Walkin' on the Sun


"Walkin' on the Sun" is the debut single by American rock band Smash Mouth, from the album Fush Yu Mang. Released in July 1997, it was Smash Mouth's first major single, reaching No. 1 on the US Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart and No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 Airplay chart. It was also a success abroad, peaking at No. 3 in Canada and Iceland, No. 5 in Italy and Spain, and No. 7 in Australia, where it is certified Platinum for shipments exceeding 70,000.

Background

Smash Mouth guitarist Greg Camp said about "Walkin' on the Sun":
Paul De Lisle stated the original version of "Walkin' on the Sun" was more of a rap song.
The band decided to record the song after band drummer Kevin Coleman discovered it on one of Camp's tapes. It was the last song to be added onto Fush Yu Mang.

Music

It is written with the key signature of A-flat minor.

Music video

The video begins with each band member, one at a time, walking down a dark alley. Then, the band performs in a room while scenes of Harwell pushing a remote control makes two girls appear in a chamber. Afterwards, the band performs on a beach while beachgoers dance around them. The scene then changes to the band performing in front of the two same girls in an area full of flashing bright lights. We then see a drag race in the street where a yellow hot rod races against an orange hot rod where the band is in. However, in the middle of the race, the orange hot rod crashes, and the race attendees and female race judge rush over to the scene. The band still performs while lying on the ground despite the crash. The video ends with them leaning close to the camera.

Track listing

Weekly charts

"Walkin' on the Sun"
Chart Peak
position

"Walkin' on the Sun 2017"
Chart Peak
position

Year-end charts

Chart Position
Australia 95
Canada Top Singles 21
Iceland 25

Certifications

Use in media

The song is a playable track in the video game Rock Band 3. The song was also featured in the television film Shredderman Rules. This song was also featured in the television series ER, during the opening scene of Season 4 Episode 13 "Carter's Choice", when Dr. Carter was arriving at work in the snow. It was featured in the 1997 horror film An American Werewolf in Paris and the 1998 film Can't Hardly Wait.