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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Summer songs with great lyrics. Summer tunes that make your summer memories even more wonderful (1–10)
Summertime CinderellaRyokushokushakai
A song that captures the bittersweet feeling of summer drawing to a close and the unspoken words “I like you.” It portrays the beginning of a romance.
With Ryokuoushoku Shakai’s characteristically clear sound and Haruko Nagaya’s translucent vocals, it beautifully expresses the sweet romance of summer.
Released digitally in August 2023, it was written as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Midsummer Cinderella.” The CD followed in September, and the coupling track “Magic Hour” was also used as an insert song in the same drama.
This work charms with a refreshing atmosphere that colors summer memories—perfect as background music for a drive or a date.
StarmineDa-iCE
This is a song by Da-iCE that mirrors the grandeur of a fireworks display and the fleeting brilliance of a single spark with the arc of life.
Released digitally in August 2022, it was written and composed by member Taiki Kudo.
Its passionate message—never giving up, challenging yourself again and again, and coloring your future with your own hands—resonates alongside a festive, lively sound.
On a summer night, when you want to lift your spirits or need the courage to take on a challenge, listening to it will surely give you strength.
Also included on the album “SCENE.”
The Whereabouts on August 31furenzu
Marked by a crystal-clear melody that evokes the bittersweet air of late summer.
This track by the five-member co-ed band Friends was released as a digital single in August 2020.
It candidly portrays wavering feelings of love—being utterly smitten yet still unsure if it’s the real thing.
The modern scenes of romance are skillfully expressed, making it highly relatable.
If you want to immerse yourself in the feeling of thinking deeply about someone, this piece might be a perfect fit.
Summer songs with great lyrics. Summer tunes that make your memories even more special (11–20)
Fish’s LoveSuper VHS
It’s a number whose lyrics resonate with the heart, conjuring bittersweet scenes of summer.
This track by the electro-pop/new wave band Super VHS, featuring Mei Ehara, rides an urban sound to sing of a fleeting love.
Released as a 7-inch single in April 2019, it had previously been included on the September 2016 compilation album “Young Folks in Metropolis.” The cool vocals seem to accentuate the protagonist’s hidden passion and sadness.
Give it a listen on a night when you’re in the mood for a touch of sentimentality.
Run Through the MemoriesMy Hair is Bad
A refreshing, exhilarating track that races through summer memories.
The lyrics are packed with joyful moments from the past and hope for the future.
Belonging to the pop-punk genre, its energetic and moving melody will resonate with your heart.
Released digitally in June 2024, it’s also included on My Hair is Bad’s sixth album, “ghosts,” and was chosen as the theme song for the film Crayon Shin-chan: Our Dinosaur Diary.
Recommended for those who feel the end of summer approaching yet want to take a new step forward.
It’s a sure-fire crowd-pleaser at My Hair is Bad’s live shows.
Music HourPorunogurafiti
It’s a feel-good summer song that sounds like it’s coming straight from the radio! This track by Porno Graffitti was released in July 2000 as their third single.
It was featured in a commercial for Otsuka Pharmaceutical’s Pocari Sweat.
The playful lyrics, like a radio host calling out to listeners, deliver that bubbly summer feeling.
The charm lies in how you can forget the complicated stuff and simply let yourself be carried by the joy of the music.
Listen to it on a summer drive or at a beach party with friends, and your memories are sure to shine even brighter.
You’re my sunshineAmuro Namie
This work is by Japan’s songstress Namie Amuro.
It’s a track packed with straightforward affection—like telling your special someone under the dazzling sun, “You are my sunshine!” Riding an energetic dance beat, it boldly sings of the thrill and freedom of summer love.
Released in June 1996 as her sixth single, it topped the Oricon Weekly Chart for two consecutive weeks.
It was also featured in Bristol-Myers Squibb’s “SEA BREEZE ’96” commercial.
A different version is included on the album SWEET 19 BLUES.