Surfin' U.S.A.

The Beach Boys

About Surfin' U.S.A.

"Surfin' U. S. A." is a song with lyrics by Brian Wilson set to the music of "Sweet Little Sixteen", written by Chuck Berry. Mike Love also contributed to the lyrics, but was not credited. The song was first recorded by Wilson's band the Beach Boys and released as a single on March 4, 1963, then appeared as the title track to their album Surfin' U. S. A. Also produced by Wilson, the single peaked at number two in the chart of the Music Vendor trade paper (within a year renamed Record World) and at number three on the Billboard and Cash Box charts. It was backed with "Shut Down". Billboard ranked "Surfin' U. S. A." the number 1 song of 1963, Although this song was Billboard's original number 1 song of that year, later lists from Billboard rank "Sugar Shack" by Jimmy Gilmer and the Fireballs as the number 1 song of 1963. It has since become emblematic of the California Sound. The song "Surfin' U. S. A." is part of The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll list. 


Year:
1988
2:29
7,218 
#3

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If everybody had an ocean
Across the U.S.A.
Then everybody'd be surfin'
Like California
You'd seem 'em wearing their baggies
Huarachi sandals too
A bushy bushy blond hairdo
Surfin' U.S.A.

You'd catch 'em surfin' at Del Mar
Ventura County line
Santa Cruz and Trestle
Australia's Narabine
All over Manhattan
And down Doheny Way

Everybody's gone surfin'
Surfin' U.S.A.

We'll all be planning that route
We're gonna take real soon
We're waxing down our surfboards
We can't wait for June
We'll all be gone for the summer
We're on surfari to stay
Tell the teacher we're surfin'
Surfin' U.S.A.

Haggerties and Swamies
Pacific Palisades
San Anofree and Sunset
Redondo Beach L.A.
All over La Jolla
At Waimia Bay

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.

Everybody's gone surfin'
Surfin' U.S.A.

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The Beach Boys

The Beach Boys are an American rock band, formed in 1961 in Hawthorne, California. The group was initially composed of brothers Brian, Dennis and Carl Wilson, their cousin Mike Love, and friend Al Jardine. Managed by the Wilsons' father Murry, the Beach Boys signed to Capitol Records in 1962. The band's early music gained popularity across the United States for its close vocal harmonies and lyrics reflecting a Southern California youth culture of surfing, cars, and romance. By the mid 1960s, Brian Wilson's growing creative ambition and songwriting ability would dominate the group's musical direction. The primarily Wilson-composed Pet Sounds album and "Good Vibrations" single (both released in 1966) featured a complex, intricate and multi-layered sound that wa… more »

13 fans

Written by: Chuck Berry

Lyrics © ENTERTAINMENT ONE U.S. LP

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


11 facts about this song

Song Creation
"Surfin' U.S.A." is a song by American rock band The Beach Boys, written by Brian Wilson and Mike Love.
Release Date
It was released as a single on March 4, 1963, and appeared on the album of the same name.
Inspiration
The song was inspired by "Sweet Little Sixteen", a song by rock and roll pioneer Chuck Berry. Brian Wilson took the melody of this song and put new lyrics to it.
Legal Controversy
This borrowing of melody created some legal trouble for The Beach Boys. Chuck Berry was not initially credited as a songwriter, but was later added after reaching a settlement.
Chart Success
"Surfin' U.S.A." reached number two on the Billboard pop chart and peaked at the top spot in the trade publication Cash Box.
Cultural Impact
The song lists a number of surfing spots across the United States and was instrumental in popularizing surfing culture across the country.
Continual Popularity
Over time, it's become one of the Beach Boys' most popular and enduring songs, getting regular airplay on oldies radio stations and remaining a live favorite.
Song Structure
Just like many Beach Boys songs, "Surfin' U.S.A." uses a simple verse-chorus song structure, with the title of the song serving as the hook.
Music Genre
It's widely recognized as a classic of the surf music genre, which The Beach Boys helped to popularize in the 1960s.
Song Cover Versions
Many other artists have covered "Surfin' U.S.A.", including Leif Garrett, Aaron Carter, and the punk band Pennywise. The song's enduring appeal is a testament to its catchy melody and fun, upbeat lyrics.
Inclusion in Films
"Surfin' U.S.A." has been used in numerous movies, commercials, and television shows, further illustrating its enduring popularity and cultural significance.

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