On the Way to Cape May

Independent song
"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. The song's popularity emerged without the push of any major record label.

The song circulated from one band to another around Cape May County in the second half of the 20th century. Early versions came from singers like Daddy Beans and Don Cornell. Cozy Morley advanced its popularity with his large local following. The song became even more locally widespread when Al Alberts recorded it and increased its broadcast exposure on radio and TV. The song has become popular in a variety of 21st century media, including XM satellite and internet radio, and also enjoys regular airplay on many Delaware Valley AM and FM stations.

The lyrics are about a love story and journey which begins with the intro mentioning Ocean City. Traveling southward, the lyrics then continue with mentions 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.

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.