409

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"409" is a song written by Brian Wilson, Mike Love and Gary Usher for the American rock and roll band, The Beach Boys. The song features Mike Love singing lead vocals. It was originally released as the b-side of the "Surfin' Safari" single.^[1] It was later released on their 1962 album, Surfin' Safari, and it was also on their 1963 album, Little Deuce Coupe.

"Surfin Safari" would reach #14 on the Billboard Hot 100, while 409 reached #76. Originally promoted as the A-side by Capitol, "409" went on to feature in many regional markets. It was the most popular song of 1962 in Dallas (KBOX chart) and, also as the A-side penetrated the top tens of Vancouver, Seattle, Denver and San Bernardino and top 30 in Los Angeles (KFWB). It was co-hit with its later designated A-side near the top of playlists in most other areas.

Composition

The "409" of the song is the Chevrolet 409,^[1] a 409 cubic inch W-series V8 engine popular with "hot rodders" of the time. Gary Usher, who wrote the majority of the lyrics for the song dreamed at that time of one day owning a Chevrolet 409.

Musicians

• Mike Love - lead vocals
• David Marks - guitar
• Brian Wilson - bass guitar, vocals
• Carl Wilson - lead guitar, vocals
• Dennis Wilson - drums, vocals

See also

• List of songs by The Beach Boys

References