Man, that short week last week was an extremely long week work-wise! Cramming so much work into so few days. I’m gonna need a vacation soon! Speaking of vacation… for this week’s Monday’s Music Moves me, our friend and long time MMMM participant Robin from Songbird’s Crazy World chose the theme: “It’s summer vacation time. Share songs about vacation – destination, activity, transportation, anything related to vacation.” Let’s get this vacation party started!
Let’s start with a perfect representation of vacation, a feel-good song about having fun. The artist said:
“Clearly, with lyrics like ‘Billabong bikini’ and ‘Solo cup amplifier,’ the song is about having a good time, whether you actually are on vacation – like we are in the video – or just kicking back in a kiddie pool in your backyard.”
The song’s music video was filmed in July 2015 during a Hawaii vacation that the artist and his wife took on the island paradise. Explaining about the song, the artist said:
“It’s basically like, you know, you’re at work and you’re kind of daydreaming about, you know, getting off at 5 o’clock, and even though you might be somewhere in the Heartland or somewhere where it’s cold, you know, we’re going to get out there and we’re going to party just like we’re on vacation. We’re going to pretend like we’re sitting under a palm tree drinking a Red Stripe, and we’re going to pretend like we’ve got all of our friends here, just being idiots.”
“'[This song]’ is the perfect follow-up [to “T-Shirt”] to me because it’s becoming one of my favorite songs to play live. It’s all about letting loose and having fun, wherever you are, and that’s what we want people to do at our shows. And hopefully, if you are stuck in traffic or on your way to work, this song will take you to that place for a few minutes, too.”
Get ready to daydream, here’s Thomas Rhett with “Vacation”:
Next up is the very first single from this quartet that I’d ever heard from them, which made me a fan of theirs instantly. It’s one of the few songs even Princess Nagger encourages me to crank up so we can sing along.
The quartet fell in love with the song the first time they heard it, too – they could hear themselves singing it and could feel the fun energy behind it. It’s fun and sexy and summertime. At first, they weren’t sure if they should record it, but I bet they’re glad they did since it turned out to be their first #1 hit.
They had been nominated for at least one CMA Award at six consecutive ceremonies since their first nomination in 2006 but walked away empty-handed each time. They finally picked up Single of the Year for this song as well as Vocal Group of the Year.
They’re living proof that if you work really really hard and chase your dreams, all the good stuff happens, and it follows you.
Give a listen to Little Big Town with “Pontoon”:
Next up is a song that is not only a perfect vacation song, was the official theme song for WWE’s Backlash 2008, and is a mash-up of Warren Zevon’s “Werewolves Of London” and Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Sweet Home Alabama.”
Fun fact: When Lynyrd Skynyrd entered the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006, this artist inducted them.
Here’s Kid Rock with “All Summer Long”:
Next up, on the title track of his sixth studio album, this artist wants to ditch his hectic work schedule for a beach vacation in Mexico, where the drinks are bottomless, and the feet are bare. The year it was released, it reached #2 on the Country chart, held off from the top spot by another laidback drinking anthem: “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere” by Alan Jackson and Jimmy Buffett.
The title was inspired by the “No Shoes, No Shirt, No Service” signs often seen in restaurants and stores. The phrase became popular in the 1970s in response to shirtless, barefoot hippies who adopted the casual style of the ’60s counterculture movement. A Eugene, Oregon, newspaper noted in 1972: “Hippies have taken over the north end of town and the business people don’t like it. They have signs saying shoes and shirts are required – no entrance to bare feet.”
Fun facts: This song inspired the artists fanbase to adopt the name No Shoes Nation, and was his first album to hit #1 in the US, as well as his first to top the Country chart. This song was also used in the 2016 movie The Do-Over, starring Adam Sandler.
Give a listen to Kenny Chesney with “No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems”:
Last, but certainly not least, is another song from this favorite ACM, CMA and GRAMMY-winning band, a buoyant single from one of their newer LPs.
I know it sounds cliche / Making eyes across the pool all day / And I don’t need you but it feels that way / And I don’t ever let myself feel that way
But here I am, getting tan, drinking wine on the water / And it’s easy and it’s fun / If you want it and if I want / I’ll be your dream in-between in your meantime lover / All summer
Hard to fathom this single was from this group’s 10th studio album – and it’s been over 10 years since they won the American Country Award “Music Video of the Year: Group or Collaboration” for the song Pontoon shared above. Perhaps this will earn them some more awards, it’s certainly another catchy one!
Get ready to dance, here’s Little Big Town with “All Summer”:
That’s a wrap for this week – see you on the dance floor!
Now on to the particulars of Monday’s Music Move’s Me:
For this new year, the 4M crew is operating a bit differently. If you have a theme idea, submit your request by email. Each person’s suggestion(s) will be credited accordingly – unless someone wants to volunteer for the monthly co-host spot, then we won’t be looking for anyone to fill it in 2023. It’s tough to commit for 4-weeks. The object is to keep things fun!
I have the supreme honor and privilege of being a co-host with the inimitable Xmas Dolly and our musical cohort, the awesome Cathy from Curious as a CAThy, and Alana of Ramblin’ with AM!
Want to join in the fun? It’s easy – just find a tune that rocks your boat, post it and link up – don’t forget to grab Xmas Dolly…er, um, I mean her button…over at her place here. Check out Xmas Dolly’s sidebar for the random themes we sport each week – and you can always ask for a specific theme of music you like, too. Check out the other music lovahs and let’s jam!
Such perfect summery songs, so laid back …
I’m ready for a vacation. Have been since last year’s. lol Seriously, it’s been so hectic here. We’re thinking about trying to squeeze in a trip this fall, maybe do another return to Maine. We’ll see how things pan out. Meanwhile, loved your song picks. Great escape from the comfort of my chair. Have a boogietastic week, Stacy!
These are fun and chillin’ songs to hear when by the pool drinking a pirate colada.
Great tunes to chill by …great post so interesting 💜💜
Great set! Liked Kid Rock and Little Big Town especially…
Man, some great tunes my friend! My blog is a mess, but I’m still trying. Have a great day my friend you certainly ROCK!
A great list here. Very nice.
I don’t have a shore near me, but these songs sure put me in the mood, especially Kid Rock (the only song I knew well) and Little Big Town’s.