5 Must-Watch Music Videos Filmed in A Bowling Alley! 

Bowling alleys are a place of nostalgia for so many of us; it’s where we had our birthday parties, where we had our first dates, and where we spent lots of time with our families. For celebrities, it seems like it’s no different, because bowling alleys have played the part of the backdrop for many a music video throughout history! How many of the following do you already know? 

1. Pharrell – “Happy” (2013)

This high energy, upbeat song is known around the world as being one of Pharrell’s hottest hits. Originally written for the film Despicable Me 2, “Happy” has a number of music videos showcasing people’s love of dance. Our favorite, however, is the 11 PM (24 Hour) edition, which starts with Pharrell grooving along to his smash single in a Los Angeles bowling alley!

To watch it, click here! 

2. Five – “When the Lights Go Out” (1998)

“When the Lights Go Out” was the second single released from British boy band Five’s debut studio album. Selling over 800,000 copies in the US alone, it was the band’s only song to chart in the USA’s top ten list. Not only that, but, due to the popularity of the sport at the time, Five filmed the bowling-themed music video specifically for its American audiences (a separate one was filmed for their fans in the UK). How wild is that! 

If you’re a fan of the Backstreet Boys and *NSYNC, give this one a listen – you may become a fan of theirs, too! 

3. Jake Owens – “I Was Jack (You Were Diane)” (2018)

For you country music lovers out there, did you know that bowling has made its way into your territory as well? Originally a tribute to John Mellencamp’s 1982 single “Jack & Diane”, Jake Owens’ music video highlights the best, and worst, parts of high school nostalgia and falling in love, all played upon the backdrop of the Tenn Pin Alley in Columbia, Tennessee. 

There is an extended music video clocking in at over 9 minutes, but if you are just interested in the song itself (without the commentary) click here to listen! 

4. Lit – “My Own Worst Enemy” (1999)

A pop-punk/rock smash hit that we all know well, “My Own Worst Enemy” is a song about waking up and realizing you messed up the night before. Filmed at the Java Lanes bowling alley, this video features some of the snazziest and fanciest bowling attire and shoes that we have ever seen… which is ironic , rumor has it; the lead singer sang this song while in his full birthday suit in the recording studio. One thing’s for certain: you can’t say he doesn’t adhere to the spirit of the rock and roll lifestyle! 

Take a walk down memory lane by giving the video a watch here. 

5. Justin Bieber – “Baby” (2010) 

Released as the lead single on Bieber’s debut album, “Baby” was written by Bieber himself in collaboration with R&B artists Ludacris, Christina Milian, and The-Dream. The 40th most-viewed video on YouTube, the entire film was recorded at Universal CityWalk and Lucky Strike Lanes. It seems the director knew from the get-go that the best way into someone’s heart was through an evening of bowling! ? 

Watch the throwback to Justin Bieber’s early career here! 

Just June Jokes

Try a few of these bowling themed puns and jokes out on your friends and family!

1. What excuse did the bowler give when he was accused of stealing? 

2. Why should a bowling alley always stay quiet? 

3. I was going to tell you a really bad bowling pun…

4. Which bowler “floats like a butterfly and stings like a bee”? 

5. When is a bowler like a baseball player? 

6. What do you call a bowler who is a sore loser? 

7. Why would Dominic Toretto make a great bowler? 

8. Why are bowlers afraid of dirty jokes? 

Answers

1. “I was framed!” 
2. “So you can hear a pin drop!” 
3. “But I thought I’d spare you.” 
4. “Muhammad Alley” 
5. “When he sits on the bench.” 
6. “An emotional bowler coaster.” 
7. “Because he lives life in the fast lane.” 
8. “Because they don’t want their minds in the gutter.”