3 Rock Songs That Feel Like Summers You Can’t Get Back

Summer is a special time. It’s the backdrop to many of our favorite memories—an instant nostalgia factory we feel the effects of every time the weather turns warm. Musicians love to sing about summer and all its romance. The three rock songs below feel like a summer you can’t get back, though you’ll dream of stepping back into that time in your life every time they come on.

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“Hot Child In The City” — Nick Gilder

This pop-rock hit will hit home for anyone who was a child of the 70s, even if you didn’t grow up in a city. From rural surroundings to bustling streets, this song has an ‘X’ factor that can’t be denied. It has the kind of musicality that makes this song feel comfortable and familiar. You can’t help but imagine yourself younger, sun-soaked, and happy. But, for all the warm, fuzzy feelings of nostalgia it gives us, there is a dark story behind the lyrics.

“No one knows who she is or what her name is / I don’t know where she came from or what her game is,” the lyrics read, talking about teenage runaways and prostitution. It’s a harsh reality that pushes up against an insatiable melody. It’s got a strong juxtaposition that makes most listeners sink into the music rather than listen to the cautionary tale within.

“Hot Fun In The Summertime” — Sly & The Family Stone

“End of the spring / And here she comes back / Hi, hi, hi, hi there / Them summer days,” the lyrics to Sly & The Family Stone’s “Hot Fun In The Summertime” read. This soulful rock song is simply an ode to summertime, so naturally, you’ll be reminded of all the reasons you love the season.

For the band, those reasons include being out of school and soaking up the fun at the county fair. There are likely many who long to remember times similar to these. This song acts as an instant memory jogger.

“Island In The Sun” — Weezer

Jumping ahead several decades, we have Weezer’s “Island In the Sun.” This alt-rock classic is summer bottled up, ready to release anytime we need a kick. It’s got a breezy melody that instantly transports the listener to the coast. You won’t be able to stop the memories of summers past from coming up.

“On an island in the sun / We’ll be playing and having fun / And it makes me feel so fine / I can’t control my brain,” the lyrics read, employing Beach Boys levels of summertime nostalgia.

(Photo by Richard E. Aaron/Redferns)