1) The Par… Read Full Bio ↴Three groups have recorded under the name "The Paragons".
1) The Paragons was an influential rocksteady band from Kingston, Jamaica, operating in the 1960s.
2) The Paragons was a doo wop group perhaps best known for their 1957 single Florence.
3.) Charlotte, NC, '60s garage band. "I saw Abba late last night."
1) If you're familiar with the song "The Tide Is High" you probably know it as a huge hit for Blondie, but before Deborah Harry and company got a hold of it, it was a 1960s hit in for the Paragons. Formed in Kingston Jamaica, the Paragons were originally made up of Garth "Tyrone" Evans, Bob Andy, Junior Menz, and Leroy Stamp. In 1964, just before they broke big in Jamaica, Stamp was replaced by John Holt, and Menz (who left to join another Jamaican vocal group the Techniques) was replaced by Howard Barret. The early Paragons sound is heavily influence by American soul music and the singing is in the familiar tight, interlocking harmony style of Jamaican vocal trios and quartets of the early '60s. In 1964, the group caught the attention of legendary producer Coxsone Dodd who immediately brought the group to Jamiaca's famous Studio One and under the watchful eyes and ears of Duke Reid (who became the group's mentor) cut a succession of popular singles such as "Love At Last" and "Good Luck and Goodbye" for Reid's label Treasure Isle.
Not long after this first flush of success Bob Andy quit the group and the Paragons stopped recording as John Holt (who by this point had emerged as the group's leader) decided that the group should soften their soulful sound and go for a more root-heavy rock steady approach. It turned out to be a good idea as the Paragons became the most popular rock-steady vocal act in Jamaica and in Britain. But money problems, specifically issues over why the group wasn't rich after more than a dozen number one Jamaican hits, led to the band's breakup. Of the members only John Holt went on to have a significant solo career. Still, the Paragons recordings, including "The Tide Is High," are some of the most wonderful and sublime moments in Jamaican pop.
On the Beach
The Paragons Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
On the beach
Where there's a party
Everyone will be there
On the beach
Where there's a party
We're gonna have a ball
Holding hands together and laughing and all
Then we'll dance, dance, dance, daaaanceβ¦
One more box of hops
Says the man to the bartender
One more box of hops
Says the man, I won't surrender
The Paragonsβ classic 1967 song βOn the Beachβ is an upbeat and lively tune that encapsulates the vibrant essence of a beach party. The lyrics depict a fun-loving atmosphere where people come together to dance, laugh, and sing. The song opens with an invitation to join in the festivities, to go and βhave some fun on the beach where thereβs a party,β emphasizing that everyone will be there.
The chorus of the song reinforces this celebratory atmosphere, with the repeated refrain of βOn the beach where thereβs a party / Weβre gonna have a ball / Dancing and singing and winding and all.β It speaks of the joy of being with others, holding hands together, and laughing. The song explicitly includes an instruction to dance, and it is exuberantly emphasized in the repeated lines of βThen weβll dance, dance, dance, daaaance.β
The Paragons also add a layer of depth to this summer tune by incorporating phrases that hint at alcohol consumption, such as βOne more box of hops / Says the man to the bartender / One more box of hops / Says the man, I won't surrender.β The use of the phrase βbox of hopsβ was a common way of referring to beer in Jamaica at the time, where the band was from.
Overall, βOn the Beachβ is a carefree and lively tropical tune that captures the essence of a beach party. The Paragonsβ upbeat melody and singable tune make this song a classic summer anthem and a favorite of many reggae fans worldwide.
Line by Line Meaning
Let's go and have some fun
Let us engage in a good time
On the beach
At the seashore
Where there's a party
A gathering with lively entertainment
Everyone will be there
All individuals are going to attend
On the beach
At the seashore
Where there's a party
A gathering with lively entertainment
We're gonna have a ball
We will partake in a great time
Dancing and singing and winding and all
We will engage in joyful activities
Holding hands together and laughing and all
We will express amusement while holding hands
Then we'll dance, dance, dance, daaaanceβ¦
We will dance with enthusiasm
One more box of hops
Provide another case of beer
Says the man to the bartender
Expressed to the server employed at the bar
One more box of hops
Provide another case of beer
Says the man, I won't surrender
Without defeat, I remain determined to have another drink
Writer(s): Euwart Asman Beckford, Duke Reid
Contributed by Alexandra I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Lorenzo Firinu
Let's go and have some fun
On the beach
Where there's a party
Everyone will be there
On the beach
Where there's a party
We're gonna have a ball
Dancing and singing and winding and all
Holding hands together and laughing and all
Then we'll dance, dance, dance, daaaance...
One more box of hops
Says the man to the bartender
One more box of hops
Says the man, I won't surrender
David McFarlane
As I get older I have such a great appreciation for the music of my parents generation... classic ππΎπ―π²
LionHeart Muzik
True true..Timeless Music!
Martin Tudge
This is my generation lol
viniciusdubwise
Love it!
ziggystardust48
One of the Greatest Rock Steady Songs via the Great Mighty - The Paragons.
Richard Fletcher
My Familiarity with The Paragons started via Television. 'On the Beach' is their first recording I became familiar with. For me, vocal group #1.
userseleven
Beautiful music. Food for my soul
Michael de Gier
Superb tune!
#DMJ - Reggae
Superb tune β
Lorenzo Firinu
Let's go and have some fun
On the beach
Where there's a party
Everyone will be there
On the beach
Where there's a party
We're gonna have a ball
Dancing and singing and winding and all
Holding hands together and laughing and all
Then we'll dance, dance, dance, daaaance...
One more box of hops
Says the man to the bartender
One more box of hops
Says the man, I won't surrender