The Tale of Rediscovery: Rupert Holmes’ “Escape (The Piña Colada Song)”
“Escape (The Piña Colada Song)” is a captivating piece by the talented Rupert Holmes, featured in his 1979 album, Partners in Crime. This song is not just another pop tune; it holds the distinction of being the last number-one hit of the 1970s in the United States. Initially recommended for radio play by Billboard in late September 1979, it swiftly rose to prominence, ultimately peaking at the top of the charts in December, cementing its place in music history.
The narrative of “Escape (The Piña Colada Song)” unfolds through three engaging verses and choruses, telling the story of a man who, bored with the monotony of his relationship, seeks excitement elsewhere. He stumbles upon a personal ad in the newspaper from a woman seeking a man who shares her unique interests, including a love for piña coladas. Intrigued by the ad, he responds and arranges a rendezvous at a bar called O’Malley’s. In a twist of fate, he discovers that the woman who placed the ad is actually his current partner. The song concludes on a positive note, revealing that they both rediscover their shared interests and the spark in their relationship, realizing they needn’t look any further for fulfillment.
The background of this song is as intriguing as its content. Rupert Holmes initially wrote the tune with temporary lyrics titled “The Law of the Jungle”. The inspiration came from a real-life personal ad he read one day. Holmes playfully imagined what would happen if he responded to such an ad, only to find his own wife on the other end. The original title, “People Need Other People,” and an alternate chorus mentioning Humphrey Bogart were eventually discarded. Holmes instead chose piña coladas for their exotic appeal, making the chorus catchier and more aligned with the escapist theme of the song. Despite his creative process, Holmes admitted in 2019 that he still has never tasted a piña colada.
“Escape” experienced phenomenal success, climbing to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart and becoming the first song to achieve the number-one spot in two different decades, 1979 and 1980. It was briefly dethroned by KC and the Sunshine Band’s “Please Don’t Go” before reclaiming its position. This pop classic also secured its place as the 11th-best-selling single of 1980.
The legacy of “Escape” extends beyond the music charts. It has appeared in various films and TV shows, embedding itself in pop culture. Notable appearances include the movies Mars Attacks! and Dirty Work, as well as the popular Marvel film Guardians of the Galaxy. The song’s quirky charm even made its way into a 2016 episode of Better Call Saul, where the protagonist sings part of it. Moreover, an episode of The Goldbergs in 2019, aptly titled “The Piña Colada Episode,” revolves around a true family incident involving the song.
“Escape (The Piña Colada Song)” by Rupert Holmes is more than just a catchy tune; it is a story of rediscovery and the whimsical twists of fate that life can bring. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its clever lyrics, engaging melody, and the universal appeal of its narrative, making it a timeless classic that continues to resonate with listeners across generations.