The line-up included Tony Burrows, who had scored several hit singles in the 1970s with other groups who did not exist outside the recording studio, plus Robin Shaw, Chas Mills, Del John, Spencer James (now lead singer with The Searchers), Eddie Richards and Clive Bennett.
Their debut single "Beach Baby" was a UK No. 13 hit and U.S. No. 4 in the summer of 1974, and remains a staple summer time oldie on daytime radio. However, subsequent releases, including "Bobby Dazzler", "Dreams Are Ten a Penny", and "Won't Somebody Help Me", failed to chart.
Although primarily regarded as a singles band, they recorded and released two albums in 1974 and 1976. A compilation album, Summer Sound Sensations, was released in 2005.
Beach Baby
The First Class Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When everybody drove a Chevrolet (Wo-oh-oh)
Whatever happened to the boy next door,
Suntanned, crewcut, all-American Male?
Remember dancing at the high school hop
The dress I ruined with the soda pop?
I barely recognized the girl next door
CHORUS:
Beach Baby, Beach Baby, give me your hand
Give me something that I can remember
Just like before, we can walk by the shore in the moonlight.
Beach Baby, Beach Baby, there on the sand
From July to the end of September
Surfin' was fun, we'd be out in the sun every day.
Oooh. I never thought that it would end
Oooh. And I was everybody's friend
Long hot days, Blue sea haze
Juke box plays, but now it's fading away.
We could'nt wait for graduation day
We took my car and drove to San Jose
That's where you told me that you'd wear my ring
I guess you don't remember anything!
CHORUS
Vocal Harmonies and Stylings
Beach Baby, Beach Baby, Beach Baby ETC.
The First Class's song "Beach Baby" is a nostalgic trip down memory lane. The song wistfully recalls the good old days of the 1950s and early 60s, when life was simpler and more carefree. The lyrics describe the innocence and fun of teenage life in California during that time, with references to the cars people drove, the clothes they wore, and the music they listened to.
In the first verse, the singer asks, "Whatever happened to the boy next door, Suntanned, crewcut, all-American Male?" He is yearning for a simpler time when life was more straightforward and wholesome. In the chorus, the singer reminisces about "walking by the shore in the moonlight," and "surfin' in the sun every day." These lyrics evoke the image of a carefree summer spent on the beach with friends, making memories that will last a lifetime.
The second verse is a bit more melancholy, with the singer admitting that he never thought the good times would end. He remembers the "long hot days" and "blue sea haze" with fondness, but acknowledges that those days are now "fading away." The verse ends with the singer recalling a momentous event - his graduation day, during which he drove to San Jose with his sweetheart, who promised to wear his ring. However, she doesn't seem to remember anything, which adds a bittersweet touch to the song.
Line by Line Meaning
Do you remember back in old L.A. (Wo-oh-oh)
Do you recall the memories of the past in Los Angeles?
When everybody drove a Chevrolet (Wo-oh-oh)
During that time, it seemed that everybody owned a Chevrolet car.
Whatever happened to the boy next door, Suntanned, crewcut, all-American Male?
I wonder where the good-looking, blonde guy who lived next door went - he was the epitome of an all-American male.
Remember dancing at the high school hop, The dress I ruined with the soda pop?
I can’t forget the time we danced at the high school dance and I accidentally spilled soda on my dress - that was a disaster!
I barely recognized the girl next door, With beatup sneakers and a ponytail
The girl who used to live beside us was unrecognizable to me when I saw her with her messy hair tied in a ponytail and worn-out sneakers.
Beach Baby, Beach Baby, give me your hand, Give me something that I can remember
Hey, Beach Baby, I want to hold your hand and create a memory that I will always cherish.
Just like before, we can walk by the shore in the moonlight.
As we did previously, let us take a walk by the shoreline in the moonlight.
Beach Baby, Beach Baby, there on the sand, From July to the end of September
Beach Baby, will you meet me on the sand from July till September?
Surfin' was fun, we'd be out in the sun every day.
I loved it when we went surfing and had endless fun under the warm sun.
Oooh. I never thought that it would end
I never imagined that our fun and carefree days would come to a close.
Oooh. And I was everybody's friend
Back then, it seemed like I was on good terms with everyone and had no enemies.
Long hot days, Blue sea haze, Jukebox plays, but now it's fading away.
Those long hot days coupled with the blue sea haze, with the jukebox playing in the background, now seem like they are slowly fading away into the distance.
We couldn't wait for graduation day, We took my car and drove to San Jose
We were super excited for the day of graduation to arrive, so much so that we hopped into my car and drove to San Jose.
That's where you told me that you'd wear my ring, I guess you don't remember anything!
That's where you promised me you would wear the ring I wanted to give you, but it seems like you have completely forgotten about that!
Vocal Harmonies and Stylings
This is where the vocal harmonies and stylings really come into play!
Beach Baby, Beach Baby, Beach Baby ETC.
The fun doesn't have to end, Beach Baby, we can continue to sing and have a good time - Beach Baby, Beach Baby, Beach Baby!
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: GILLIAN IRENE SHAKESPEARE, JOHN CARTER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
AlexJ59
The first record I ever bought. As a 15 year old from the north west of England, this song made me think of sunshine, white sandy beaches and pretty girls. This morning at work, as a 58 year old, I heard this song on the radio and I was back in 1974 again. Loved it then, still love it now. That's why I came to Youtube once I finished work, to relive those memories. Thankyou.
Tynkir Bell
I was 9yrs old when i first heard this also brings back memories
marion fitness
I was 15 too. I still love this song.
gary gritter
Whereabouts in the north west?
John Carter UK Songwriter
Much appreciated! Best John Carter! 😊
Daniel Hill
@Paul Miller Sarah.
severrian
This is an expertly written and arranged pop song for any era. Horns, strings, multiple harmonies, interesting bridge, musical and vocal hooks and a chorus melody for the ages!
William Scanlon
One of one of my all time favorites.
Tales From Tin Pan Alley - The Documentary + More
truly so sir. Magnificent POP
John Carter UK Songwriter
@James Maass Thank you for your comments, much appreciated!😉