Summer songs with great lyrics. Tracks that make your summer memories even more wonderful.
Great lyrics enhance the tone and add even more color to a song, don’t they? Works that take a literary approach as well as a musical one often become classics.
This time, I focused my research on summer songs with outstanding lyrics! Of course, “good lyrics” can mean many things: lines that move you to tears, words that tug at your heart with bittersweet emotion, or lyrics that sparkle with a touch of humor.
From masterpieces that artfully paint summer scenes with words to one-summer love songs, we’ve got them all.
Be sure to find your favorite lyrics!
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Great summer songs with superb lyrics. Summer tunes that make your memories even more wonderful (81–90)
Because of the summerRADWIMPS
RADWIMPS is a rock band active since 2001.
Their 2020 release Natsu no Sei features a floating, beautiful melody that differs from the raw sound of their early days.
Centered on piano, it subtly blends in the band’s sound, giving it a rich flavor.
If you’re looking for a song with a mysterious charm that’s different from a typical poppy summer tune, this one is a top recommendation.
And with its calm tone, it might also be perfect as BGM for those sleepless summer nights.
Summer HydrangeasSexy Zone
A love song that likens a beloved person to a hydrangea blooming in the rain, “Natsu no Hydrangea.” Released in 2021 by the idol group Sexy Zone, known for performances that make the most of their sweet looks.
The song was written and composed by Motohiro Hata, resulting in a heartwarming sound.
Its poetic lyrics evoke scenes of rainy summer days and feel romantic.
Paired with their emotional vocals, the song will gently resonate.
Why not let yourself be soothed by its sweet, tender message that’s sure to make your heart skip a beat?
beetle (specifically, a rhinoceros beetle)aiko
Singer-songwriter aiko became popular for lyrics that uniquely resonate with women.
When it comes to her signature songs, it has to be “Kabutomushi.” This love song portrays straightforward affection, comparing herself—drawn irresistibly to her boyfriend—to a rhinoceros beetle lured by a sweet scent.
Let yourself swoon with this summertime romance anthem.
fireworksaiko
When you think of summer, this is the song that comes to mind! aiko’s 1999 release “Hanabi” (Fireworks).
Although it’s often seen as a summer love song, it actually expresses the loneliness aiko felt when, soon after her debut, she was so busy that she couldn’t attend the annual fireworks festivals she used to go to with friends.
The distinctive lyrics in the chorus describe her wish that she could watch the fireworks like that.
But of course, interpretations vary! You can hear it as a love song about wavering over whether to move forward, or enjoy it while lamenting being too busy to have fun the way you want.
Summer Days of 1993class
Class’s “Natsu no Hi no 1993” features a memorable melody that evokes a refreshing summer.
Released in 1993 as Class’s debut single, it was used as the opening theme for the drama “Kimi to Itsu Made mo.” The song portrays someone who never thought much of a female friend, but falls in love when she shows a different vibe in the summer.
Summer brings more chances to show some skin or appear more mature in a yukata, so just like in this song, someone you barely noticed can suddenly seem wonderful.
It’s a track that captures a passionate love that begins and burns hotter than the summer heat.
Perfect for karaoke with someone who surprised you by revealing a new side of themselves!
Midsummer FruitSazan Ōrusutāzu
Since their debut, Southern All Stars, a five-member rock band, have been known in the J-pop scene as a group that represents summer.
Their 28th single, Manatsu no Kajitsu (Mid-Summer Fruit), used as the theme song for the film Inamura Jane directed by the band’s frontman Keisuke Kuwata, is still recognized today as one of their signature songs.
Its sentimental lyrics and wistful vocals evoke the fading scenes of summer, stirring a sense of melancholy.
Widely covered both in Japan and abroad, it stands as a classic ballad that represents the 1990s.
Summer songs with great lyrics. Summer tunes that make your memories even more wonderful (91–100)
July 1stHamasaki Ayumi
Ayumi Hamasaki, who sparked a boom in the J-POP scene as Japan’s diva.
Accompanying her remarkable live performances over the years is the track “July 1st,” included on her 2002 album.
It’s an uplifting song that blends an up-tempo track with Hamasaki’s overwhelming vocal prowess.
With refreshingly bright lyrics perfect for a clear, sunny day, it’s a tune that seems destined to color the summer.
