Four months after its release, the album reached number 1 in the United States and Canada. It was the group's second chart-topping album in the US and returned them to a level of commercial success they had not experienced since the mid-1960s. The compilation spent 155 weeks on the Billboard albums chart and was certified 3× platinum by the RIAA for shipping over three million copies. Capitol released a second themed compilation in 1975 titled Spirit of America, which also sold well.
The album was included in Robert Christgau's "Basic Record Library" of 1950s and 1960s recordings, published in Christgau's Record Guide: Rock Albums of the Seventies (1981). It was voted number 972 in the third edition of Colin Larkin's All Time Top 1000 Albums (2000).
Surfin' Safari
The Beach Boys Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning | Line by Line Meaning
Everybody's learning how
Come on and safari with me
Come on and safari with
Early in the morning we'll be startin' out
Some honeys will be bake in the scene
I loaded up my woody with our boards on top
And I put on a faded blue jeans ('cause we are)
Come on (surfin') baby wait and see (surfin' safari)
Yes I'm gonna (surfin') take you surfin' (surfin' safari) with me
Come along (surfin') baby wait and see (surfin' safari)
Yes I'm gonna (surfin') take you surfin' (surfin' safari) with me
Let's go surfin' now
Everybody's learning how
Come on and safari with me
(Come on and safari with)
At Huntington and Malibu
They're shooting the pier
At Rincon they're walking the nose
We're going on safari to the islands this year
So if you're coming get ready to go (we're gonna go)
Come on (surfin') baby wait and see (surfin' safari)
Yes I'm gonna (surfin') take you surfin' (surfin' safari) with me
Come along (surfin') baby wait and see (surfin' safari)
Yes I'm gonna (surfin') take you surfin' (surfin' safari) with me
Let's go surfin' now
Everybody's learning how
Come on and safari with me
(Come on and safari with)
Well, surfin' is big in Sunset-Beach
They do it in South Africa too
They all getting stoked on the surfin' craves
From Hawaii to the shores of Perus (go down let's come)
Come on (surfin') baby wait and see (surfin' safari)
Yes I'm gonna (surfin') take you surfin' (surfin' safari) with me
Come along (surfin') baby wait and see (surfin' safari)
Yes I'm gonna (surfin') take you surfin' (surfin' safari) with me
Let's go surfin' now
Everybody's learning how
Come on and safari with me
(Come on and safari with)
Surfin' safari
The lyrics to The Beach Boys' song Surfin' Safari describe the excitement of the surfing culture in California during the early 1960s. The first verse sets the scene for a day of adventure: "Early in the morning we'll be startin' out. Some honeys will be bakin' in the sun. We're gonna take our woody and surfboard and head out. Sing it with me!" The chorus invites listeners to join in on the fun: “Let's go surfing now, everybody's learning how. Come on and safari with me.”
The song also references specific surfing locations, such as Huntington, Malibu, Rincon, and even international destinations like South Africa and Peru. The lyrics make it clear that surfing is not just a hobby but a way of life: "Well, surfin' is the only way to fly. And surfing's gonna take over the world."
Overall, the lyrics of "Surfin' Safari" celebrate the freedom and joy that comes with riding the waves and being a part of the surfing community.
Line by Line Meaning
Let's go surfin' now
It's time to hit the waves and go surfing
Everybody's learning how
Everyone's catching on to the surfing craze
Come on and safari with me
Join me on a surfing adventure
Early in the morning we'll be startin' out
We'll be hitting the beach early in the morning
Some honeys will be bakin' in the scene
Some girls will be sunbathing on the beach
I loaded up my woody with our boards on top
I packed my station wagon with our surfboards on top
And I put on a faded blue jeans ('cause we are)
I'm changing into some comfortable clothes before we hit the waves
At Huntington and Malibu, they're shooting the pier
Huntington Beach and Malibu are famous spots for surfing through a pier
At Rincon, they're walking the nose
At Rincon Beach, surfers are showing off their skills by walking to the tip of their boards
We're going on safari to the islands this year
Our surfing adventure is taking us to some distant islands this year
So, if you're coming, get ready to go (we're gonna go)
If you're joining us, get ready for some serious surfing (we're excited to go)
Well, surfin' is big in Sunset-Beach
Sunset Beach is known for its popular surfing scene
They do it in South Africa too
Surfing is also a popular activity in South Africa
They're all getting stoked on the surfing craze
People all over the world are getting excited about surfing
From Hawaii to the shores of Peru, we'll come
Surfing is enjoyed from Hawaii to Peru, and we plan to explore it all
Surfin' safari
Our adventure will take us on a surfing safari around the world
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: BRIAN DOUGLAS WILSON, MIKE LOVE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Philip Kassabian
on Kokomo
This song is an absolute classic and I love the way that it lists all the major destinations in the Caribbean.
Philip Kassabian
on Surfin' U.S.A.
A great song by The Beach Boys hit all the major surfing destinations.
Philip Kassabian
on Catch a Wave
This song really gets you in the mood for surfing.
Philip Kassabian
on Surfer Girl
What a splendid song by The Beach Boys. They really were a great band.
Philip Kassabian
on Wouldn't It Be Nice
One of the greatest Beach Boys songs.
Les lumb
on Surf's Up
Love Good Vibrations ,God Only Knows however this is my fav Beach Boys song
Les lumb
on San Miguel
It captures the mood of the place, very atmospheric
Les lumb
on Cotton Fields (The Cotton Song) [Single Version]
Great version by the Beach Boys it flows
Les lumb
on Break Away
Soothing
Leslie Lumb
on Break Away
Love the opening verses beautiful words