About the song
“Afternoon Delight” by Starland Vocal Band is a quintessential piece of 1970s pop music, known for its catchy melody and suggestive lyrics that captured the spirit of its era. Released in 1976, the song swiftly ascended to the top of the charts, claiming the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 on July 10, 1976, and earning the band a prestigious gold record certification.
Written by band member Bill Danoff, the inspiration for “Afternoon Delight” came unexpectedly during a visit to Clyde’s restaurant in Georgetown, Washington, D.C. Danoff, dining with Margot Chapman while his wife underwent surgery, noticed the phrase “afternoon delight” on the menu, which sparked the idea for the song. Despite its suggestive title, Danoff clarified that he intended the song to be lighthearted and playful rather than explicitly about sex, aiming to capture a sense of fun and flirtation.
The song’s popularity was further cemented by its recognition at the 19th Grammy Awards, where it received three nominations. It notably won the Grammy Award for Best Arrangement for Voices, showcasing its musical merit and innovative vocal harmonies. Additionally, “Afternoon Delight” was nominated for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals and Song of the Year, underscoring its impact on both the charts and critical acclaim.
Over the years, “Afternoon Delight” has enjoyed enduring cultural relevance, evidenced by its inclusion in the 2004 film “Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy,” where it became a memorable musical motif. Despite its cheerful tone and infectious melody, the song sparked controversy when it was briefly used as the intro song for the Australian children’s TV show “Simon Townsend’s Wonder World,” prompting its replacement upon discovery of its suggestive themes.
Billboard magazine recognized the song’s enduring appeal by naming it the 20th sexiest song of all time in 2010, solidifying its status as a timeless classic. With its blend of folk-pop influences and distinctive vocal arrangements, “Afternoon Delight” remains a nostalgic anthem that continues to evoke the carefree spirit of the 1970s, making it a standout 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!