About the song
“Surf City” by Jan & Dean is a timeless classic that has been etched in the annals of music history since its release in 1963. This iconic song, written by Brian Wilson and Gary Usher, is a quintessential representation of the surf rock genre, which dominated the music scene during the early 1960s. The song’s catchy melody, infectious harmonies, and nostalgic lyrics have made it a beloved favorite among music enthusiasts of all ages.
Released during the height of the surf rock craze, “Surf City” was a natural fit for the era’s fascination with the California coast and the laid-back, sun-kissed lifestyle that came with it. The song’s lyrics, penned by Wilson and Usher, paint a vivid picture of a carefree summer day, where the sun is shining, the waves are crashing, and the surfers are riding the waves with reckless abandon.
The song’s chorus, with its repetitive refrain of “Surf City, U.S.A.,” has become an indelible part of American pop culture, evoking memories of sun-drenched beaches, beach parties, and the thrill of riding the waves. The song’s harmonies, courtesy of Jan Berry and Dean Torrence, are a masterclass in vocal blending, with their smooth, soaring vocals creating a sense of euphoria that is impossible to resist.
“Surf City” has been covered by numerous artists over the years, but the original version by Jan & Dean remains the most iconic and enduring. The song’s influence can be heard in a wide range of musical genres, from rock to pop to punk, and its impact on popular culture is undeniable. Whether you’re a nostalgic fan of the 1960s or simply a music lover looking for a taste of the past, “Surf City” is a must-listen that is sure to transport you back to a bygone era of sun, surf, and rock ‘n’ roll.
Video
Lyrics
Two girls for every boy
I bought a ’30 Ford wagon, and we call it a woody
(Surf City, here we come)
You know it’s not very cherry, it’s an oldie but a goody
(Surf City, here we come)
Well, it ain’t got a back seat or a rear window
But it still gets me where I wanna go
Yeah, 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 see, 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)
Well, with two swingin’ honeys for every guy
And all you gotta do is just wink your eye
You know we’re goin’ to Surf City, gonna have some fun
Yeah, we’re goin’ to Surf City, ’cause it’s two to one
You know we’re goin’ to Surf City, gonna have some fun
Yeah, we’re goin’ to Surf City, ’cause it’s two to one, now
Two girls for every boy
And if my woody breaks down on 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
Yeah, we’re goin’ to Surf City, ’cause it’s two to one
Yeah, we’re goin’ to Surf City, gonna have some fun, now
Two girls for every-
Two girls for every boy