surf in safari

The Story Behind “Surfin’ Safari” by The Beach Boys and How Two Crucial Changes Helped Make the Song a Hit

Jay McDowell

After The Beach Boys tasted success with “Surfin’” on the Candix label, songwriter Brian Wilson’s father Murry set about getting the young group a proper record deal. He took a mortgage on his house and arranged several recording sessions. Brian wrote a couple of songs with Gary Usher, a pair with lead singer Mike Love, and a single song by himself. Armed with this new material, The Beach Boys went into World Pacific Studio and recorded these songs on February 8, 1962.

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The band would go on to record all of the songs again later, but those recordings were good enough to get Nick Venet of Capitol Records to sign The Beach Boys to a recording contract. Just over two months later, they went to Western Studios and rerecorded two of the songs—and both would enter the U.S. charts. Let’s take a look at the story behind one of them, “Surfin’ Safari” by The Beach Boys.

Let’s go surfin’ now Everybody’s learnin’ how Come on and safari with me (Come on and safari with)

The Record Deal

Murry Wilson was not confident in his son Dennis’s drumming abilities. Brian arranged for Gene Krupa to play the session. They wanted Dennis to provide vocals, but he stormed out of the studio when Krupa showed up. As the session continued, Krupa’s playing was not what they were looking for, and Dennis came back and played. On April 19, the band recorded “Surfin’ Safari” (written by Brian Wilson and Mike Love), “409,” and “Lonely Sea” (written by Brian Wilson and Gary Usher).

Murry Wilson took the tapes around to several labels with no success. He then reached out to his old friend Ken Nelson, the country music A&R man from Capitol Records. He put Murry in touch with 22-year-old Nick Venet. Murry, Brian, Usher, and Venet met at the Capitol Tower, and the young executive instantly believed “Surfin’ Safari” was a No. 1 single. Venet told author William McKeen, “Before eight bars had spun around, I knew it was a hit record. I wasn’t one to hide my feelings. I got all excited, and of course, [Murry] got excited because he wasn’t one to hide his feelings either. I knew the song was going to change West Coast music.” Capitol offered $300 per song master, plus 2.5% royalties, with proceeds split between Brian, Usher, and Murry.

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

A New Guitarist

The only difference in personnel between the first and second recording was the guitarist. Al Jardine was on the earlier version, but just as the band was signing with Capitol Records, he decided to leave the group as he felt they had little chance of success. Wilson’s neighbor David Marks took over guitar duties and appeared on the second recording of “Surfin’ Safari.” Marks told author Keith Badman, “When Brian sat down at the piano and played ‘Surfin Safari’ and said this is our next hit, I got chills. Got goosebumps, man. We jumped around and pounded him on the back, ‘God, you’re a genius, man!’”

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)

Murry Suggests Two Changes

During the recording session at Western, Murry encouraged the band to move up the song’s key a whole step to make it younger-sounding. He also adjusted the guitar tone, rolling off the bass to give it more treble. Brian was pushing for more low-end, but Mike Love later attributed the record’s success to the thin-sounding guitars that cut through the airwaves.

“409”

The B-side was “409.” There have been conflicting accounts of whether or not Capitol wanted it to be on the A-side. Murry felt strongly about continuing the surfing theme but seemed to believe the record company was pushing for the hot-rod song to be the lead single. Venet later claimed, “If it was ‘409’ I was interested in, why did I have the group take pictures at the ocean with a surfboard?” Sales of “Surfin’ Safari” first spiked in New York and the midwest, rather than on the West Coast. Said Venet, “We were getting reports from spots like Phoenix, Arizona, where you couldn’t go surfing if you tried.”

Murry Pulls It off

It’s well documented how many troubles came from Murry’s actions as The Beach Boys’ manager. However, when it came to getting a record deal, the senior Wilson pulled it off when Capitol Records began their long-term relationship with the band. The Beach Boys would have one of the most successful careers of any American band of their time. Unbeknownst to the Southern California teens, four long-haired fellows on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean released a song in England called “Love Me Do” just four days after “Surfin’ Safari debuted in America. The two bands would cross paths many times in the future, inspiring each other and pushing each side to higher levels.

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

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Song Meanings and Facts

The Beach Boys

Surfin’ safari by the beach boys lyrics meaning – riding the waves of nostalgia and freedom.

by SMF AI · Published January 24, 2024 · Updated April 26, 2024

• Music Video

Catching the Break: The Start of a Music Revolution

The camaraderie of the ‘safari’: more than just surfing, unbuttoning the hidden depths: the song’s subtext, iconic lyrics: ‘come on and safari with me’, riding the historical swell: the enduring legacy of ‘surfin’ safari’.

Early in the morning we’ll be startin’ out Some honeys will be bake in the scene I loaded up my Woody with our boards on top And I put on a faded blue jeans (’cause we are)

Come on (surfin’) baby wait and see (surfin’ safari) Yes I’m gonna (surfin’) take you surfin’ (surfin’ safari) with me Come along (surfin’) baby wait and see (surfin’ safari) Yes I’m gonna (surfin’) take you surfin’ (surfin’ safari) with me

Let’s go surfin’ now Everybody’s learning how Come on and safari with me (Come on and safari with)

At Huntington and Malibu They’re shooting the pier At Rincon they’re walking the nose We’re going on safari to the islands this year So if you’re coming get ready to go (we’re gonna go)

Well, surfin’ is big in Sunset-Beach They do it in South Africa too They all getting stoked on the surfin’ craves From Hawaii to the shores of Perus (go down let’s come)

Surfin’ safari

Full Lyrics

At the crest of the 1960s, a tidal wave of musical exuberance washed over the American landscape, carrying on its foamy peaks the sun-soaked harmonies of The Beach Boys. ‘Surfin’ Safari’ wasn’t just a song; it became an anthem for a generation looking to ride the waves of change. As a guiding light of the surf music genre, it encapsulated the zeitgeist of coastal freedom, youthful rebellion, and the pursuit of the American dream.

Diving beneath its catchy melody and upbeat tempo lies a cultural artefact that shaped and was shaped by the era’s shifting sand. It’s a timeless ode to the simple pleasures, a call to break from the mundane, and an invitation to embrace a life where the only compass needed is the direction of the ocean swells.

The year was 1962, the world was teetering on the brink of profound social and political change, and The Beach Boys were about to provide the soundtrack. ‘Surfin’ Safari’ catalyzed the surf culture, introducing it to the inlanders and major cities. Not only did it capture the essence of California living, but it also painted a picture of escapism and leisure that resonated across the globe.

The song’s deceptively simple structure belied its transformative power. Through ‘Surfin’ Safari,’ The Beach Boys were not just recounting their experiences; they were inviting an entire generation to cast away their worries and find a new rhythm in life.

Far beyond its literal call to the waves, ‘Surfin’ Safari’ was an allegory of togetherness. The repeated lines ‘Come on and safari with me’ weren’t only about joining a trip to the beach; they became a metaphor for communal experience, for shared moments amidst the sun and sea. The song united listeners under a banner of collective joy and the pursuit of shared passions.

The Beach Boys didn’t just observe a movement; they helped construct a community. The notion of ‘everybody’s learning how’ served as an equalizer – no matter who you were or where you came from, the waves were a democratizing force.

Like the ocean itself, ‘Surfin’ Safari’ had depths that many might not initially perceive. The safari symbolized an exodus from the structured norms into something more primal – a return to nature through the act of surfing. It was a retreat from industrialism and a plunge into a philosophical reconnection with the Earth.

Moreover, the song’s reference to surf spots around the world, from Malibu to Peru, hinted at the unifying power of surf culture. It was a song of boundary-breaking exploration, encouraging listeners to dissolve cultural and geographical divides.

The central line of ‘Surfin’ Safari,’ the recurring invitation to ‘Come on and safari with me,’ epitomized the spirit of inclusion and adventure. It pushed against the known, urging people to leave behind the familiar shore and embark on a journey led by the pursuit of pleasure and discovery.

It was a call to arms, or rather, a call to boards – a declaration that life was to be lived with the same verve and vivacity that one brings to the waves. In these memorable lyrics, The Beach Boys encapsulated the ethos of a burgeoning culture and a new way of living.

As the years have passed, ‘Surfin’ Safari’ remains a touchstone for nostalgia but also a tether to the indomitable spirit it fostered. Its enduring legacy is found in its continued celebration of freedom, its ability to evoke an era where a board and a beach were the only ingredients needed for happiness.

The song is a time capsule and a reminder that sometimes the most insightful messages are found in the simplest of pleasures. Through ‘Surfin’ Safari,’ The Beach Boys didn’t just capture the feeling of a generation; they provided a harmonious roadmap for any soul seeking the timeless allure of the surf.

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Surfin Safari

The beach boys.

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Let's go surfin' now Everybody's learning how Come on and safari with me (Come on and safari with) Early in the morning we'll be startin' out Some honeys will be coming along We're loading up our woody With our boards inside And headin' out singing our song Come on (surfin') baby wait and see (surfin' safari) Yes I'm gonna (surfin') take you surfin' (surfin' safari) with me Come along (surfin') baby wait and see (surfin' safari) Yes I'm gonna (surfin') take you surfin' (surfin' safari) with me Let's go surfin' now Everybody's learning how Come on and safari with me (Come on and safari with) At huntington and malibu They're shooting the pier At rincon they're walking the nose We're going on safari to the islands this year So if you're coming get ready to go Come on (surfin') baby wait and see (surfin' safari) Yes I'm gonna (surfin') take you surfin' (surfin' safari) with me Come along (surfin') baby wait and see (surfin' safari) Yes I'm gonna (surfin') take you surfin' (surfin' safari) with me Let's go surfin' now Everybody's learning how Come on and safari with me (Come on and safari with) They're anglin' in laguna in Cerro Azul They're kicking out in dohini too I tell you surfing's mighty wild It's getting bigger every day From Hawaii to the shores of Peru Come on (surfin') baby wait and see (surfin' safari) Yes I'm gonna (surfin') take you surfin' (surfin' safari) with me Come along (surfin') baby wait and see (surfin' safari) Yes I'm gonna (surfin') take you surfin' (surfin' safari) with me Let's go surfin' now Everybody's learning how Come on and safari with me (Come on and safari with) With me Surfin' safari With me Surfin' safari With me Surfin' safari With me Surfin' safari

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Surfin' Safari

The beach boys.

About Surfin' Safari

"Surfin' Safari" is a song by American rock band the Beach Boys, written by Brian Wilson and Mike Love. Released as a single with "409" in June 1962, it peaked at number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song also appeared on the 1962 album of the same name.

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer

The Beach Boys are an American rock band, formed in 1961 in Hawthorne, California. The group was initially composed of brothers Brian, Dennis and Carl Wilson, their cousin Mike Love, and friend Al Jardine. Managed by the Wilsons' father Murry, the Beach Boys signed to Capitol Records in 1962. The band's early music gained popularity across the United States for its close vocal harmonies and lyrics reflecting a Southern California youth culture of surfing, cars, and romance. By the mid 1960s, Brian Wilson's growing creative ambition and songwriting ability would dominate the group's musical direction. The primarily Wilson-composed Pet Sounds album and "Good Vibrations" single (both released in 1966) featured a complex, intricate and multi-layered sound that wa… more »

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Written by: BRIAN DOUGLAS WILSON, MIKE LOVE

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management

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"Surfin' Safari Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 28 Sep. 2024. < https://www.lyrics.com/lyric-lf/902381/The+Beach+Boys/Surfin%27+Safari >.

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Know any other songs by the beach boys don't keep it to yourself, image credit, the web's largest resource for, music, songs & lyrics, a member of the stands4 network, watch the song video, top hot 100 songs 1962, billboard #14, more tracks from the album, all seasons.

• #1 Surfin' Safari
• #3 Girls on the Beach
• #4 Let's Go Trippin'
• #5 I Get Around
• #6 Hushabye
• #7 Summertime Blues
• #8 This Car of Mine
• #9 Be True to Your School
• #10 Surfer Girl
• #11 Louie, Louie
• #12 Finders Keepers
• #13 Wouldn't It Be Nice
• #14 Don't Worry Baby
• #15 Devoted to You
• #16 Why Do Fools Fall in Love?

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Are you a music master, manic monday reached number two on the uk chart in 1986 for the bangles but which pop superstar actually wrote the song and gave it to the lead singer (susanna hoffs) in order to try and win her affection, our awesome collection of, promoted songs.

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Surfin' safari

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A great hit...No comments??? That's a bit strange...

cool song, and there's STILL no comments?? You people are loco.

3 comments on this song, from 2 Floyd fans and an Elvis fan where are the Beach Boy fans, huh?

excelent song

Always makes me think of teen wolf.....

It's what I tell everyone whe"n they ask me what I do. "I'm on Safari to Stay"...(until my unemployment checks run out)

Im from Peru, and last weekend i went to Cerro Azul Beach, 133 KM's from my place (LIma) and when i was traveling on the car i listen this song (together with another "beach songs") and i hear the words about Cerro Azul and Peru and i feel myself so good. Beach boys rocks, and this song too!!! Every beach song its great!!! Thanks!!!

1 GREAT SONG—Helped Launch The Teenaged Years of The Then—LARGEST GENERATION EVER PRODUCED BY THE USA... until the sheer Numbers of Their Kids—THE MILLENNIALS SURPASSED The Boomers... tho... in a more spread out population wave... whose birth rates were much lower [40% lower at the peaks] than at any point of the Boomers' steep rates of birth... except that there were now far more (Boomer) Americans becoming Parents than at any previous time in our nation's history... https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Post%E2%80%93World_War_II_baby_boom#/media/File%3AUS_Birth_Rates.svg

2 some surfin' safari terms & phrases that may be unfamiliar....

Woody = Woodie Wagon (truck or station wagon used to portage Surfers & Equipment to & between beaches) https://www.hagerty.com/articles-videos/articles/2014/05/15/surf-city-here-we-come

Shooting The Pier = Surfing under a big Ocean Pier between it's numerous, cement pilings [NOT recommended] http://www.surfertoday.com/surfing/10875-how-to-shoot-the-pier

Walking The Nose = Moving to the front of the surfboard and maybe doing something like Hanging Ten toes over the nose of the board.

3 As for...

Huntington Malibu Rincón Laguna Cerro Azul Dohini (Doheny ??) Hawaii Peru

Go Google Map 'em—Yourself.

The Meaning Behind The Song: Surfin’ U.S.A. by The Beach Boys

Table of Contents

Surfin’ U.S.A. is a well-known song by the legendary American rock band, The Beach Boys. Released in 1963 as the title track of their album, Surfin’ U.S.A., it marked a significant milestone in the band’s career. With its catchy melody and beachy vibes, the song quickly became a hit, garnering widespread success for the group.

The lyrics of Surfin’ U.S.A. paint a vivid picture of the surfing culture that was prevalent during that time. The song expresses the desire to surf like they do in California, and mentions various surf spots across the United States, from Del Mar and Ventura County line to Santa Cruz and Trestles. It even takes a trip down under to Australia’s Narrabeen. It’s an anthem for surfers, encapsulating the exhilaration and freedom that comes with riding the waves.

For me, Surfin’ U.S.A. holds a special place in my heart. Growing up near the coast, I have always been drawn to the ocean and the beach. Whenever I listen to this song, it takes me back to those carefree summer days, with the sun on my skin and the sand beneath my feet. It represents a sense of adventure and the joy of being in the water, riding the waves with friends.

Table: Song Information

One fascinating fact about Surfin’ U.S.A. is its connection to Chuck Berry’s song, “Sweet Little Sixteen.” Brian Wilson intentionally set the lyrics of Surfin’ U.S.A. to the music of Sweet Little Sixteen, as he was inspired by Berry’s iconic track. However, due to legal issues, Wilson’s father and manager, Murry Wilson, had to give the copyright for the song to Arc Music, Berry’s publisher.

This connection between Surfin’ U.S.A. and Sweet Little Sixteen speaks to the influence and impact of earlier rock ‘n’ roll artists on the Beach Boys’ music. The song pays homage to the vibrant surfing culture that emerged in California during the early ’60s while also drawing from the sounds and styles of those who came before them.

Already know this song's meaning? Watch this video to see 30 popular songs where everyone gets the meaning WRONG!

The Beach Boys’ vocal arrangement in Surfin’ U.S.A. is also worth mentioning. Brian Wilson, in his capacity as the band’s producer, used double tracking to create a fuller, richer sound for the vocals. This technique became a signature element in the Beach Boys’ music, setting them apart from their contemporaries.

Surfin’ U.S.A. became one of The Beach Boys’ most recognizable and beloved songs, solidifying their status as icons of the surfing and rock ‘n’ roll culture. It captures the spirit of youth, adventure, and the laid-back vibes of coastal living. Whether you’re a surfer or not, the song’s infectious energy can transport you to sun-soaked beaches and the exhilarating rush of riding a wave.

The Beach Boys’ Surfin’ U.S.A. is timeless in its appeal, transcending generations and continuing to resonate with listeners today. Its catchy melody and nostalgic lyrics evoke a sense of joy and carefree spirit that is hard to resist. So, next time you find yourself near the ocean or longing for summer vibes, crank up Surfin’ U.S.A., and let the music take you on a surf safari through the waves of pure nostalgia.

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Surfin' U.S.A. by The Beach Boys

Songfacts®:

• The lyrics are basically a guide to good surf locations, but the "Surfin' U.S.A." music was based on Chuck Berry's 1958 hit " Sweet Little Sixteen ." The Beach Boys did it as a tribute to Berry, but didn't get his permission first - maybe because Berry was in jail for transporting a minor across state lines. When Berry threatened to sue, The Beach Boys agreed to give him most of the royalties and list him as the song's composer. The song also helped build Berry's legend while he served his time.
• David Marks, who was a guitarist in The Beach Boys from 1961-1963, explains on the DVD Brian Wilson Songwriter 1962 - 1969 , that he and Carl Wilson would play guitars every day after school, and one day Carl brought home the album Chuck Berry Is On Top . They loved the album and introduced Berry's sound to Brian Wilson, who loved the rhythm parts and put together "Surfin' U.S.A." based on that sound. Brian changed the lyrics and added a hook, but it is basically a rewrite of Berry's "Sweet Little Sixteen."
• Many of the early Beach Boys' songs were about surfing. Dennis Wilson was the only Beach Boy who actually surfed, but surfing was a very popular at the time, especially with teenagers who bought records. For The Beach Boys, the surfing subculture gave them an opportunity to write songs about adventure and fun while exploring vocal harmonies and new production techniques. And while the majority of Americans didn't surf, the songs represented California, which was considered new and modern and a great place to be. Surfing, and California by extension, became more about a state of mind.
• This is a very early Beach Boys song, following up their first hit " Surfin' Safari ." Brian Wilson was gaining confidence as a producer, and this song marks the emergence of what would become the Beach Boys signature sound over the next few years. Wilson got the most of 1963 studio technology, and managed to create a sound with bright guitars and sophisticated background vocals - something he accomplished with double-tracking. Brian also used his falsetto vocals in the chorus to offset Mike Love 's lead.
• Carl Wilson came up with the guitar intro, which is reminiscent of Duane Eddy's "Moving and Grooving." Wilson explained: "On 'Surfin' U.S.A.,' Brian wanted an opening lick and I just did this Duane Eddy riff. I was worried that it had been on another record, but what the hell. That was the first time we were aware we could make a really powerful record. For the first time, we thought the group sounded good enough to be played with anything on the radio."
• Leif Garrett, who was not a surfer, but a skateboarder, recorded this in 1977 and took it to #20 in the US. Garrett was a teen idol who acted in some popular movies in the '60s and '70s, including Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice , but got hooked on drugs and fought a heroin addiction. In 2006, after one of his arrests for heroin possession, Garrett's mother told the New York Daily News that rock stars like The Rolling Stones were a bad influence on him and led him to drugs.
• Guitarist David Marks played guitar on the Beach Boys first five albums. He recalled to I Like Music laying down this track: "The energy on the Surfin' USA session was very upbeat and happy. That's where that chemistry thing kicks in again… there was a certain energy on that track that was a one-of-a-kind happening. It wasn't perfect in a technical sense, but the vibe was something special that had a lasting effect."
• This was re-released in the US in 1974. It went to #36.
• Comedic Canadian rock band Jason performed a spoof of this called "Bowlin' USA". The band's lead singer was Steve Smith, who later achieved fame and fortune playing his character Red Green on the cult Canadian comedy series The Red Green Show . >> Suggestion credit : Brett - Edmonton, Canada
• More songs from The Beach Boys
• More songs with names of countries in the title
• More songs that became hits when they were re-released
• More songs involved in lawsuits
• More summer songs
• More songs with water sports in the title
• More songs from 1963
• Lyrics to Surfin' U.S.A.
• The Beach Boys Artistfacts

Comments: 24

• Poundinpat from Anaheim,ca Yeh the beach Boys didn't list berry as composer on the original pressing, not until berry's music publisher threatened suit did they change it.
• Barry from Sauquoit, Ny On March 17th 1963, "Surfin' U.S.A." by the Beach Boys entered Billboard's Hot Top 100 chart at position #74; nine week later on May 19th, 1963 it peaked at #3 {for 1 week} and spent 17 weeks on the Top 100... It reached #6 in both Canada and Sweden... Eleven years later on August 11th, 1974 it re-entered the Top 100 chart; that time around it stayed on the chart for eight weeks, peaking at #36... R.I.P. Dennis Wilson {1944-1983} and Carl Wilson {1946-1998}.
• Barry from Sauquoit, Ny On August 21st 1977, "Surfin' U.S.A." by Leif Garrett entered Billboard's Hot Top 100 chart at position #80; and on October 23rd, 1977 it peaked at #20 {for 1 week} and spent 15 weeks on the Top 100... It reached #2 on the Australian Kent Music Report chart... Between 1977 and 1981 he had ten Top 100 records; with one making the Top 10, which needless to say was his biggest hit, "I Was Made for Dancin'" peaked at #10 {for two weeks} on February 11th,1979... Leif Garrett, born Leif Per Nervik, will celebrate his 53rd birthday in three months on November 8th {2014}.
• Derek from Courtenay, Bc Annabelle, Eugene, OR- Narrabeen is a suburb of Sydney Australia known for being along a stretch of beaches. It's ok you didn't know it, it's the only place mentioned that isn't in the US (the others are in California or Hawaii). I had to look it up to.
• Matt from Sydney, Australia Annabelle, Narrabeen is in Sydney, Australia (lyrics are "Australia's Narrabeen")
• Buddy from Stuart, Fl Angry Black Woman will always be an angry black woman as long as she lives. No sense arguing with her. Her kind believe nobody has anything worthwhile except her kind. Chuck Berry is a genius. So is Brian Wilson. The only difference is Chuck came first. Brian used some of Chuck's work and did great things with it. Many blacks have taken works from other ethnicities and done great things also. I bet she has no problem with that.
• Rick from Londonderry, Nh - Angry Black Woman, Texas, TX: That is by far the most mindless statement I have read on the internet. While Chuck Berry brought some absolutely fantastic guitar playing to rock 'n' roll, to say that Brian Wilson would have been a NOBODY if he did not steal from Mr. Berry is bewilderingly ignorant on your part. But I expect that you never got beyond 1963 with your Beach Boys history. The Beach Boys acknowledged Mr. Berry's part in shaping their sound quite often in interviews and even in their own music. Listen to 1964's "Do You Remember" where they sing, "Chuck Berry's gotta be the greatest thing that came along... He made the guitar beats and wrote the all-time greatest songs..." They never hid the fact that Mr. Berry was an influence. Rather than blame Brian Wilson, you should blame the entities that issued the rights, not the kids who were just starting out and excited to be on the radio. Perhaps you should listen to the Beach Boys music from All Summer Long, Today and Pet Sounds and see why Brian Wilson is a genius, instead of harboring some silly racial resentment, which had ZERO to do with this song. They adopted Chuck Berry's sound because they thought he was brilliant guitar player, performer and songwriter, not because they wanted to steal from the "African American." Sheesh.
• P from Lakewood, Oh Chuck Berry is listed as sole composer for this song. Wikipedia is incorrect (as usual). See the official BMI registration (Work #1434720) for 'Surfin' U.S.A.' http://bit.ly/2VAX6E9
• Annabelle from Eugene, Or Where is this Narabeen? The name doesn't sound familiar. Anybody have any pointers?
• Brian from Boston, Ma I wonder if the Beach Boys had any intention to give Mr.Berry credit or royalties for this song prior to being sued.
• Brian from Boston, Ma Tribute my ass it was a rip off!!!
• Barry from Sauquoit, Ny According to Billboard's Year-End Top 100 Records of 1963 this song ranked at Number One!!! Re: http://www.musicoutfitters.com/topsongs/1963.htm
• Tom from St. Louis, Fl Brandon of Seattle...great call on the Duane Eddy song...you're absolutely correct! Tom...Boca Raton, FL
• Wendell from Boston, Ma Chuck Berry himself may have borrowed the chord progression from Clarence Garlow's 1954 song "Route 90"
• Lisa from Tucson, Az I am introducing my grandchildren to music through the Beach Boys and they love it! At ages 5 and 2, they know the words to Barbara Ann, Surfer Girl and Surfin USA. Next stop is Jimmy Buffett (Cheeseburger in Paradise).
• Andrew Horton from Hillsborough, Nh In Costa Rica they had a version in Spanish and with local landmarks referenced (Jaco Beach for example). I don't know who covered it, but it was a nice little aide in learning Spanish as the lyrics were word for word (besides the local references). I was in the Peace Crops there from 1988-1991 for those who may want to look into this further. (And yes there is serious surfing in Costa Rica).
• Riley from Peabody, Ma this song played on the nick show Zoey101
• Mrcleaveland from Cleveland, Wow, reading the actual lyrics was a real eye-opener. I don't know what words I was using when I sang along with this record back in the day, but I know they sure didn't include Huarachi, Narabeen, Haggerties, San Onofre, La Jolla, etc. What did a simple Midwestern lad know of such things?
• Angry Black Woman from Texas, Tx Brian Wilson would be a NOBODY if he did not steal from Chuck Berry. That is what it is called when you take soneone's work and present it as your own without giving any credit to the original source? Right? Typical. I guess we should all be thankful that once again the hard work of an African American is stolen and recognized by society when there is a color change. Your comment is insulting and idiotic.
• Steve Dotstar from Los Angeles, Ca the sound of this record is full and awesome.it sounds great over the big speakers at the supermarket...a "boss" sound. kudos to Murry Wilson
• Cyberpope from Richmond, Canada Funny thing is that it's a principle of law that you can't copyright an "idea'. . . but I guess if the music plagiarism is as exact as it was here, it's considered a use of "intellectual property"; I always wondered what happens if a guy redoes the music of someone else, without republishing the music score(ie. they just played it that way by memory, even if not necessarily on purpose) -- I guess what happens is you get threatened with a lawsuit, and if you're a decent man, like the Beach Boys, you admit to the true owner/author and give due credit. . . Good song twice, but I prefer Surfin' USA's lyrics. . . -- I use Sweet Little Sixteen as my ringtone, but I always "hear" the lyrics of "Surfin' USA"! :)
• Tom from North Attleboro, Ma Gary from New Zealand: Let's see, it's Chuck Berry's chord progression, Chuck Berry's melody, AND Chuck Berry's guitar lick. He was completely justified in threating to sue without proper credit and compensation. You'd certainly be entitled to a piece of the profits if someone else took YOUR idea and made money with it without crediting you.
• Fyodor from Denver, Co Gary, point taken. But Chuck probably would have been more gracious if he had been given credit without having to threaten to sue!!
• Gary from Auckland, New Zealand In my opinion Chuck Berry should thank Brian Wilson for totally reforming what was a quaint little country song into a Rock Anthem for the ages. Billboard rated it as the second biggest seller of 1963 -- and the Beach Boys' publicist of the time higher than that. It is one more of an estimated 20 million-plus-selling singles by the Beach Boys that has been ignored by Capitol for RIAA Gold Disc auditing and certification.

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BUNDLE! BUNDLE! Surfin' Burt's Surfin Safari Volumes 1 & 2

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Nick lowe’s storied legacy remains very much intact with the cool music found on his fine new yep roc lp, indoor safari.

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How wonderful it is to be talking about a new Nick Lowe album in 2024!

It's a great record, but I disagree with Nick about those EPs - they are a treasure. If you like Indoor Safari, Yep Roc still has those original EPs.

by one of our all-time favorite artists. Full credit to Los Straitjackets for getting him back to playing with a band, although his solo tours were enthralling in their own way. Long live Nick Lowe! P.S. Yep Roc still has some Nick "lowball" glasses available in their store, although $15 is a bit steep. Also, don't miss the Christmas album, Quality Street.

Was seeing Nick with Los SJ for Elvis Costello at Summerfest last year! Fun show and a beautiful night on the lake with the cool winds whipping by..!

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iOS 18 lets you surf without distractions — how to use Safari Reader

Enjoy clutter-free browsing with Safari Reader

Apple's latest software update introduces some exciting new features for iPhone users — with iOS 18, you can hide apps , customize your home screen , and even enhance your Photos app experience . But one of the most underrated additions is Safari Reader, a tool designed to streamline your web browsing like never before.

Think of Safari Reader as your personal reading assistant, stripping away distractions like ads and pop-ups to provide a clean, focused view of the content you want to read. In a world where web pages can often feel cluttered, this feature makes reading long articles or news stories a breeze.

Whether you're diving into a blog post or checking the latest headlines, Safari Reader ensures a distraction-free experience. Let’s explore how to activate it and elevate your browsing game.

1. Update to iOS 18

Make sure your iPhone is running the latest iOS update to access the Safari Highlights feature. You can check this by going to Settings, General and Software Update. 

2. Enable Reader

Safari Highlights isn't enabled by default so you'll need to activate it manually to star using it. Simply go to Settings, Apps, Safari , and toggle on Reader.

3. Open your webpage

Launch Safari and open a web page of your choosing. If the webpage is compatible you'll see Reader Available in the address bar. 

4. Tap Show Reader

Tap the Page menu (the box with two lines) in the left-hand side of the address bar. Then, tap Show Reader. 

5. Set your preferences

Here you can adjust text size, font, and background color depending on your preference. 

6. Listen to page

You can access the Listen to Page option from this pop-up panel, though it's only available for English-language articles. This feature is perfect for enhancing accessibility or when you want to listen to content hands-free.

Once you've tapped Listen to Page, a speaker icon will appear in the pop-up icon. You can pause, rewind and fast forward what you're listening to. 

Safari Reader is just one of many great features in iOS 18. To get more out of your device, check out the 9 iOS features you need to try first. Looking ahead? All the new AI features coming to your iPhone are set to elevate your experience even further. And for those off the grid moments, iOS 18 lets you send messages via satellite — here's how it works.

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Kaycee is an Editor at Tom’s Guide and has been writing for as long as she can remember. Her journey into the tech world began as Cazoo's Knowledge Content Specialist, igniting her enthusiasm for technology. When she’s not exploring the latest gadgets and innovations, Kaycee can be found immersed in her favorite video games, or penning her second poetry collection. 

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