GEICO Motorcycle television commercial 2017

What the GEICO Motorcycle TV commercial - Gary Plays Hooky is about.

In the GEICO Motorcycle TV spot titled 'Gary Plays Hooky', the iconic rock and roll band Canned Heat provides the perfect soundtrack for a high-energy ride. The spot opens with Gary, a mild-mannered office worker, staring out the window wistfully as his coworkers busy themselves with their work. Suddenly, he makes a decision - he's going to play hooky.

Gary races down the stairs, tearing off his work clothes as he goes, revealing his motorcycle outfit underneath. The scene cuts to him riding his motorcycle at high speed through the city streets, with the unmistakable sound of Canned Heat's song 'On the Road Again' blasting in the background.

As Gary zips through traffic, we see snippets of his day: he visits a motorcycle dealership, gets his hair cut, and even goes parasailing. All the while, the catchy tune of 'On the Road Again' plays on, perfectly capturing the sense of freedom and adventure that comes with a motorcycle ride.

The spot culminates with Gary returning home, feeling energized and alive after his day of freedom. As he walks into his apartment, he doesn't notice his boss standing behind him enquiring about his office work. In a nod to the absurdity of the situation, the narrator remarks: "Bosses don't take hooky well. We're on to you, Gary."

Overall, the GEICO Motorcycle TV spot is a fun and lighthearted celebration of motorcycle culture, with a catchy soundtrack provided by one of rock and roll's most iconic bands. The combination of high-speed riding, fun activities, and great music is sure to get anyone's adrenaline pumping and inspire a sense of adventure.

GEICO Motorcycle TV commercial - Gary Plays Hooky produced for GEICO was first shown on television on July 23, 2017.

Song from commercial GEICO Motorcycle TV Spot, 'Gary Plays Hooky' Song by Canned Heat

"Going Up the Country" is a song by the American blues rock band Canned Heat. It was released in 1968 and became one of their most popular and well-known songs. The song is often associated with the Woodstock music festival, as it was performed by Canned Heat during their set at the festival in 1969.

Origins and StyleThe song is an adaptation of the traditional blues song "Bull Doze Blues" by Henry Thomas , which was recorded in the 1920s. Canned Heat took inspiration from Thomas' song and reworked it into their own version, adding their own unique style and sound. The band's version of "Going Up the Country" has a distinct boogie-woogie feel and features a prominent flute melody, which sets it apart from many other blues rock songs of the time.

Lyrics and MeaningThe lyrics of "Going Up the Country" are relatively simple and convey a sense of longing for a simpler and freer lifestyle. The song's opening lines, "I'm going up the country, babe, don't you wanna go? / I'm going up the country, babe, don't you wanna go?", express a desire to escape the constraints of urban life and head towards the countryside. The song's lyrics can be interpreted as a call for a return to nature and a rejection of the materialism and conformity of modern society.

Woodstock and Cultural SignificanceCanned Heat's performance of "Going Up the Country" at the Woodstock festival helped solidify the song's place in music history. The band's energetic and memorable performance, along with the song's catchy melody and relatable lyrics, resonated with the audience and became one of the standout moments of the festival. The song came to be seen as an anthem for the counterculture movement of the late 1960s and early 1970s, which sought to challenge societal norms and embrace a more free-spirited and communal way of life.

Legacy and Influence"Going Up the Country" remains one of Canned Heat's most enduring and beloved songs. Its infectious melody and positive message have made it a favorite among fans of blues rock and folk rock alike. The song has been covered by numerous artists over the years and continues to be a popular choice for live performances. Its association with Woodstock and the counterculture movement has helped cement its status as a cultural touchstone of the era.

Overall, "Going Up the Country" is a classic song that captures the spirit of the late 1960s and continues to resonate with audiences to this day. Its timeless message of seeking freedom and connection with nature has made it a beloved song for generations.