Keyboardist: Gail Nobles
Story by: Gail Nobles

PODCAST AM MEMORIES

Today’s topic is Rupert Holmes. Before we dive in, I want to give a big shout out to all my listeners. Your support means a lot. Now let’s get started.

I want to talk about songwriter, Rupert Holmes and his hit song Escape (The Piña Colada song). This tune is a catchy melody and story. I would sing this song with my family listening to AM not knowing what a Piña Colada was when I was a little girl. The song is wrapped up in a tropical cocktail of a story.

Released in 1979 as the lead single from Holmes’ fifth studio album Partners in Crime. This gem had the billboard folks buzzing with excitement, and no wonder! Radio stations across the country were picking it up quicker than you)d snag a cold drink on a hot Summer day. By the end of December 1979 p, it became the last number one single of the decade. Talk about making a splash.

Less unravel this delightful story shall we? The man is weary from the humdrum of a routine relationship. Finds himself daydreaming of escape. He’s out there seeking something new, something refreshing, and boy, does he find it in the pages of the personal ads. Who among us hasn’t experienced that thirst for a little adventure? Holmes taps into that universal feeling with vivid storytelling.

When our hero discovers an ad from a woman seeking someone who enjoys Piña Coladas, and getting caught in the rain, he can’t resist. I mean, who wouldn’t be fascinated? The lyrics paint a picture of longing, anticipation, and that all too familiar search for connection in the bustling of life.

And here is the beautiful twist - when they finally meet, it’s not just a flirtatious rendezvous. Surprise, surprise!  The woman is none other than the current partner. What started as a quest for novelty turns into a celebration of the love they’ve already had.

I’m Gail Nobles. Thank you for listening to the podcast AM memories on the CAT BEAR. Rupert Holmes: The Joyful Journey (Escape) is todays topic.