About the song
**Summer in the City: A Lovin’ Spoonful Classic**
The Lovin’ Spoonful’s iconic anthem, “Summer in the City,” is a timeless piece of music that captures the essence of urban life during the sweltering summer months. Released in 1965, the song became an instant hit, reaching the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart and solidifying the band’s status as one of the leading acts of the British Invasion era.
The song’s introspective lyrics offer a glimpse into the challenges and joys of living in a bustling metropolis during the summer. The opening lines, “Hot town, summer in the city,” immediately set the scene, evoking images of crowded streets, sizzling asphalt, and the relentless heat. The song’s narrator describes the suffocating atmosphere, the noise pollution, and the constant hustle and bustle of urban life.
Despite the negative aspects of city living, the song also celebrates the vibrant energy and excitement that the city has to offer. The chorus, “Concrete jungle where dreams are made of, brick and mortar, never-ending story,” captures the allure and mystique of the urban environment. The city is portrayed as a place of opportunity, where dreams can be realized and fortunes can be made.
The song’s musical arrangement is equally impressive, featuring a driving beat, catchy melody, and memorable guitar riff. The Lovin’ Spoonful’s signature blend of folk, rock, and blues elements creates a sound that is both energetic and nostalgic. The song’s upbeat tempo and positive message make it a perfect anthem for summer gatherings and carefree living.
“Summer in the City” remains a beloved classic that continues to resonate with audiences of all ages. Its timeless appeal lies in its ability to capture the spirit of summer, the energy of the city, and the human experience in all its complexity. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the Lovin’ Spoonful or simply looking for a great summer song, “Summer in the City” is a must-listen.
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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