Throwing back to the week of July 4, 1976 — the nation’s bicentennial — we find Wings’ ‘Silly Love Songs‘ holding on to the top spot.
Right behind it was a 70s one-hit wonder, Starland Vocal Band with the deceptively promiscuous ‘Afternoon Delight.’ The song reached #1 the following week, its “skyrockets in flight” chorus a perfect match for the summer of America’s 200th birthday.
I know this song primarily due to its use in the show Arrested Development, where Michael and his niece Maeby sing it at karaoke unaware of its sexual innuendo. The clip is a great example of how many jokes that show packed into every minute.
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?
[Bridge]
When everything’s a little clearer in the light of day
And we know the night is always gonna be here anyway
[Pre-Chorus]
Thinking of you’s working up my appetite
Looking forward to a little afternoon delight
Rubbing sticks and stones together, make the sparks ignite
And the thought of rubbing you is getting so exciting
[Chorus]
Skyrockets in flight
Afternoon delight
Afternoon delight
Afternoon delight
[Verse 2]
Started out this morning feeling so polite
I always thought a fish could not be caught who didn’t bite
But you got some bait awaiting and I think I might
Like nibbling a little afternoon delight
[Chorus]
Skyrockets in flight
Afternoon delight
Afternoon delight
Afternoon delight
[Bridge]
Be waiting for me, baby, when I come around
We can make a lot of loving ‘fore the sun gone down
[Pre-Chorus]
Thinking of you’s working up my appetite
Looking forward to a little afternoon delight
Rubbing sticks and stones together, make the sparks ignite
And the thought of rubbing you is getting so exciting
[Chorus]
Skyrockets in flight
Afternoon delight
Afternoon delight
Afternoon delight
Meet Me In Montauk 