What Song Is National Lampoon’s Vacation?

By Anna Duncan

If you’re a fan of classic American comedies, you’ve probably seen National Lampoon’s Vacation. This iconic film, released in 1983, follows the Griswold family as they embark on a cross-country road trip to Walley World amusement park.

One of the most memorable aspects of this movie is its soundtrack, which features a variety of classic rock and country tunes. But what song is National Lampoon’s Vacation best known for? Let’s dive in and find out.

The Theme Song: “Holiday Road”

The song that most people associate with National Lampoon’s Vacation is undoubtedly “Holiday Road” by Lindsey Buckingham. Buckingham was best known at the time as the lead guitarist and vocalist for Fleetwood Mac, but he was also an accomplished solo artist. In fact, “Holiday Road” was written specifically for the movie and never appeared on any of Buckingham’s albums.

The Lyrics

So what are the lyrics to “Holiday Road”? Here’s a sample:

  • I found out long ago
  • It’s a long way down the holiday road
  • Holiday road
  • Holiday road

As you can see, the lyrics are fairly simple and repetitive. The chorus consists entirely of the words “holiday road” repeated four times. Despite this, the song has become an enduring classic thanks to its catchy melody and upbeat vibe.

The Music Video

In addition to appearing in National Lampoon’s Vacation, “Holiday Road” also received its own music video. The video features footage from the movie interspersed with shots of Buckingham performing on a soundstage with his band. It’s a fun and lighthearted video that perfectly captures the spirit of both the song and the movie.

Other Songs in National Lampoon’s Vacation

While “Holiday Road” is the most famous song from National Lampoon’s Vacation, it’s not the only notable tune in the movie. Here are a few others that you might recognize:

  • “Blitzkrieg Bop” by The Ramones
  • “I’m Alright” by Kenny Loggins
  • “Summer Hearts” by Nicolette Larson

Each of these songs is used to great effect in the movie and helps to enhance the overall viewing experience.

In Conclusion

So there you have it: “Holiday Road” by Lindsey Buckingham is the song that National Lampoon’s Vacation is best known for. Whether you’re a diehard fan of the movie or just looking for a fun and catchy tune to add to your playlist, “Holiday Road” is sure to put a smile on your face.