If you are a fan of the iconic 80s girl band, The Go-Go’s, you might have wondered who wrote their hit song ‘Vacation’. This upbeat and catchy tune is still a favorite among many music lovers today. In this article, we’ll dive into the history of this song and explore its origins.
The Go-Go’s: A Brief Introduction
Before we get into the details of the song ‘Vacation’, let’s take a quick look at The Go-Go’s. This all-female group was formed in Los Angeles in 1978 and consisted of Belinda Carlisle, Jane Wiedlin, Charlotte Caffey, Kathy Valentine, and Gina Schock.
The band was known for their punk-influenced sound and catchy pop hooks. They quickly rose to fame with hits like ‘We Got The Beat’, ‘Our Lips Are Sealed’, and of course, ‘Vacation’.
The Story Behind ‘Vacation’
‘Vacation’ was released in 1982 as the lead single from The Go-Go’s second album with the same name. It was written by guitarist Charlotte Caffey along with singer/guitarist Jane Wiedlin.
According to Caffey in an interview with Songfacts, she came up with the melody while on vacation in Palm Springs. She then played it for Wiedlin who helped her finish writing the lyrics.
The song is about taking a break from everyday life and going on a fun-filled adventure. Its upbeat tempo and catchy chorus make it a perfect summer anthem. It quickly became one of The Go-Go’s most popular songs and reached number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Impact of ‘Vacation’
‘Vacation’ not only became a hit but also had a significant impact on pop culture at the time. The music video for the song featured the band having fun at a water park, which was a new concept for music videos at the time.
The video was directed by Jeff Stein, who had previously worked with The Who on their documentary film ‘The Kids Are Alright’. It became an instant hit on MTV and helped propel the song to even greater success.
Conclusion
In conclusion, ‘Vacation’ is a timeless classic that has stood the test of time. Its catchy melody and lyrics are still beloved today.
The song was written by Charlotte Caffey and Jane Wiedlin of The Go-Go’s and has had a significant impact on pop culture. If you haven’t heard it already, give it a listen and get ready to dance along!
- Key Takeaways:
- The Go-Go’s are an iconic 80s girl band known for their punk-influenced sound and catchy pop hooks.
- ‘Vacation’ was released in 1982 as the lead single from The Go-Go’s second album with the same name.
- The song was written by guitarist Charlotte Caffey and singer/guitarist Jane Wiedlin.
- ‘Vacation’ had a significant impact on pop culture at the time with its music video featuring the band having fun at a water park.