Surf City – Jan & Dean

About the Song

Absolutely! Cruise in and grab your board, because we’re diving headfirst into the infectious summer anthem, “Surf City” by the dynamic duo Jan & Dean. Released in 1963, this song wasn’t just a catchy tune – it was a cultural phenomenon, widely considered the first surf rock song to truly capture the national spotlight.

Now, Jan & Dean weren’t strangers to the music scene before “Surf City.” They had built a reputation for doo-wop and rock and roll tunes, but this song marked a turning point. The story goes that Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys, another soon-to-be surf rock legend, co-wrote “Surf City” with the duo. It perfectly encapsulated the burgeoning California surf culture, with its driving rhythm, playful melodies, and lyrics that painted a picture of an idyllic beach paradise.

Imagine this: sun-drenched California coastline, endless waves rolling in, and a carefree beach town brimming with youthful energy. “Surf City” throws you right in the middle of it. The song boasts about a mythical place with “two girls for every boy,” a surfer’s dream come true. It’s lighthearted and fun, fueled by the jangly guitars and the unmistakable harmonies of Jan & Dean.

“Surf City” wasn’t just about the location, though. It became synonymous with the entire California surf scene. It captured the spirit of endless summer, the thrill of catching waves, and the camaraderie among surfers. It resonated with a generation yearning for a carefree escape, and its influence on popular music can’t be overstated.

So, the next time you hear those opening bars of “Surf City,” take a moment to appreciate its historical significance. It’s more than just a catchy tune – it’s a snapshot of a cultural movement and a reminder of the enduring power of music to transport us to another time and place.

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Lyrics: “Surf City”

Two girls for every boy

I bought a ’34 wagon and we call it a woodie
(Surf City, here we come)
You know it’s not very cherry, it’s an oldie but a goodie
(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, we’re going to Surf City ’cause it’s two to one
You know we’re going to Surf City, gonna have some fun
You know we’re going to Surf City ’cause it’s two to one
You know we’re going to Surf City, gonna have some fun, now

Two girls for every boy

They say 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’ve got a party growin’
(Surf City, here we come)
Yeah, there’s two swingin’ honeys for every guy
And all you gotta do is just wink your eye

And I’m going to Surf City, gonna have some fun, now
Going to Surf City ’cause it’s two to one
You know we’re going to Surf City, gonna have some fun
You know we’re going to Surf City ’cause it’s two to one, now

Two girls for every boy

And if my woodie breaks down on me 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 I’m going to Surf City ’cause it’s two to one
You know, we’re going to Surf City, gonna have some fun
You know, we’re going to Surf City ’cause it’s two to one
You know, we’re going to Surf City, gonna have some fun, now

Two girls for every
Two girls for every boy