About the song
**Introduction to “Surfin’ Safari”: The Beach Boys’ Timeless Debut**
On October 1, 1962, a musical phenomenon emerged with the release of “Surfin’ Safari,” the debut studio album by the American rock band The Beach Boys. Released under Capitol Records, this seminal album marked the beginning of what would become a legendary career for the band, and its impact on the music scene was immediate and enduring. Despite the official production credit being attributed to Nick Venet, it was Brian Wilson, alongside his father Murry, who played a crucial role in shaping the album’s sound. Brian Wilson not only contributed as a producer but also wrote or co-wrote nine of the twelve tracks, showcasing his exceptional songwriting talent.
“Surfin’ Safari” is a quintessential representation of early 1960s American rock, capturing the spirit of youth and the burgeoning surf culture that characterized the era. The album’s success was partly fueled by the popularity of its lead singles, “Surfin'” and “Surfin’ Safari.” The latter single, which reached number 14 on the charts, was instrumental in securing the album’s release and setting the stage for the band’s future success. An additional single, “Ten Little Indians,” also charted, further solidifying the group’s presence in the music industry.
The Beach Boys, hailing from Hawthorne, California, were a family band that included brothers Brian, Dennis, and Carl Wilson, along with their father Murry Wilson, who managed the group. The lineup was completed by Mike Love, a talented cousin who contributed distinctive vocal arrangements, and David Marks, a neighbor who added rhythmic depth with his guitar playing. Despite their lack of formal training, the Wilsons and their collaborators thrived in an environment where music was a constant presence, influencing their unique sound and performance style.
Recording sessions for “Surfin’ Safari” took place in the basement studios of Capitol’s tower building, a setting that played a pivotal role in the album’s production. Brian Wilson’s determination and vision were key to the album’s creation, although his significant contributions were not initially recognized in the album’s liner notes. The recording process involved innovative techniques, including the use of car sound effects for the track “409,” recorded by Gary Usher driving past the Wilsons’ home.
The album features a blend of catchy surf-rock tunes and doo-wop influences, reflecting the diverse musical interests of the band. Tracks like “County Fair,” “Little Miss America,” and “Chug-a-Lug” highlight the Beach Boys’ ability to capture the essence of Southern California life through music. “Moon Dawg,” an instrumental cover, exemplifies the band’s role in popularizing surf music, while “Heads You Win, Tails I Lose” and “The Shift” showcase their creativity in integrating contemporary expressions into their songwriting.
“Surfin’ Safari” remains a classic in the Beach Boys’ discography, symbolizing the beginning of a musical journey that would define an era and influence countless artists in the years to come. Its legacy is a testament to the band’s pioneering spirit and the enduring appeal of their early sound.
Video
Lyrics
Let’s go surfin’ now
Everybody’s learnin’ how
Come on and safari with me
(Come on and safari with)
Early in the mornin’ we’ll be startin’ out
Some honeys will be comin’ along
We’re loadin’ up our Woody with our boards inside
And headin’ out singin’ our song
Come on, baby, wait and see (surfin’, surfin’ safari)
Yes, I’m gonna take you surfin’ with me (surfin’, surfin’ safari)
Come along, baby, wait and see (surfin’, surfin’ safari)
Yes, I’m gonna take you surfin’ with me (surfin’, surfin’ safari)
Let’s go surfin’ now
Everybody’s learnin’ how
Come on and safari with me
(Come on and safari with)
At Huntington and Malibu, they’re shootin’ the pier
At Rincon, they’re walkin’ the nose
We’re goin’ on safari to the islands this year
So if you’re comin’, get ready to go
Come on, baby, wait and see (surfin’, surfin’ safari)
Yes, I’m gonna take you surfin’ with me (surfin’, surfin’ safari)
Come along, baby, wait and see (surfin’, surfin’ safari)
Yes, I’m gonna take you surfin’ with me (surfin’, surfin’ safari)
Let’s go surfin’ now
Everybody’s learnin’ how
Come on and safari with me
(Come on and safari with)
They’re anglin’ in Laguna in Cerro Azul
They’re kickin’ out in Doheny too
I tell you surfing’s mighty wild, it’s gettin’ bigger every day
From Hawaii to the shores of Peru
Come on, baby, wait and see (surfin’, surfin’ safari)
Yes, I’m gonna take you surfin’ with me (surfin’, surfin’ safari)
Come along, baby, wait and see (surfin’, surfin’ safari)
Yes, I’m gonna take you surfin’ with me (surfin’, surfin’ safari)
Let’s go surfin’ now
Everybody’s learnin’ how
Come on and safari with me
(Come on and safari with me)
Surfin’ safari (yeah, me)
Surfin’ safari (with me)
Surfin’ safari (yeah, me)
Surfin’ safari (with me)
Surfin’ safari (yeah, me)
Surfin’ safari (with me)
Surfin’ safari (yeah, me)