin’ U.S.A.
Everybody’s gone surfin’Surfin’ U.S.A.
(Everybody’s gone surfin’Surfin’ U.S.A.)