Kоkomo Lyrics - The Beach Boys

Annotations and Meaning:

The Beach Boys' "Kokomo" was a sunlight anthem, so basically, one had to just "get the hell out of there," describing a fairy-tale and mythically perfect island, where all problems in life could simply be left to roll away on the tropical breezes and sands. Released in 1988, the song "Kokomo" featured in the movie "Cocktail" as something of a soundtrack to that film and, eventually, in The Beach Boys' album "Still Cruisin'." The song did top the US Billboard Hot 100 and became famous the world over​ (Song Meanings and Facts)​​ (Wikipedia)​.
The song takes its listeners from one paradise to another through its lyrics: this is to say that the everyday pressures of life have been replaced with simple pleasures such as sandy beaches, tropical drinks, and lots of intimate activity under the moonlight. "Kokomo" refers to some really Caribbean places like Aruba, Jamaica, Bermuda, Bahamas, thus giving an idea of idyllic escapism to a place that promises relaxation and romance. Although such places may seem alluring, the "Kokomo" of the title is not actually an island. It is metaphorically used in reference to some idealized escape, which could be anywhere a person imagines it to be​ (Song Meanings and Facts)​.

Kokomo was received with mixed reviews from critics, some calling it a soulless departure from the work of The Beach Boys, who had previously been much more musically admirable. With such facts to the contrary, it is beyond doubt that this song will go on to be a huge hit, and any such criticism will fail to take away the sheen off the belting summer anthem. The happy melody and the harmonies of the song yet, on the contrary, contrast with the serious lyrics—it's quite another characteristic of The Beach Boys to come up with hits that will be adopted by the public, even if it means doing everything contrary to critics' expectations (Wikipedia).

Composers of "Kokomo" included John Phillips in collaboration with Scott McKenzie, Mike Love, and Terry Melcher. The lead vocalist, Mike Love, stated that the word "Kokomo" was chosen as a name only to sound like an exotic island that would fit the rhyme with "baby, why don't we go," a part of the lyrics. This artistic option has made everyone search for Kokomo. In fact, the attempt to find through imagination and guessing had made some believe it could be an existing place. They were purely a figment of the songwriters' imagination, created to convey this essence of an ultimate getaway (Keycaribe Magazine).

Simply put, "Kokomo" is truly global escapism and the life dream of a personal paradise. It is an invitation for all to their "Kokomo," a place in a person's dream where life's toil in the work-a-day world is washed away by peaceful, loving, and happy complications of life. While there has been much critical reception along the way, the translated message had always found a way in being one of finding joy in escapism. That much is sure: "Kokomo" is eternally a timeless piece in The Beach Boys discography, speaking to comfort found in imagined paradises.