Do it on the beach, baby

For Jim’s Song Lyric Sunday the theme this week is: “Beach, Surf, Swimming suggested by Amy Braun“.

My song for this prompt is “On The Beach” by Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes.

I discovered Southside Johnny after I learned that “Miami” Steve Van Zandt had produced their album and written some of the songs. Bruce Springsteen’s friend was credential enough for me to give SJ and company a listen and I liked what I heard enough to keep on listening. Miami Steve stuck around as producer and songwriter for the first three albums, as did Bruce as a contributing songwriter, but as it happens in the record business, if albums don’t sell as well as expected then record companies get nervous and bands change. That happened to SJ & the Jukes with their 4th album, simply titled The Jukes. Miami Steve was no longer working with the band a new producer was brought in and things mellowed out a little bit in an effort to get more radio play. Was it bad, no. Was it as good as it had been? It was different. 1981’s live album, Reach up & Touch the Sky, is well worth listening to. Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes are still making music today.

This song is from 1980’s “Love is a Sacrifice” album and was written by SJ’s guitar player, Billy Rush. It’s about a guy who got off work – that place that’s draining the life out of him – and he’s telling his friends that there’s only one place to be and that’s, yeah, on the beach.

It’s ok to dance if you’d like.