About the song
“Kokomo,” immortalized by the Beach Boys in 1988, stands as a quintessential ode to escapism and tropical bliss. Originally featured in the film “Cocktail” and later on their album “Still Cruisin’,” the song emerged as a surprising comeback hit for the band, marking their first number-one single in over two decades. Composed by a collaborative effort including John Phillips, Scott McKenzie, Mike Love, and Terry Melcher, “Kokomo” exudes a carefree spirit that transports listeners to a utopian island getaway.
The lyrics paint a vivid picture of lovers seeking solace and adventure on the fictional Kokomo, while name-dropping real Caribbean paradises like Aruba, Jamaica, and the Bahamas. This blend of fantasy and reality not only captured the imagination but also resonated deeply with audiences, catapulting the song to chart-topping success in both the United States and Australia.
The genesis of “Kokomo” can be traced back to a demo by John Phillips and Scott McKenzie, which was later refined with the addition of Mike Love’s infectious chorus. Producer Terry Melcher played a pivotal role in shaping its sunny sound, employing overdubbing techniques that enhanced the song’s breezy atmosphere. Despite the absence of Brian Wilson during the recording sessions, the Beach Boys’ lineup delivered a memorable performance, further enriched by the inclusion of session musicians like Ry Cooder and Jim Keltner.
The accompanying music video, filmed at Walt Disney World’s Grand Floridian Resort, captured the song’s essence with playful visuals featuring the band members and guest appearances, including actor John Stamos on steel drums. However, “Kokomo” garnered mixed critical reception, often criticized for its perceived departure from the band’s earlier artistic peaks.
Despite the critiques, “Kokomo” remains a cultural touchstone and a beloved guilty pleasure, celebrated for its infectious melody and evocative lyrics. Its enduring popularity underscores the Beach Boys’ ability to craft timeless melodies that transport listeners to sun-kissed shores, making it a definitive anthem for those yearning for a taste of paradise.
Video
Lyrics
Aruba, Jamaica, ooh, I wanna take ya
Bermuda, Bahama, come on pretty mama
Key Largo, Montego
Baby, why don’t we go?
Jamaica
Off the Florida Keys
There’s a place called Kokomo
That’s where you wanna go
To get away from it all
Bodies in the sand
Tropical drink melting in your hand
We’ll be falling in love
To the rhythm of a steel drum band
Down in Kokomo
Aruba, Jamaica, ooh, I wanna take you to
Bermuda, Bahama, come on pretty mama
Key Largo, Montego
Baby, why don’t we go? (Ooh, I wanna take you down to Kokomo)
We’ll get there fast
And then we’ll take it slow
That’s where we wanna go
Way down in Kokomo
Martinique, that Montserrat mystique
We’ll put out to sea
And we’ll perfect our chemistry
By and by we’ll defy
A little bit of gravity
Afternoon delight
Cocktails and moonlit nights
That dreamy look in your eye
Give me a tropical contact high
Way down in Kokomo
Aruba, Jamaica, ooh, I wanna take you to
Bermuda, Bahama, come on pretty mama
Key Largo, Montego
Baby, why don’t we go? (Ooh, I wanna take you down to Kokomo)
We’ll get there fast
And then we’ll take it slow
That’s where we wanna go
Way down in Kokomo
Port au Prince, I wanna catch a glimpse
Everybody knows a little place like Kokomo
Now if you wanna go to get away from it all
Go down to Kokomo
Aruba, Jamaica, ooh, I wanna take you to
Bermuda, Bahama, come on pretty mama
Key Largo, Montego
Baby, why don’t we go? (Ooh, I wanna take you down to Kokomo)
We’ll get there fast
And then we’ll take it slow
That’s where we wanna go
Way down in Kokomo
Aruba, Jamaica, ooh, I wanna take you to
Bermuda, Bahama, come on pretty mama
Key Largo, Montego
Baby, why don’t we go? (Ooh, I wanna take you down to)