About the song
“Afternoon Delight,” performed by the Starland Vocal Band, is a classic hit from the mid-1970s that encapsulates the carefree spirit and playful romance of the era. Released in 1976, this song quickly became a defining piece of the band’s repertoire and remains their most recognizable track to date.
The Starland Vocal Band, composed of Bill Danoff, Taffy Nivert, Jon Carroll, and Margot Chapman, showcased their harmonious vocals and catchy melodies in this delightful tune. The song was penned by Bill Danoff, who, along with his wife Taffy Nivert, was also known for writing “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” famously performed by John Denver.
“Afternoon Delight” was included in the band’s self-titled debut album, “Starland Vocal Band.” The album itself received a warm reception, but it was “Afternoon Delight” that truly soared, capturing the hearts of listeners with its lighthearted lyrics and upbeat tempo. The song’s title, “Afternoon Delight,” refers to the joy and excitement of a spontaneous romantic encounter during the daytime, a theme that was both playful and slightly provocative for its time.
The track achieved remarkable success on the charts, reaching the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 in July 1976. Its popularity was further cemented when it earned the band a Grammy Award for Best New Artist and another for Best Arrangement for Voices. Despite its cheerful and seemingly simple nature, “Afternoon Delight” has left a lasting legacy, often remembered for its infectious chorus and the nostalgic charm it brings to those who experienced its peak years.
“Afternoon Delight” remains a quintessential example of 1970s pop music, a period marked by its experimental sounds and diverse musical expressions. For many, the song evokes a sense of nostalgia and a reminder of a more carefree, simpler time. The Starland Vocal Band may have had a relatively brief moment in the spotlight, but with “Afternoon Delight,” they secured their place in the annals of music history, continuing to delight new generations of listeners.
Video
Lyrics
Gonna find my baby, gonna hold her tight
Gonna grab some afternoon delight
My motto’s always been ‘when it’s right, it’s right’
Why wait until the middle of a cold dark night?
When everything’s a little clearer in the light of day
And we know the night is always gonna be there any way
Thinkin’ of you’s workin’ up my appetite
Looking forward to a little afternoon delight
Rubbin’ sticks and stones together makes the sparks ingite
And the thought of lovin’ you is getting so exciting
Sky rockets in flight
Afternoon delight
Afternoon delight
Afternoon delight
Started out this morning feeling so polite
I always though a fish could not be caught who wouldn’t bite
But you’ve got some bait a waitin’ and I think I might try nibbling
A little afternoon delight
Sky rockets in flight
Afternoon delight
Afternoon delight
Afternoon delight
Please be waiting for me, baby, when I come around
We could make a lot of lovin’ ‘for the sun goes down
Thinkin’ of you’s workin’ up my appetite
Looking forward to a little afternoon delight
Rubbin’ sticks and stones together makes the sparks ingite
And the thought of lovin’ you is getting so exciting
Sky rockets in flight
Afternoon delight
Afternoon delight
Afternoon delight
Afternoon delight!