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 memories even more special (21–30)
summer skyGalileo Galilei
A one-set single by Galileo Galilei, who ceased activities in 2016, and the opening theme for the TV anime “Big Windup! Summer Tournament.” True to its title “Natsuzora” (Summer Sky), it’s a youthful song that evokes a piercing blue openness, and many listeners will likely relate to the experiences described in the lyrics.
It’s a track that lets you fully feel the refreshing spirit of summer.
SparkleRADWIMPS
Your Name is a movie that makes you want to watch it in the summer, isn’t it? The song used as an insert track in Your Name was “Sparkle” by RADWIMPS.
Its refreshingly clear, dewy sound matches the film’s world and lingers in your ears.
The lyrics, which feel like a story in themselves, overlap with memories of the movie, resulting in a song that resonates deeply in the heart.
FateOfisharu Higedan Dism
This is an uplifting song by Official HIGE DANDism that was used as the theme for “Nettou Koshien” in 2019.
What’s great about the lyrics, which portray the raw feelings of people trying to make their dreams come true, is that they make you feel, above all, that “nothing you’ve done up to now has been in vain.” Many pep songs stay positive from start to finish, but when you’ve pushed yourself too hard and had to stop, they can be a bit tough to listen to.
In that respect, this song also captures the negative feelings you have during hard times, making it deeply moving and easy to relate to.
water lily blossomShonan no Kaze
Shonan no Kaze’s “Suirenka” has long been loved as a classic summer song.
Its irresistibly bright and fun lyrics have hooked countless listeners, making it a staple at karaoke parties.
The rhythm alone lifts your spirits, making it perfect as a driving soundtrack, too.
When it’s hot and you’re feeling unmotivated, listening to it will naturally put you in a positive mood.
HANABIMr.Children
“HANABI” is one of Mr.Children’s signature songs and is popular across a wide range of generations.
Its wistful melody perfectly matches the image of fireworks that fade away in a fleeting moment, and just listening to it feels soothing.
The lyrics focus on a perspective on life, with many lines that are easy to relate to.
It’s also a karaoke staple, so be sure to give it a try.
Marigoldaimyon
A singer-songwriter who has become popular across generations for her richly evocative lyrics and vocals, Aimyon.
Her signature song “Marigold” is a love song that’s perfect for summer.
Its wistful, slightly nostalgic melody that fits the season’s vibe, along with deeply affecting lyrics that sink into your heart, are truly captivating.
It’s also a karaoke favorite, so be sure to try singing it when you go during summer vacation.
Ms. SeptemberRADWIMPS
A perfect recommendation for when summer is drawing to a close is RADWIMPS’ “September-san.” It’s included on their 2006 album RADWIMPS 3: The One We Forgot to Bring to the Desert Island.
The title “September-san” plays on the English word “September” and the Japanese honorific “-san,” which together also hint at “September 3rd” (9/3).
September is a time when the days are still hot, but the air slowly starts to feel like autumn.
The song captures the shift from wishing summer would linger a little longer to gradually accepting that it’s time to move on to the next step beyond summer.
It blends RADWIMPS’ signature wordplay and wit with the bittersweet melancholy that everyone feels at summer’s end.
Perfect for a late-summer karaoke session!
