About the song
“Afternoon Delight” stands as a hallmark of 1970s pop music, recorded by the Starland Vocal Band and penned by band member Bill Danoff. Released in 1976, the song swiftly climbed to the top of the charts, claiming the coveted number one spot on July 10 of that year in the United States and subsequently earning a gold record certification for its popularity.
The genesis of “Afternoon Delight” was inspired by a casual encounter at Clyde’s restaurant in Georgetown, Washington, D.C. Bill Danoff, dining with Margot Chapman while his wife Taffy Danoff underwent surgery, noticed the phrase “afternoon delight” on the happy hour menu. Despite its suggestive title, Danoff emphasized that the lyrics were meant to be playful rather than overtly sexual, aiming to capture a sense of lighthearted fun.
The song’s success spurred several notable cover versions, including a rendition by country singer Johnny Carver that reached the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. Its cultural impact extended into films and television, notably being featured in the 2004 comedy “Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy,” where it was performed by the news crew and referenced throughout, even including a music video on the bonus disc.
However, “Afternoon Delight” courted controversy when it was briefly used as the intro song for the Australian children’s TV show “Simon Townsend’s Wonder World.” Its inclusion was short-lived after producers discovered the song’s subtle references to an afternoon sexual encounter, prompting its replacement.
Critically acclaimed, the song garnered significant recognition at the 19th Grammy Awards in 1977, where it received three nominations. Notably, “Afternoon Delight” clinched the Grammy Award for Best Arrangement for Voices, showcasing its innovative vocal harmonies and musical arrangement. It was also nominated for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals and Song of the Year, underscoring its broad appeal and cultural significance.
In 2010, Billboard magazine further cemented its legacy by ranking “Afternoon Delight” as the 20th sexiest song of all time, highlighting its enduring popularity and its status as a nostalgic anthem of the 1970s. With its catchy melody and whimsical lyrics, the song remains a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences, securing its place in the annals of pop music history.
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!