Originated from a surf rock group called the Crossfires, the Turtles delved into many genres such as breezy pop, psychedelic music, and folk rock. A precursor to the bubblegum pop of the late 60s and early 70s as well as a foil to the more self-consciously hip and "serious" acts of the era, the Turtles produced at least a dozen memorable, radio-friendly chart singles. Yet they remain best known for 1967's "Happy Together", which was their only chart-topping single.
The Turtles wound down their career in 1970.
The two prominent singers - Howard Kaylan ("Eddie") and Mark Volman ("Flo" a.k.a. "Phlorescent Leech") - collaborated with Frank Zappa for a short but very intensive period of one and a half years (between 1970-72) and were the cornerstone of what was known to be the Zappa "Vaudeville" band; two of the most famous achievements of that period being the albums Fillmore East – June 1971 and 200 Motels, the soundtrack of the film by the same name.
Surfer Dan
The Turtles Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Everybody's talking bout Surfer Dan
Doheny to Nirvana in his Chevy Sedan
Moving so fast you can't see him go by
(ooh....)
He's a gremmie Mahareshi in his baggies and beads
He's so ripped he can't see you go by
Surfer Dan someone that everyone knows
(he's so cool you know his cool is cool)
27 girls follow wherever he goes
Everybody's looking for Surfer Dan
Skinny Minnie, mom & dad and Uncle Sam
He's so cool they can't see him go by
SOLO (Whahooo, Wah, Wah Wahooo..)
Surfer Dan someone that everyone knows
(he's so cool you know his cool is cool)
27 girls follow wherever he goes
(Boss, Stoked, Groovy)
Everybody's talking bout Surfer Dan
Doheny to Nirvana in his Chevy Sedan
Moving so fast you can't see him go by
He's so ripped He can't see You go by
He's so cool you can't see him go by
The lyrics to The Turtles' song Surfer Dan are about a legendary surfer named Surfer Dan who is renowned for his talent and cool demeanor. The song describes how fast he moves while traveling in his Chevy Sedan from Doheny to Nirvana, which is a reference to the famous beach in California and the Buddhist concept of spiritual enlightenment. Surfer Dan is depicted as a super cool guy who wears baggies and beads and is a gremmie Mahareshi, which means he is a novice surfer devoted to the teachings of the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.
The song also highlights his physical strength and prowess as a surfer, describing him as a "Super Stock surfer jock down to his knees" who is "so ripped he can't see you go by." Surfer Dan seems to be universally admired, as 27 girls follow him wherever he goes and everybody, including "Skinny Minnie, mom & dad and Uncle Sam", is looking for him. The catchy chorus repeats how Surfer Dan is so cool that you can't see him go by.
Overall, the lyrics of Surfer Dan celebrate the larger-than-life persona of a surfer who embodies the spirit of the surf culture and is considered the epitome of coolness by all who encounter him.
Line by Line Meaning
Moving so fast you can't see him go by
Surfer Dan moves so quickly that he seems invisible to onlookers
Everybody's talking bout Surfer Dan
Surfer Dan is the talk of the town and popular among many
Doheny to Nirvana in his Chevy Sedan
Surfer Dan travels from one end of the coast to the other in his Chevy Sedan
He's a gremmie Mahareshi in his baggies and beads
Surfer Dan is a beginner surfer who wears loose fitting shorts and beaded necklaces
Super Stock surfer jock down to his knees
Surfer Dan is a skilled surfer who wears knee-length shorts and is athletic
He's so ripped he can't see you go by
Surfer Dan is so muscular that he is unable to see those around him
Surfer Dan someone that everyone knows
Surfer Dan is a familiar presence and well-known among many
(he's so cool you know his cool is cool)
Surfer Dan is the epitome of coolness and admired by many
27 girls follow wherever he goes
Surfer Dan is so popular that a large group of girls follow him everywhere
Everybody's looking for Surfer Dan
Many people are searching for Surfer Dan and want to be associated with him
Skinny Minnie, mom & dad and Uncle Sam
People from all walks of life are interested in Surfer Dan, including thin women, parents, and patriotic individuals
He's so cool they can't see him go by
Surfer Dan is so cool that onlookers are mesmerized and unable to take their eyes off him
SOLO (Whahooo, Wah, Wah Wahooo..)
Musical interlude without lyrics
Boss, Stoked, Groovy
Expression of excitement and approval for Surfer Dan's coolness and popularity
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: AL NICHOL, HOWARD KAYLAN, JIM PONS, JOHN BABATA, MARK VOLMAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind