If you’re a fan of ’80s music, then you’ve probably heard the catchy tune “Vacation” by The Go-Go’s. This song was a huge hit for the all-female band and is still beloved by many today.
But who actually wrote this classic track? Let’s take a closer look.
The Go-Go’s
Before we dive into the songwriting, let’s first talk about The Go-Go’s themselves. The band formed in 1978 in Los Angeles and quickly gained popularity on the local punk scene. They were known for their upbeat, poppy sound and their all-girl lineup, which was fairly uncommon at the time.
The Band Members
The original members of The Go-Go’s were:
- Belinda Carlisle (vocals)
- Jane Wiedlin (guitar, vocals)
- Charlotte Caffey (guitar, keyboards)
- Gina Schock (drums)
- Kathy Valentine (bass)
Together, these women created some of the most iconic songs of the ’80s, including “We Got the Beat,” “Head Over Heels,” and of course, “Vacation.”
Songwriting Credits
So who gets credit for writing “Vacation”? The answer is a bit complicated.
On the album credits for Vacation (the album), all five members of The Go-Go’s are listed as writers for every song on the record. However, it’s worth noting that not every member contributed equally to every track.
In an interview with Songfacts, Jane Wiedlin explained that she came up with the initial idea for “Vacation” while she was on a break from touring with The Go-Go’s. She had been staying at her parents’ house in California and was feeling restless and bored. The line “Can’t seem to get my mind off of you” popped into her head, and she built the rest of the song around that.
Wiedlin brought the song to Charlotte Caffey, who helped flesh out the music and wrote the bridge. Belinda Carlisle also contributed some lyrics, including the “vacation, all I ever wanted” chorus.
In short, while all five members of The Go-Go’s are credited as writers for “Vacation,” it seems that Wiedlin, Caffey, and Carlisle were the primary contributors to the track.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “Vacation” is a collaboration between all five members of The Go-Go’s. While Jane Wiedlin came up with the initial idea for the song and Charlotte Caffey wrote part of the music, all members had a hand in creating this classic ’80s hit. Whether you’re singing along to the radio or dancing at a wedding reception, “Vacation” is a timeless tune that continues to bring joy to listeners decades after its release.