Was Holiday Road Written for National Lampoon’s Vacation?

By Alice Nichols

If you’re a fan of the National Lampoon’s Vacation movie series, you’ve probably found yourself humming along to the catchy tune “Holiday Road” at some point. But have you ever wondered if the song was written specifically for the film?

The History of “Holiday Road”

“Holiday Road” was actually written and recorded by singer-songwriter Lindsey Buckingham in 1983 for his album “Law and Order.” The song was released as a single but didn’t achieve much success on the charts.

It wasn’t until 1985 that “Holiday Road” gained popularity thanks to its inclusion in National Lampoon’s Vacation. The film’s director, Harold Ramis, heard the song on the radio and thought it would be perfect for the opening credits of his movie.

The upbeat and adventurous tone of “Holiday Road” perfectly captures the spirit of the Griswold family’s cross-country road trip to Walley World. The song plays multiple times throughout the film and has become synonymous with the Vacation franchise.

Fun Fact: Lindsey Buckingham also wrote and recorded another iconic song for National Lampoon’s Vacation: “Dancin’ Across The USA.”

The Legacy of “Holiday Road”

Since its use in National Lampoon’s Vacation, “Holiday Road” has been featured in numerous movies, television shows, and commercials. It has become a staple of summertime playlists and is often played at theme parks and other vacation destinations.

In recent years, Lindsey Buckingham has embraced his connection to National Lampoon’s Vacation and often performs “Holiday Road” during his live shows. Fans can’t help but sing along to the nostalgic tune that brings back memories of their favorite summer vacations.

Conclusion

While “Holiday Road” wasn’t originally written for National Lampoon’s Vacation, it has become an integral part of the franchise’s legacy. The song perfectly captures the adventurous spirit of the Griswold family’s road trip and has become a beloved summer anthem for fans around the world. So next time you watch National Lampoon’s Vacation, be sure to sing along to “Holiday Road” and relive those classic summer memories.

  • “Holiday Road” was written and recorded by Lindsey Buckingham in 1983 for his album “Law and Order.”
  • The song gained popularity thanks to its inclusion in National Lampoon’s Vacation in 1985.
  • “Holiday Road” has been featured in numerous movies, television shows, and commercials since its use in National Lampoon’s Vacation.