Darius Rucker and Jimmy Fallon Parody ‘Only Wanna Be With You’ to Thank Troops
Rucker sang, “Army, Coast Guard, Airforce and Marines / Here’s to the Navy for protecting all I see,” before Fallon followed up with, “You serve with bravery, you serve with style / you serve with six-pack abs I can barely run a mile.”
Darius Rucker does whatever he can to show his support of the troops, so he flew up to New York to celebrate Memorial Day with Jimmy Fallon during a special Fleet Week taping of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on Thursday (5/24).
As Fallon introduced the makeshift performance in front of the military-only crowd, he hinted at a surprise guest joining him for the duet. Once the familiar strumming of “Only Wanna Be With You” by Hootie & the Blowfish came over the speakers, the audience erupted with cheers after Rucker appeared on stage with a guitar in hand.
Instead of singing the original lyrics, the country singer changed the words to match the spirit of Fleet Week and to give thanks to the brave men and women who put their lives on the line to fight for the country. Rucker sang, “Army, Coast Guard, Air Force and Marines / Here’s to the Navy for protecting all I see,” before Fallon followed up with, “You serve with bravery, you serve with style / you serve with six-pack abs I can barely run a mile.”
The two joined forces for the iconic chorus, in which they switched out “Only Wanna Be With You” for “Only Wanna Thank the Troops.” All the services got up on their feet and clapped along to the catchy beat, and even laughed a couple times for the hilarious rendition.
Before leaving the show, the singer also served as the musical guest by performing his hit single, “For the First Time,” to the audience’s delight.
Rucker will hit the road all summer long with Lady Antebellum for the Summer Plays On Tour. Information about the run can be found on Rucker’s website.
