About the song
**”Summer in the City”** stands out as a classic track by the American folk-rock band The Lovin’ Spoonful, known for its distinctive blend of lively melodies and evocative urban imagery. Written by John Sebastian, Mark Sebastian, and Steve Boone, the song was first released as a non-album single in July 1966, later appearing on the band’s album *Hums of the Lovin’ Spoonful*. Notably, it was the band’s fifth single to break into the top ten in the United States and remains their only number-one hit.
Unlike many summer-themed songs that celebrate the season’s warmth, “Summer in the City” takes a more nuanced approach. The song’s lyrics reflect the discomfort of the summer heat, contrasting the oppressive daytime temperatures with the refreshing coolness of the evening, which brings the vibrancy of city nightlife to life. This unique perspective sets it apart from other summer hits of the era.
The origins of the song trace back to a piece composed by John Sebastian’s teenage brother, Mark. John Sebastian reworked the lyrics and melody, with Steve Boone contributing the song’s memorable bridge. The recording sessions took place in March 1966 at Columbia Records’ 7th Avenue Studio in New York, overseen by producer Erik Jacobsen and engineer Roy Halee. Notably, Artie Schroeck played the Wurlitzer electric piano, and the track innovatively incorporated sound effects such as car horns and a pneumatic drill, effectively capturing the bustling ambiance of the city.
Critics and musicologists have lauded “Summer in the City” for its innovative use of major-minor key changes and sound effects, which were quite pioneering at the time. The song’s influence extends beyond its initial release; it has been covered by various artists, including Quincy Jones, whose 1973 instrumental version won a Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Arrangement. This cover has also been sampled by numerous hip hop artists, underscoring the song’s enduring appeal and its impact on diverse musical genres.
“Summer in the City” remains a significant work in The Lovin’ Spoonful’s catalog and continues to be celebrated for its creative approach and its ability to capture the essence of urban summer life.
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Lyrics
Hot town, summer in the city
Back of my neck gettin’ dirty and gritty
Been down, isn’t it a pity?
Doesn’t seem to be a shadow in the city
All around, people lookin’ half dead
Walkin’ on the sidewalk, hotter than a match head
But at night, it’s a different world
Go out and find a girl
Come on, come on, and dance all night
Despite the heat, it’ll be alright
And babe, don’t you know it’s a pity
The days can’t be like the nights
In the summer in the city
In the summer in the city
Cool town, evening in the city
Dressed so fine and lookin’ so pretty
Cool cat lookin’ for a kitty
Gonna look in every corner of the city
‘Til I’m wheezing like a bus stop
Runnin’ upstairs, gonna meet you on the rooftop
But at night, it’s a different world
Go out and find a girl
Come on, come on, and dance all night
Despite the heat, it’ll be alright
And babe, don’t you know it’s a pity
The days can’t be like the nights
In the summer in the city
In the summer in the city
Hot town, summer in the city
Back of my neck gettin’ dirty and gritty
Been down, isn’t it a pity?
Doesn’t seem to be a shadow in the city
All around, people lookin’ half dead
Walkin’ on the sidewalk, hotter than a match head
But at night, it’s a different world
Go out and find a girl
Come on, come on, and dance all night
Despite the heat, it’ll be alright
And babe, don’t you know it’s a pity
The days can’t be like the nights
In the summer in the city
In the summer in the city