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.
Old songs. Great memories.
Enjoy Throwback Weekends? Check out the whole archive.
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 
I remember this song from when I was a kid. I had no clue at nine years old of the sexual innuendos.
I love being reminded which songs were popular way back when… My older sister was dating a wonderful guy during this period of time, and we (her younger siblings) used to sing parts of this this song at the both of them from time to time… Thank you for yet another informative blog post.
I remember this song and don’t recall thinking about anything sexual or maybe I wasn’t really paying attention 😊 Happy 4th to all 🎆
I primarily knew this song from Arrested Development for the longest time and then was reminded more recently about its performance in Anchorman by the lead anchors. Both are done to humorous effect but do speak to the power of other mediums exposing new generations to an older song! The harmonies do go hard and the outro is a particularly beautiful part that I often find myself replaying!
Here is that Anchorman clip for those curious ;P