Who Wrote the Song Vacation?
If you grew up in the 1980s, you probably remember the catchy tune “Vacation” by The Go-Go’s. This song was a huge hit, reaching number eight on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1982. But who wrote this iconic song?
The song “Vacation” was actually written by three people: Charlotte Caffey, Kathy Valentine, and Jane Wiedlin. Charlotte Caffey was a member of The Go-Go’s and played guitar and keyboards for the band.
Kathy Valentine joined The Go-Go’s as their bassist in 1981, just before they recorded their album “Vacation.” Jane Wiedlin was also a member of The Go-Go’s and played guitar and sang backing vocals.
The three women wrote “Vacation” while they were on tour in Europe in 1981. According to Caffey, they were sitting in a hotel room when she started playing around with a riff on her guitar. Valentine came up with the idea for the lyrics, which were inspired by her longing for a vacation after being on tour for so long.
The song features upbeat instrumentation with catchy hooks and harmonies that captured the spirit of summer fun. The lyrics describe the excitement of going on vacation and leaving behind all your cares and worries:
- “Can’t seem to get my mind off of you / Back here at home there’s nothin’ to do”
- “It’s time to head out to the coast / Right away I’ll make my getaway”
- “Vacation, all I ever wanted / Vacation, had to get away”
“Vacation” quickly became one of The Go-Go’s most popular songs and remains an enduring classic today. It has been featured in numerous movies, TV shows, and commercials over the years. It’s a testament to the songwriting skills of Caffey, Valentine, and Wiedlin that their song continues to resonate with audiences more than three decades after it was first released.
Conclusion
In summary, “Vacation” by The Go-Go’s was written by Charlotte Caffey, Kathy Valentine, and Jane Wiedlin in 1981 while they were on tour in Europe. The song captured the excitement and freedom of going on vacation and became a huge hit for the band. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the songwriting talent of these three women who created a timeless classic that continues to be enjoyed by fans around the world.