About the song
The Lovin’ Spoonful, renowned for their eclectic mix of folk, rock, and pop, captured the essence of summer with their hit single “Summer in the City.” Released in 1966, this vibrant track remains one of the band’s most enduring and beloved songs, embodying the energetic spirit of the season with its lively rhythms and evocative lyrics.
“Summer in the City” offers a vivid portrayal of the sweltering urban summer heat, complete with the hustle and bustle of city life. Written by the band’s lead guitarist, John Sebastian, along with Mark Sebastian and Steve Boone, the song stands out for its distinctive instrumental arrangement. The use of a prominent clavichord and the incorporation of urban sounds, like the clamor of city streets, create a dynamic backdrop that perfectly complements the song’s infectious melody. Sebastian’s evocative lyrics capture the essence of a hot summer day in the city, painting a picture of vibrant street life and the quest for relief from the heat.
Upon its release, “Summer in the City” quickly became a commercial success, reaching number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. This achievement marked a high point in The Lovin’ Spoonful’s career and cemented their reputation as pioneers in the folk rock genre. The song’s energetic vibe and catchy chorus resonated with listeners, making it a staple of summer playlists and a standout track in the 1960s music scene.
The Lovin’ Spoonful’s innovative approach to blending different musical styles earned them numerous accolades throughout their career. “Summer in the City” not only reflects their ability to capture the mood of the times but also highlights their talent for creating music that is both memorable and deeply engaging.
For those who recall the summer of the 1960s or simply enjoy a great classic rock tune, “Summer in the City” remains a timeless celebration of urban summer life, showcasing The Lovin’ Spoonful’s exceptional ability to capture the spirit of an era through their music.
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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