Jan Berry and Dean Torrence began singing together after football practice … Read Full Bio ↴Jan Berry and Dean Torrence began singing together after football practice at University High School in Los Angeles in the late 1950s. Primitive recording sessions followed soon after in a makeshift studio in Jan's garage. They first performed on stage as The Barons at a high school dance. Then they were known as Jan & Arnie. After Dean returned from a stint in the army reserves, the duo began to make music as Jan & Dean in 1958.

Jan Berry and Brian Wilson collaborated on roughly a dozen hits and album cuts for Jan & Dean, including the number one national hit, "Surf City" (1963). Subsequent Top-10 hits for Jan & Dean included "Honolulu Lulu," "Drag City," "The Little Old Lady from Pasadena," and "Dead Man's Curve" -- which became eerily portentous when Berry received severe head injuries in an automobile accident just a short distance from Dead Man's Curve in April 1966.

This accident marked the end of their commercial peak, during which they'd scored an impressive total of 26 chart hits over eight years. The group finally stopped performing after Jan Berry died in March 2004.

On The Beach
Jan & Dean Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Oh the stars are shining sweetly
The moon provides the light
The tide has started rising just you and me tonight
Lets take a walk together down to the ocean floor
Find the perfect place to chill out
And lay down on the floor
The sweet summer breeze
carries music from the town

You can hear the people party
you can hear them singing loud
I don't care about those people
I don't want to join the crowd
Babe you got my attention
You're the hottest girl in town

I'd rather stay here with you baby
Time is precious when your working daily
Now that we're here we might as well go crazy
Oh sex on the beach yea
Baby I want you to take me the way that you want me
Sex on the beach On the beach
Tonight
Oh oh
Oh oh

Come on now baby please don't be shy
I'm feeling kinda crazy it's you that's on my mind
Let's go a little further
Babe just close your eyes
My body needs some loving
I'm needing you tonight
I don't want no other
(don't mean to come on strong)
You've got to be my lover
(you've teased me way too long)
No need to worry baby
(Your secrets safe with me)
Lay back on the sand now
And I'll bless your soul with dreams

(Baby)
baby yea
(I want you to take me)
Won't you take me the way that you want me ohh
Sex on the beach
On the beach
(Baby)
Baby yea
(I want you to take me)
Wont you take me the way that you want me
Ohh
Sex on the beach
Yea

(My love I know you want my love)
You know I want it
(My love I know you want my love)
Baby I want it
(My love I know you want my love)
Baby I want it
(My love I know you want my love)
Baby I want it
Ohhh

Ohhh baby I want you to take me
The way that you want me
Sex on the beach yea
(baby)
Baby yea
(I want you to take me )
Won't you take me the way that you what me
ohhh
Sex on the beach yea
Tonight
Tonight
Oooh

(my love I know you want my love)

You know I want it
(my love I know you want my love)

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Jan & Dean's song "On the Beach" depict a romantic evening spent by the ocean with a sense of intimacy, desire, and escape from the world. The first stanza sets the scene with stars shining, the moon's gentle light, and the rising tide. The couple takes a walk together to the ocean floor, seeking a perfect place to relax and be alone. The sweet summer breeze carries the sounds of people partying and singing in the town, but the singer is not interested in joining the crowd; they are fully captivated by their partner, who is described as the hottest girl in town.

The second stanza intensifies the desire and longing for each other, suggesting a need for escapism from daily responsibilities. The singer wants to make the most of their time together and indulge in the freedom and passion of being intimate on the beach. The lyrics become more upfront with their desires and express a willingness to go all out and be wild. The singer reassures their partner that there is no need to worry or hesitate; they can trust each other and let go in the moment. The chorus repeats the desire for sex on the beach, emphasizing the urgency and longing for physical connection and pleasure.

Overall, "On the Beach" portrays a romantic escapade where the couple seeks solace and passion away from the world. The lyrics touch on themes of desire, freedom, and the importance of cherishing time spent together.

Line by Line Meaning

Oh the stars are shining sweetly
The night sky is filled with beautiful shining stars

The moon provides the light
The moon illuminates the surroundings with its gentle glow

The tide has started rising just you and me tonight
The ocean waves are getting stronger and closer to us, creating a sense of intimacy between the two of us

Lets take a walk together down to the ocean floor
Let's explore the beach and enjoy the tranquility of the ocean

Find the perfect place to chill out
Let's find a spot where we can relax and unwind

And lay down on the floor
And lie down on the sand

The sweet summer breeze carries music from the town
The gentle wind carries the joyful sounds of music from the nearby town

You can hear the people party, you can hear them singing loud
We can hear the lively festivities and the exuberant voices of people celebrating

I don't care about those people, I don't want to join the crowd
I'm not interested in the activities and noise of the crowd, I only care about being with you

Babe you got my attention, You're the hottest girl in town
You have captured my full attention, I consider you to be the most attractive person around

I'd rather stay here with you baby
I prefer to remain here by your side, enjoying your company

Time is precious when your working daily
Time becomes valuable when everyday responsibilities consume most of our lives

Now that we're here we might as well go crazy
Since we are here together, let's allow ourselves to have a wild and memorable time

Oh sex on the beach yea
Engaging in intimate activities while on the beach

Baby I want you to take me the way that you want me
I desire for you to show me your passion and desires in a way that pleases you

Sex on the beach On the beach Tonight
Engaging in intimate activities on the beach, specifically tonight

Come on now baby please don't be shy
Please don't hesitate or feel embarrassed, my desire for you is strong

I'm feeling kinda crazy it's you that's on my mind
I'm feeling a sense of passion and excitement, and it's all because of you

Let's go a little further
Let's explore our desires and take our intimacy to new levels

Babe just close your eyes
Allow yourself to be in the moment and let your senses guide you

My body needs some loving, I'm needing you tonight
I have a strong desire for physical affection, and tonight I need you to fulfill it

I don't want no other (don't mean to come on strong)
I don't desire anyone else (I don't want to sound too forward)

You've got to be my lover (you've teased me way too long)
I want you to be my partner in love and intimacy (you have teased and enticed me for a long time)

No need to worry baby (Your secrets safe with me)
Don't worry, your intimate secrets are safe with me

Lay back on the sand now
Relax and lie down on the soft sand

And I'll bless your soul with dreams
I will bring you pleasure and create fulfilling experiences that you can only dream of

You know I want it
You understand that I desire and crave intimacy

Baby I want it
I have a strong desire and longing for it

Ohhh baby I want you to take me
Ohh baby, I want you to fulfill my desires and show me your passion

The way that you want me
In the way that pleases and satisfies you

Sex on the beach yea
Engaging in intimate activities on the beach

Tonight
Specifically tonight

Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Dean Hopkins

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@Tarantulisimo

6y↑6

Jan Berry - vocals
Dean Torrence - vocals
Hal Blaine - drums, percussion
Ray Pohlman - bass
Bill Pitman - guitar
Glen Campbell - guitar
Billy Strange - guitar, arranger
Earl Palmer - drums
Brian Wilson, Jan Berry - songwriters
Jan Berry - producer

Papa Murry Wilson was pissed off that Brian had given away what could've/should've/would've been a number one record for the Beach Boys. Brian later said, "I was proud of the fact that another group had had a number 1 track with a song I had written.....But dad would hear none of it. ...He called Jan a 'record pirate'..."

@dasvogel788

3y↑17

Lyrics:
Two girls for every boy
I bought a '30 Ford wagon and we call it a woodie
(Surf City, here we come)
You know it's not very cherry, it's an oldie but a goodie
(Surf City, here we come)
Well, it ain't got a back set or a rear window
But it still gets me where I wanna go
And we're goin' to Surf City, 'cause it's two to one
You know we're goin' to Surf City, gonna have some fun
You know we're goin' to Surf City, 'cause it's two to one
You know we're goin' to Surf City, gonna have some fun, now
Two girls for every boy
You know they never roll the streets
Up 'cause there's always somethin' goin'
(Surf City, here we come)
You know they're either out surfin' or they got a party growin'
(Surf City, here we come)
Yeah, and there's two swingin' honeys for every guy
And all you gotta do is just wink your eye
And we're goin' to Surf City, 'cause it's two to one
You know we're goin' to Surf City, gonna have some fun
You know we're goin' to Surf City, 'cause it's two to one
You know we're goin' to Surf City, gonna have some fun, now
Two girls for every boy
And if my woody breaks down on me somewhere on the surf route
(Surf City, here we come)
I'll strap my board to my back and hitch a ride in my wetsuit
(Surf City, here we come)
And when I get to Surf City I'll be shootin' the curl
And checkin' out the parties for a surfer girl
And we're goin' to Surf City, 'cause it's two to one
You know we're goin' to Surf City, gonna have some fun
You know we're goin' to Surf City, 'cause it's two to one
You know we're goin' to Surf City, gonna have some fun, now
Two girls for every boy

All comments from YouTube:

@user-ej5ye9cf7m

32w↑17

This is real classic. For me it is the best surf-song. 2023, and still listening this.

@davidderitis9068

23w

Agree !

@DexterHaven

7y↑243

Brian Wilson wrote this and gave it to Dean. When Brian heard the demo from the studio musicians called the wrecking crew, the studio pros, he was amazed how good it was. That act of generosity by Brian helped him discover he could do "Good Vibrations" with the wrecking crew himself and get it top quality. So it came back to him that way.

@commanderstraker1082

5y↑26

Brian is on the recording singing falsetto.

@garytheroux9526

5y↑20

Brian wrote this with Jan Berry, not Dean -- and Jan recorded it without even telling Dean about the song! Dean is NOT on Jan & Dean's biggest hit!

@speakertreatz

4y↑10

it wasn't an act of generosity, he just wasn't interested in having the Beach Boys record it. Jan and Dean wanted Surfin' USA in the beginning but Brian wasn't feeling generous about that, he refused. He was in the same situation as The Beatles in 1963, writing so many songs of such high quality it made sense to have other people record the ones he didn't want for The Beach Boys, he'd get his share of the publishing royalties if they were hits. He wanted to write for other people outside of the rigid formula and 'brand' of The Beach Boys, which wasn't even his idea, it was Dennis who suggested he write songs to exploit the surfing craze.

@speakertreatz

4y↑4

@Allan Charles here's a full list of Jan Berry's collaborative songwriting credits, listed by the names of the co-writer(s). Surf City is not on the Dean Torrence list. Surf City is on the Brian Wilson list. These are the credits as per Jan's original publishing deal with Screen Gems.
https://jananddean-janberry.com/jan-berry-at-a-glance/jan-berrys-songwriting-collaborators/

@billferron6473

3y↑6

Jan sang this with Brian Wilson.

11 More Replies...

@johnbatch9276

33w↑9

Pure joy from a golden age doesn't get any better than this

@rebeccalane3039

4y↑82

Love these surf songs - sunny and happy - we need more of it !

@rebeccalane3039

4y↑5

When I passed my test in 82 I couldn’t resist coming home and saying to my husband “ I got the pink slip daddy “ ( even tho I didn’t of course as I was in the uk ) 😀

@dualshiftstudios

2y↑1

@rebecca lane I wish we did have pink slips.

@johnbatch9276

36w

Keep rocking Rebecca 😎

@jukedar

5y↑13

This song still kicks ass, nothing like heading to the beach in your car and your speedometer seems to increase,,,awesome song, will never get old

@joshs4594

5y↑31

When this song was a hit when I was a kid I always wondered how two guys could sing in 5-part harmony. They were ahead of the curve when it came to overdubbing.

@makeupgirl8886

35w↑3

Because Brian Wilson wrote the song, sang on it and convinced the Beach boys to sing back up on the song.

@user-jl8yn7og7b

3y↑53

Every time I look at a song that I love, I find it's Hal Blaine on the drums. What an incredible talent, most people are lucky if they contribute to one iconic song, he was an integral part of thousands!

@joejones9520

3y↑2

imagine, at one time every time he listened to the radio he heard himself in a song...that would be crazy!

@ttteclassic2994

3y↑7

Supposedly this has both Hal Blaine and Earl Palmer - both powerhouses on their own, but together it’s even better.

@williamwarrenconkright3973

29w

He is a good role model to learn from for new drummers. even old drummers.

@fredbenenati3430

7y↑9

This song epitomized the surf summer of 1963. Did some board and body surfing in Playa del Rey after sophomore year of high school there, and this song played over and over. NEVER got tired of it. A long time ago in a place far, far away now, for me. What great memories.

@thelakeman5207

7y↑18

Any mention of 60's surf music has to include Jan and Dean. They were on the charts as much as the Beach Boys in the early to mid 60's. A magical time with a great genre of music.

@lenalundberg3701

5y↑14

They are singing so good, these two guys and Brian helped them make it.

@jeffhoneycutt7665

7y↑19

I love the great visuals of 1963, including the new zip code. I saw Jan and Dean in Disneyland circa 1980. This was fourteen years after the '66 wreck. I was saddened by Jan's injuries. Did you know he was considered a genius in music production?

@Wosiewose

3y↑6

He had an IQ in the 180's, I've heard.

@RogerSteinbrinkh2oBrother

2y↑4

He actually taught Brian Wilson how to navigate in the studio, and Jan did his own notation, no minor feat for anyone, let alone a pre-med student, which he was.

@tommyl.dayandtherunaways820

2y↑8

So Brian Wilson basically gave Jan + Dean an updated version of Surfin’ Safari, you can definitely hear it in the choruses of both songs! It sounds awesome either way.

@GeorgeVreelandHill

14y↑39

Surf City is my favorite Jan & Dean song. It is a classic that gets even more loved over time. Jan & Dean helped to create new and great sounds that not only changed music, but made it better. Jan & Dean belong in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. To not have them in is a crime. Love live Jan & Dean. George Vreeland Hill

@GeorgeVreelandHill

10y↑191

Jan & Dean belong in the Hall of Fame.
I mean, come on.
Legends of surf and creators of new sounds that made history.
Not to mention many hit songs and a comeback that is historical.
There are acts in the HOF that did not do half that much.
J&D = HOF.

George Vreeland Hill

@howboutdemboyz9188

10y↑5

Yes they do George you are correct!

@adriancolbert7604

10y↑7

***** Brian Wilson actually co-wrote this song.

@WindKun

10y↑6

Adrian Colbert it was part of his Producer phase where he produced for endless artists it seems! and it goes under the radar for some reason

@BeachBoysJanDean1

9y↑2

George Vreeland Hill Also, ABC made a TV movie based on the duo.

@briandivincenzo279

5y↑4

You do know Brian Wilson wrote most of the lyrics all the music and vocal harmonies.

1 More Replies...

@sunlion8866

4y↑89

HAPPY 80th BIRTHDAY to Dean Torrence!!
You're not old, you're a classic. And so is this song.
🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🏄🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌞

@georgewatson9622

5y↑5

Why were these never nominated for the hall of fame there contribution to music was enormous

@brianofoz

7y↑14

Here's an interesting fact that I heard only recently. Jan Berry had (at least prior to that car crash) an i.q. of 165 which places him in the genius category. Very underrated.

@timothywright5967

2y↑11

This is the happiest song in the history of rock.

@wendybarnes4930

5y↑3

Surf music truly embodied the life of us growing up on the beaches of SoCal, a beautiful carefree time in history. I only wish the kids that came behind us could have experienced this.

@Sarasdad91

44w↑2

It's amazing to me that one of the greatest songs Brian Wilson ever wrote, he wrote for these 2 guys. He even sang with them on it. Surf City made a load of money for Jan n Dean and Brian didn't get a dime from it, for which Murray, Brian's dad, was irate with Brian.

@davidderitis9068

23w

Music industry is a cold, dog eat dog place: too many good artists got burned by the big names in music, really sad!

@peterrees6406

9y↑2

One of the first records that I ever bought. By the the time I flogged it to death you'd swear I'd been playing it on my 45rpm record player using a 5" nail as my needle!!!
Needless to say loved this song and its lyrics!!!

@beatlejim64

5y↑31

Released May 17, 1963....became the 1st "Surf Song" to hit #1 on the national charts on July 20, 1963. It stayed there for 2 weeks. It also got to #3 on the R&B chart as well... a CLASSIC!!!

@suzannedevlin9593

5y↑2

I love to read these little tid bits about this era. I grew up in Southern Calif. and loved surf music and all the rest from that era. Dick Dale and the Deltones were fabulousite but there were more of course. I was shocked when I found out Dick Dale was born in Boston though he spent his high school years in El Segundo. My husband is also from Boston. Who knew? Sadly, Dick Dale died this last March at 81. RIP Dick Dale. You were fabulous.

@robertbrowning1527

Well I was in 1st grade. And I heard this song many times, science then!
Very good group.........

@noumantaploo

3y↑20

Ahhh! It's so nostalgic. I used to listen this song on my radio in late 1960's.

@DoppelgangerJ

10y↑2

I love this song. Always puts me in a good mood.

@brian1963110

5y↑40

I was 6 yrs old when my dad wanted me to listen to Jan and Dean, now I''m 56 and my dad is 82...we're both still alive and and kickin'.....:).

@leslieawest5062

1y↑1

Thats Wonderful!! I has just started in High School, when Jan and Dean, Beach Boys Surfing, Bleeding Madris Shirts were popular. Boy I use to buy Surfing Magazines, back then, and They used Long Boards. Trip back to Memorie Lane!🥰❤

@gabrieldecampos7774

2y↑1

Muito boa pra se ouvir. Gosto muito😎🇧🇷🇺🇸

@victoriadamon5964

3y↑10

This song makes me happy every time I hear it!

@gregnormal55

Hello!!! How are you doing today, please pardon me for intruding into your privacy but I just wanted to know if you’re a fan ? Have a great day… Stay Safe!

@johncarr152

7y↑5

One of my ALLTIME BIGGIE FAVOURITES!!!! And I'm a 68-year-old surf drummer. (Good old Hal Blaine in there as well.)

@-Ricky_Spanish-

23w

And Earl Palmer! They both played on this and several other Jan & Dean tracks, maybe the first double drumming ever recorded in rock music.

@sdgakatbk

4y↑17

I remember a family car trip when this song was on the charts. A music station was on the radio and I always liked it when they played this.

@lastrada52

9y↑363

Paul McCartney, John Lennon and George Martin (of The Beatles) admired Brian Wilson and The Beach Boys....Brian Wilson admired Jan and Dean. Not only did those two men sound like the entire Beach Boys, and sang the Beach Boys hit "Barbara Ann," they hooked up multiple tape recorders at the same time that guitar legend Les Paul did. Dean Torrance designed many of the biggest rock album covers in rock history through his Kitty Hawk Graphics company. Jan and Dean were no second stringers -- that's why Brian Wilson wrote songs for them. He knew their value. R&R Hall of Fame? Who gives a shit about them -- "Surf City" is legendary.

@buddyholly3527

9y↑20

Jan Berry was a musical genius just like Brian Wilson was. Hell, he taught Brian a lot about the production side of the music business. Jan and Dean definitely deserve to be in the R&R Hall of Fame in my opinion. RIP Jan Berry, Carl Wilson, and Dennis Wilson.

@BeachBoysJanDean1

9y↑11

+Jim Crow Before the Beach Boys were famous, Mike Love carried around a Jan and Dean fan club card. That was in the late 50's.

@buddyholly3527

9y↑6

+BeachBoysJanDean1 Oh how I wish the Beach Boys would have let Jan Berry be their front man instead of Mike Love, but then we would have never had Jan and Dean, so I guess it all worked out just fine. I just think Jan Berry would have been a lot better front man tha. Mike Love.

@josephliljoeybonannofoley5900

8y↑1

+Jim Crow you look and are just about stupid as a sack of hair !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

@buddyholly3527

8y↑1

+Joseph “LIL RED” FOLEY fuckkk you bud!

57 More Replies...

@pikester101

7y↑3

this song reminds me when I was little and I would go a lot places with him. This song would play and we'd dance while the other people looked at us like we were nuts 😂 I'm glad to be able to listen to this on YouTube.

@hidenseek4889

6y↑2

If you've ever seen the photo of Jan Berry's car after his tragic accident you'll realize it truly was a " Miracle " that Jan Berry survived, much less later on sang again with Dean Torrence his partner.

@leslieawest5062

On Google, it said Jan Berry was Parlyzed, was that so? I never realized he and Dean sang together again. ❤Nice, to know. I still miss those days in the 1960. Especially the Surf Music 🎶🎵😩

@Stigtoes

7y↑1

I can remember where I was when I first heard this. I was 15 and I was completely galvanized and rooted to the spot by the sound which was nothing like I had ever heard before. 54 years on and it still remains a unique sound. 1963 and Jan and Dean was the start of my musical education. OK the words don't stand up to 21st century scrutiny but that sound is still special and much more exciting than the dreary stuff being produced now. I'm disappointed that their 1963 and 1964 records are still not widely regarded but I hope that one day they will.

@KMK7355

43w

Yet we in the US were oblivious to
what The Beatles were doing.

@jjss1231

11y↑6

Ah this takes me back to such good times. Surf music in sunny South Africa. A group called The Brackets covered this and it is still my all time favourite song. Great, great to hear it again Jack Stephens

@tomdoan6947

6y↑6

I remember being in my teen years, riding in the car with my mom, and listing to this!!!! Good times

@elvispresley718

11y↑9

This song is soooooo much fun to play on piano

@rockindaddy6535

4y↑5

🎵 Wonderful 👍 🧡 Sounds fantastic.....

@mkl62

13y↑1

A #1 hit for Jan & Dean in July 1963. This was the first big surf song of the Rock Era. It would also give momentum to another California beach group, The Beach Boys. Could this be the new craze of the 1960's? We shall see.

@curiousperson6275

4y↑1

Classic California. Energy and pace take me back to the sixties. Beach culture/GIRLS. Great backing band, packed with energy, attitude, and humor.

@diggerooandfrendz4543

its been 14 years, still a masterpice

@wendyjohnson1973

3y↑4

I was at a Beach Boys concert in the '80's at the Pomona Fairgrounds. About half way through the concert a white stretch limo pulled up in front of the stage. Who got out of the limo? It was Jan and Dean. They played Surf City and many other of their greatest hits with the Beach Boys. It was a dream come true for this girl! Love both of them so much!

@gregnormal55

Hello!!! How are you doing today, please pardon me for intruding into your privacy but I just wanted to know if you’re a fan ? Have a great day… Stay Safe!

@oldman6487

5y↑1

This song still kicks ass years later!!!

@dogloverNV

9y↑49

The ending of this video gets me every time. RIP, Jan.

@robinkauffman1034

3y↑4

I like him too. the only GOOD thing is the music never dies, nor do the memories

@nmgt1048

4y↑1

I have this on a 3" CD, which is an oddball today, along with a few other Jan & Dean songs. I love it! I have a bunch of other surfing songs-Dick Dale Beach Boys, Ventures, etc...

@josephkane4753

6y↑6

Just an all-time Classic hit single from 1963 as it is By Jan & Dean with their big hit from 1963 Called Surf City

@jmrodas9

7y↑10

This song makes me recall that last year in High School. How much fun we had and how well we lived without realizing it. Liked this song and hummed it at times as I did not hear it often enough to remember the lyrics.

@kimmer6

5y↑1

Those were good times. If I had a time machine I would go back.

@stephenk54

4y↑1

One of the greatest songs from the 60’s...

@Kalanc.Chuley

16w

I saw Jan& Dean in Syracuse ,n.y.at miller court in Aug. 1999. Jan did a good job. They are one of America's legendary groups!

@spactick

3y↑3

This was the kind of music we were listening to in 1963. Life was pretty good, People were generally upbeat and positive. And
then the world changed that Friday in Dallas. Never to be the same again.

@sauquoit13456

9y↑1

On this day in 1963 {June 9th} "Surf City" by Jan and Dean entered Billboard's Hot Top 100 chart at position #68; five weeks later on July 14th, 1963 it would peaked at #1 {for 2 weeks} and it stayed on the chart for 13 weeks...
Between 1959 and 1966 the duo had twenty-four songs make Top 100 chart; five made the Top 10 with one reaching #1, after "Surf City" their next biggest hit was "The Little Old Lady From Pasadena", it reached #3 in 1964...
They just missed having a sixth Top 10 record when "Honolulu Lulu" peaked at #11 in 1963 {and two just made the Top 10 when both "Baby Talk" and "Drag City" peaked right at #10}...
Sadly; Jan Berry passed away on March 26th, 2004 at the age of 62...
May he R.I.P.

@billferron6473

5y↑3

I love this song, oh the good old days.

@darkpyro2920

2y↑1

I fucking love how everyone just comes here saying how legendary this song is and how it deserves to be in the hall of fame. Just happy comments everywhere really shows how much of an impact music can have and how great of a song this really is

@colindominy

14y↑2

The reliable word is that Jan & Dean were H-U-G-E at the peak of that Calif Surf / Hot Rod / Summer Means Fun Era, circa 1963-64 .. oh, to have been there !! And this song, Surf City, was the best-sounding, well-crafted, most-commercially successful hit song they ever had. It was their only No. 1 solid-gold hit .. Spring 1963 .. 1.25 m sales ( two others got to #3). It was no co-incidence that this song was given to J & D, on a platter as it were, by their buddy, the legendary Brian Wilson.

@dandena457

10y↑3

My mom used to let me play her records when I was a little boy,,This was my favorite,,I wore it out,,it was because of Jan and Dean,,that I learned to play guitar,,This is great music. The Ramones..are my other favorite band,They did a cover of this song,,its on youtube,check it out. The Ramones made the hall of Fame..so should Jan and Dean,,They made music that changed the world, and started movements,,Guns and roses never did a show on time,,they were always fighting,and didn't last but a short time,,but maybe its drunkenness and not talent that gets you in these days,,no offense to GnR fans,,they have some cool songs too. thanks for posting this

@slant40

10y

The Ramones' cover of "Surf City" is a real good one - it's on the "Acid Eaters" album, which is an album of sixties covers.

@Scharpy1

8y↑23

Thanks again for the great job of putting together and sharing joltinjack. Back in 1966 my brother(18) and me(15) drove from Indiana to Surf City,NJ because of this song. Had a blast !!!

@johnthehulk1

9y↑2

Jan and Dean came out before The Beach Boys". They appeared on Dick Clark's American Bandstand singing "Baby Talk" in 1959 long before "The Wilson Brothers" recorded anything. It is true Brian co-wrote "Surf City" with Jan Berry. But Jan Berry was a great record producer in his own right. He did allot of music mixing with dual tape recorders in a garage. Primitive but effective. Jan Berry was in medical school when he got in an almost fatal car crash. Though he recovered he was never the same and died in his early 60's. Jan and Dean were great in their own right, not to knock "The Beach Boys" who were probably the best American rock group in the mid 1960's.

@douglasthompson9482

8y↑1

One of the best surf songs ever!!!!!

@nmgt1048

5y↑1

I have this song on a small 3" CD that I bought many years ago that has three other songs on it. One of my favorites.

@freeguy77

8y↑3

If this isn't the greatest Summer song ever, I don't know what is! Easily my favorite song from the Summer of '63 (#1 on July 20, for 2 weeks), with the great man in the White House. But time was unknowingly ticking away for him, with only five precious months to live.

@eugenetaylor6302

Greatest Summer Song Ever #2https://www.bing.com/search?q=u+tube+sunny+afternoon&form=EDGNTC&qs=PF&cvid=2475d295432648468f565f1a8566fd22&pq=u%20tube%20sunny%20afternoon

@ronroberts1281

FUCKUM BOTH!

@freeguy77

Eugene Taylor That may be the greatest AFTERNOON song, not the greatest SUMMER song.

@freeguy77

Ron Roberts Oswald was on the first floor, eating his lunch when the shots were fired. He was not the shooter, and he never got a trial. He was not even represented by a lawyer at the Warren Commission hearings. It was a sham, just to clear everybody in the U.S. government. LBJ was the ringleader of the coup d'etat.

@freeguy77

I respectfully need to point out that "California Girls" (rel. Jul. 12, 1965) isn't about only summertime. You can gawk at California girls all year round in that state. :) And if it was so great, why did it only hit #3 on the Hot 100 instead of #1 (for 2 wks.) as "Surf City" did? If it gives you any solace, Brian Wilson composed "Surf City" for Jan & Dean. :) And "Surf City" (rel. May 17, 1963) became the first 'surf' song to hit #1 on July 20, for 2 weeks. It also crossed over to the R&B chart, where it was #3. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy C.G., but "Surf City" still sounds more exciting.

@doloresvargas6450

2y↑1

Jan and Dean belong in The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum.

@BeachBoysJanDean1

9y↑240

Cleveland is a joke if these guys don't make into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame.

@OldeFarquer

9y↑23

BeachBoysJanDean1 Connie Francis is also not in the hall of fame. It IS a joke.

@djo9c1

7y↑22

And Bruce Springsteen and Tupac Shakur ARE in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame......proof enough that it's a joke.

@inspectorjavert5563

6y↑16

They put some retarded rapper in the hall of fame. Rock hall is a joke.

@sampinterpe5637

6y↑17

The Rock n Roll HOF is already a joke with or without Jan and Dean. They ruined the HOF as soon as they inducted the first rapper.

@prestonstauffer3771

6y↑8

Cleveland was a joke before the HOF got there

21 More Replies...

@Ksabian_

Que música!

@kevinconnery6781

5y↑1

1963 ...the all time greatest year in Rockn' & Roll!!!

@jimmybonar2566

What a great song!

@davejurich668

49w

Actually Brian & Jan Barry both wrote this song !! One of their first of many hit songs 🎶🎸

@azulturquesa4503

wow, no los conocia y me encantan.

@countof3everybodyOD

3y↑4

It must’ve absolutely triggered Mike that Brian gave this to the boys. I love it!

@ernestoclaudodip9671

Love it!!!!

@BrendaShake

I love this song!

@jeffersonianideal

Hal Blaine on the kit. Great drummers never die, they just beat it.

@georgeandrews6454

Hal died March 11, 2019. One of the best Rock & Roll drummers ever, and an integral part of The Wrecking Crew. Rest in Peace, Hal...

@brannon6129

My Dad was a surfer back in the sixties, and he heard all this music and in turn I grew up with this music, and he taught me and my brothers how to surf he makes fun of us because of our boards, he still has his longboard and it's heavy too

@RDK860

The Guys Hit the Top 40 on 6/15/63, Spent 2 Weeks at No. 1, On the Chart 13 Weeks!

@arkady714

8y↑228

A saying of my generation goes "I may be old, but I've seen all the cool bands."In 1981, I came in from the east coast to do a summer session at UCLA. It was more an excuse to spend time with my best friend, whose family went west. It was my first time on the coast. I was 18.On the spur of the moment, my best friend, roommate and the best friend's doll of a sister and I hightailed it to Long Beach for a free concert, The Beach Boys...with special "added guest." The final number of the afternoon was then Jan & Dean got on stage to sing "Good Vibrations" with the headline act.I didn't see cool bands that day. I witness American history.

@laureencallahan6946

6y↑5

You're cooool 👌

@harryknackers7892

5y↑4

Yeah, but did you get the swining' honey?

@brianbirc

arkady 714 We locals at the beach have a saying too. " Welcome to ____ Beach California now go home and leave your attractive daughters" Yes bless those hot girls in the weekly rentals !!

@martinleavitt6094

5y↑3

Well said..Marty..class of 1980..!!

@marthaalicialeon443

Traducir

11 More Replies...

@petergirani8161

5y↑2

God bless the Beach Boys , Brian Wilson is without a doubt a genious

@skoot2u

Certainly true , in future generations he will be revered alongside Beethoven,Bach and Mozart as one of the greatest composers of all time.

@ronfoss2583

10y↑2

So many great memories…thanks Jan Berry and Brian Wilson...

@rlaj1968

Love it ❤️

@johnnylackland3992

4y↑2

I actually saw these two in concert at Ft. Bragg, NC in the Spring of 1982 at the Athletic Field. Ronny Williams of Tampa Bay was there with me. Army buddy. And get a load of this - their surprise song was the Beatles's Back in the USSR! In that the Cold War was still on, it brought down the house.

@suetaylor6949

5y↑1

Love these guys, great 60s

@helenasaunders1623

4y↑5

I absolutely loved the Californian sound. (I'm a Brit btw) I seem to remember that Jan Berry had a very serious accident. There was a film called Dead Man's Curve which I saw, and was really moved by. I think the two lead roles were Richard Hatch and Bruce Davison? If that hadn't happened I'm sure they would have been up there with the Beach Boys (I love the Beach Boys anyway)

@fredsmith9236

What sound are you into now? If it makes me want to dance its good. If I just want to listen, Pink Floyd to John Prine.

@davidca96

4y↑1

This song has always cracked me up for some reason, I love it hahaha, two girls for every boy they had it made back in the 60's.

@christhomas829

Love this song.

@michaelstoneburg7379

Anybody ever just get in the mood for good surf music ?

@Tarantulisimo

6y↑6

@fbcompton

Who is playing piano? Brian?

@garys8990

9y↑1

Great song that I haven't heard in quite awhile.

@joyhenley1433

8y↑54

I fell in love with this song and Jan and Dean when I was about 12!!!!

@rbrachy2518

5y↑2

Joy Henley I heard this two days ago, and I’m 14 (I listen to a bunch of old music). I grew up in the wrong generation.

@andrewjacobitz2726

Joy Henley I like your relative Don’s Eagles songs too.

@garyrbeck

I was 13 !!!

@jroysims44

I love it!!!!!!!!!!!
Sure makes me want to jump in the surf off Santa Monica.

@mervynriley3531

Still one of my alltime favourites

@TheGoatlady50

WHY aren't these guys in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? It's a joke till they put in Jan and Dean!

@Ventro69

2y↑1

Long live the surf guitar!

@Imulletman12

The first #1 hit Brian Wilson ever wrote!

@suefeeney8447

5y↑42

Brian wrote the song with added lyrics fron Jan Berry... He also sang joint lead and falsetto😄😄😄... essentially his 1st number one

@commanderstraker1082

4y↑5

And when the Beach Boys manager (father Murray Wilson) found out he was some pissed.

@frikicomputerwizard2237

Hunie pop 2

@garagerockguy2653

4y↑1

@FrikicomputerWizard shut up

@robertpooley3831

Brian Wilson did not sing the falsetto on this

@alika207

Robert Pooley I believe he and Dean both did.

2 More Replies...

@gregemurphy346

Love beach music , makes you feel so upbeat !

@katieducky23

6y↑5

I was born in the wrong generation. This music is life 😍

@billgrant5515

No you weren't. Carry this music into your generation! Someone's got to..we can't be here forever.

@katieducky23

@Bill Grant True story. I'll be more than happy to carry this on

@hoopjo12345

4y↑5

THIS IS REAL MUSIC

@gregnormal55

Hello!!! How are you doing today, please pardon me for intruding into your privacy but I just wanted to know if you’re a fan ? Have a great day… Stay Safe

@southernoregoncatmom6519

6y↑2

Still so good!!!!!

@doctorbohr1585

2y↑2

I'm not even born yet, but I love oldies!

@dasvogel788

3y↑17

@frank2185

Thanks for the lyrics.

@rhondapantel4847

I bought a 34 wagon and we call it a woodie….. not a Ford wagon lol

@lamontgardner5120

26w

I remember they used to show their movie all the time. It was pretty good too!

@jennifursun3303

8y↑3

thanks for keeping balance right, charted number 5 in 63. Hal Blaine of Wrecking Crew on drums, and probably more of the Crew as well

@garyjharracksjr6275

Love Jan and den songs they rock

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