“Walking on Sunshine” Meaning – Katrina And The Waves

Katrina and the Waves’ hit song “Walking on Sunshine” is a classic 80s pop song that continues to be a favorite among music lovers of all ages. The song’s upbeat melody and catchy lyrics make it an ideal choice for parties, weddings, and other celebratory events.

However, there is more to “Walking on Sunshine” than just a feel-good anthem. In this article, we will analyze the meaning behind the lyrics and explore the song’s message of joy and empowerment.

Lyrics Interpretation

Before we delve into the story behind this song, let’s take a closer look at each verse of the lyrics.

Verse 1

“I used to think maybe you loved me, now baby I’m sure

And I just can’t wait ’til the day when you knock on my door

Now every time I go for the mailbox, gotta hold myself down

‘Cause I just can’t wait ’til you write me you’re coming around”

The song begins with the narrator expressing doubt about their romantic relationship. They used to think that maybe their partner loved them, but now they are sure. The narrator eagerly anticipates their partner’s return and feels like they can’t contain their excitement. The image of waiting by the mailbox symbolizes the narrator’s longing for their loved one’s return.

Chorus

“I’m walking on sunshine (Wow!)

I’m walking on sunshine (Wow!)

I’m walking on sunshine (Wow!)

And don’t it feel good

Hey, all right now

And don’t it feel good, hey, yeah”

The chorus is the song’s most memorable and iconic part. It repeats the phrase “I’m walking on sunshine” three times, emphasizing the narrator’s joy and happiness. The phrase “And don’t it feel good” is an invitation to the listener to join in the celebration. The repetition of “hey, all right now” and “hey, yeah” further emphasizes the song’s upbeat and carefree mood.

Verse 2

“I used to think maybe you loved me, now I know that it’s true

And I don’t want to spend my whole life just a-waiting for you

Now I don’t want you back for the weekend, not back for a day

No, no, no, I said, baby, I just want you back and I want you to stay”

The second verse sees the narrator reflecting on their past doubts and realizing that their partner truly loves them. The narrator doesn’t want to wait any longer for their partner’s return and wants them to stay for good. The repetition of “no, no, no” further emphasizes the narrator’s determination to keep their relationship going.

Chorus

“I’m walking on sunshine (Wow!)

I’m walking on sunshine (Wow!)

I’m walking on sunshine (Wow!)

And don’t it feel good

Hey, all right now

And don’t it feel good, hey, yeah”

The chorus repeats, emphasizing the song’s message of joy and happiness.

Bridge

“Walking on sunshine

Walking on sunshine”

The bridge repeats the phrase “walking on sunshine” twice, building up to the final chorus.

Chorus

“I feel alive, I feel the love, I feel the love that’s really real

I’m on sunshine, baby, oh

I’m on sunshine, baby, oh

I’m walking on sunshine, whoa

And don’t it feel good”

The final chorus adds a new layer of meaning to the song. The narrator isn’t just walking on sunshine, they are also feeling alive and experiencing a love that is “really real.” The repetition of “I’m on sunshine, baby, oh” reinforces the song’s joyful message.

True Meaning Behind “Walking on Sunshine”

Katrina and the Waves’ hit song “Walking on Sunshine” is a classic, upbeat pop tune that has become a staple in popular culture. Despite its positive lyrics and infectious melody, the song’s success was unexpected, given the band’s relative obscurity at the time of its release.

Guitarist Kimberley Rew, who wrote the song, has stated that “Walking on Sunshine” was not inspired by any particular event in his life but rather was just a simple, optimistic tune. This is reflected in the song’s lyrics, which speak of a joyful, carefree feeling and the desire to hold onto it forever.

What is particularly interesting about the success of “Walking on Sunshine” is that the band themselves did not immediately take to the song. Lead singer Katrina Leskanich felt that it did not really represent the band’s style, while bassist Vince de la Cruz found it irritating. Despite these mixed reactions, the song went on to become an international sensation, proving that sometimes the most unexpected tunes can become massive hits.

Perhaps part of the song’s appeal lies in its simplicity and universality. The lyrics are easy to understand and relate to, and the upbeat melody is sure to put a smile on anyone’s face. Additionally, the song’s success may have been aided by its timing – it was released during the 1980s, a decade known for its love of pop music and feel-good anthems.

Overall, “Walking on Sunshine” remains a beloved classic to this day, despite its origins as a simple tune written by a relatively unknown band. Its success is a testament to the power of positivity and the enduring appeal of catchy, upbeat pop music.

Conclusion