When the Summer Dies: A Bittersweet Yet Nostalgic End to Summer Playlist

Alright, you had your fun. It is time to wrap up that unforgettable summer romance, finalize your classes for the fall, and put away those weird trendy boho-chic pieces.

Well, maybe not just yet. You may still need them for Austin City Limits. 

But Summer is dying! Let’s take one last listen to some rock songs to blast as you drive towards the blood-orange sunset, windows down, and a new chapter just on the horizon. 

Young And Beautiful – Lana Del Rey 

“Hot summer nights // mid-July // When you and I were forever young”

Lana’s anthem hits on her classic notes of Americana, love, youth, and longing, which plays on a sense of nostalgia and introspection that often accompanies the relaxed and reflective atmosphere of summer at the end of summer.

Originally introduced on the soundtrack of 2013’s The Great Gatsby, the song’s dreamy and cinematic production with its lush orchestral arrangement creates a sonic landscape that can be fitting for a warm summer evening. The sweeping instrumentals can match the feeling of a summer breeze or the sun setting on a clear day.

So hop on the back of a strange man’s motorcycle in your white shirt and blue jeans and blast this song. Your summers being young and beautiful are limited. 

Breathe You In – Trophy Eyes 

“I can’t leave again // Time is something we don’t have // Lay with me, my friend // Let me breathe you in // If I could I would stop the whole world // To grow old with you and die in this moment”

This song from the Australian quartet Trophy Eyes doesn’t mention summer, but its themes feels like the summer’s end. As you grow older, dancing on the precipice of being too old to be a kid but too young to be held accountable, you realize how precious your final summers are. The intense relationship and friendships will likely stop being formed once the daily monotony of a nine-to-five set in. Will these incense connections you’ve forged last? 

Instead of wondering about the future or agonizing about the past, John Floreni sings about enjoying the moment at present, perhaps even finding a way you stretch out forever. 

Breath You In is a song of love with a bittersweet tinge, hidden under an upbeat and catchy melody that can evoke feelings of energy and positivity.

Daylily – Movements 

“I think it’s time you had a pink cloud summer // Cause you’ve gone too long without a smile // I think it’s time you had another // Reason to stay for a while”

In some cultures, the daylily is seen as a flower of rebirth. Thus, it is a fitting title for a song about watching a loved one come out of the fog of depression. 

Lead singer Patrick Miranda wrote this song for his girlfriend. Her therapist would refer to her good days as ‘pink cloud days.’ Miranda felt she deserved a whole summer of them at the least. 

While it might not be conventionally considered a classic summer song, Daylily addresses themes of personal growth, change, and relationships. The introspective and contemplative nature of the song’s lyrics can align with the reflective mood that often accompanies the more laid-back pace of summer.

Meanwhile, the song’s overall atmosphere and mellow instrumentation can create a soothing listening experience that pairs well with lazy summer afternoons or evenings.

Sunshine Riptide – Fall Out Boy 

“Cause I’m stuck in the sunshine riptide // Dancin’ all alone in the mornin’ light // The sunshine riptide // You came back like a wave when I was feelin’ alright”

Heads up, I am a “Mania” truther ‘til my dying day. 

The term ‘mania’ is defined as a ‘mental illness marked by periods of great excitement or euphoria, delusions, and overactivity.’ It is obsessive, enthusiastic, and addictive. This theme is exploited in the album but felt most strongly in Sunshine Riptide. 

The music itself can best be described as tropical rock, with a feature by Burna Boy to further the vibe. But the lyrics are conflicting. On the surface, you see a fun summer love song. But look closer, and you’ll find obsession bordering on unhealthy. One might even wonder if the emotion is truly love, or if it’s but the chase for adrenaline. In an Instagram post about the song, bassist and lyricist Pete Wentz wrote; 

“I’m not just here for your love, I’m here for all of the love. An overdose of dopamine- we are living inside of MANIA right now. The never sleeping, never blinking- caught forever in the sunshine riptide.”

Boys of Summer – Don Henley 

It’s time to take things to the 80s. Within the first few notes of this song, you feel like you should be wearing light-washed jeans and a mullet before ripping the sleeves off your t-shirt to match. 

Summer is over, and you are just starting to enjoy it. The streets are empty, and your friends are gone. Did they go off to school? Did they start their lives? Why are you the one left behind? 

Released in 1984, it has become synonymous with summer. The chorus of the song is particularly memorable and easy to sing along to, making it a perfect fit for sing-along sessions and summer parties. Add to that a memorable guitar riff to evoke a sense of nostalgia, and you’ve got yourself a banger. 

The song’s lyrics are filled with vivid summer imagery, including references to driving, the beach, the sun, and the ocean, creating a strong visual connection to the season, making it an easier pick fo the playlist. However, the themes of love, loss, and change explored in the song are relatable and timeless. These emotions are often intensified during the summertime, a period associated with transitions and personal growth.

Overall, “Boys of Summer” captures the essence of summer through its nostalgic lyrics, upbeat melody, and cultural impact. Its ability to evoke a sense of longing, freedom, and youthful optimism resonates with listeners and contributes to its status as a beloved summer song.

Darkness at the Heart of My Love – Ghost

“When the summer dies // Severing the ties // I’m with you always // Always”

At last, the song that inspires the playlist. 

Sure, you should choose to look at the obvious references to the end of summer, but you could also choose to interpret it as a metaphor for the end of a romantic relationship. Or: You could go down the path of an obsessive Ghost fan and see it all as a clear reference to Pappa Emeritus IV’s impending doom, whatever rocks your boat. 

While Ghost’s music is often associated with the darker themes of rock and metal, this particular song blends melodic elements with a certain eerie allure. The track’s theatrical and haunting instrumentation creates an atmosphere that can be both captivating and slightly unsettling, qualities that could complement the mystique of warm summer nights. 

The juxtaposition of the song’s darker undertones with its melodic hooks and infectious rhythm creates a distinct listening experience that might resonate with those seeking a more unconventional soundtrack for their summer adventures. Darkness at the Heart of My Love offers a sense of depth and complexity that can match the multifaceted nature of the summer season, appealing to those who appreciate music that isn’t confined by genre expectations.