About the song
“Afternoon Delight,” a timeless classic by the Starland Vocal Band, encapsulates the breezy, carefree spirit of 1970s soft rock. Released in 1976, the song soared to the top of the charts in the United States, achieving the coveted #1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning the band a gold record. Written by band member Bill Danoff, the inspiration for the song’s title came unexpectedly during a visit to Clyde’s restaurant in Georgetown, Washington, D.C. Over a happy hour menu, Danoff found himself crafting lyrics that would eventually become synonymous with a particular brand of lighthearted sensuality.
The genesis of “Afternoon Delight” intertwines personal moments with creative expression. During a challenging period when Danoff’s wife was undergoing surgery, he and fellow bandmate Margot Chapman found solace in creating music that offered a joyful escape. Danoff, reflective about the song’s reception, remarked that he aimed to infuse the lyrics with playful undertones rather than overt sexuality, resulting in a composition that exudes both innocence and allure.
Beyond its initial success, “Afternoon Delight” has left an indelible mark on popular culture. It was notably featured in the 2004 comedy film “Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy,” where its catchy chorus and upbeat melody added a whimsical touch to the storyline. Additionally, the song’s adaptation by country singer Johnny Carver underscored its cross-genre appeal, solidifying its status as a versatile classic.
Critically acclaimed, “Afternoon Delight” garnered three Grammy nominations in 1977 and won the prestigious award for Best Arrangement for Voices. Its enduring popularity was further underscored when Billboard named it one of the “20th sexiest songs of all time” in 2010, highlighting its lasting influence on the music industry and beyond.
Charting its journey across various music charts worldwide, including Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom, “Afternoon Delight” remains a testament to the Starland Vocal Band’s ability to capture the zeitgeist of an era with a melody that continues to resonate decades later. Its legacy extends beyond mere chart success, embodying a nostalgic glimpse into a simpler time through its melodic charm and evocative lyrics.
Video
Lyrics
Gonna find my baby, gonna hold her tight
Gonna grab some afternoon delight
My motto’s always been ‘when it’s right, it’s right’
Why wait until the middle of a cold dark night?
When everything’s a little clearer in the light of day
And we know the night is always gonna be there any way
Thinkin’ of you’s workin’ up my appetite
Looking forward to a little afternoon delight
Rubbin’ sticks and stones together makes the sparks ingite
And the thought of lovin’ you is getting so exciting
Sky rockets in flight
Afternoon delight
Afternoon delight
Afternoon delight
Started out this morning feeling so polite
I always though a fish could not be caught who wouldn’t bite
But you’ve got some bait a waitin’ and I think I might try nibbling
A little afternoon delight
Sky rockets in flight
Afternoon delight
Afternoon delight
Afternoon delight
Please be waiting for me, baby, when I come around
We could make a lot of lovin’ ‘for the sun goes down
Thinkin’ of you’s workin’ up my appetite
Looking forward to a little afternoon delight
Rubbin’ sticks and stones together makes the sparks ingite
And the thought of lovin’ you is getting so exciting
Sky rockets in flight
Afternoon delight
Afternoon delight
Afternoon delight
Afternoon delight!