On the Way to Cape May

"On The Way To Cape May" is a song by Maurice "Buddy" Nugent. It is a Jersey Shore sound summertime anthem for the Philadelphia, Delaware Valley, and South Jersey areas.

History
The song circulated from one band to another around Cape May County in the second half of the 20th century. Early versions were sung by singers like Daddy Beans and Don Cornell. Cozy Morley popularized it among his large local following. Al Alberts recorded it and increased its broadcast exposure on local radio and TV.

The song has been played through a variety of 21st-century radios, including XM, Internet and Delaware Valley AM and FM.

Lyrics
The lyrics are about a love story and journey which begins with the intro mentioning Ocean City. Traveling southward, they mention of Sea Isle City, Avalon, Stone Harbor, and Wildwood leading to talks of marriage around the town of Cape May Court House. While Cape May is the destination in the lyrics, the song's theme is more about the journey through Cape May County.

In popular culture
Comedian Cozy Morley, who owned a nightclub in Wildwood for many years and where a life-size statue of him now stands in front of the club, made "On the Way to Cape May" his signature song and performed it many times during his acts in the Philadelphia and South Jersey areas. Morley lived in Collingswood, New Jersey, and retired to Wildwood.