Hello to Summer: 7 Great Songs About the Sun

Ready to soak in the sun but need that perfect soundtrack? Here you go….

1. Good Day Sunshine by The Beatles

Just one of the best. Is there a person out there who can hear that piano/drum build-up to the boys belting out “good day sunshine!” without starting to bounce on their feet a bit? We think not. Track 7 on 1966’s Revolver, this ode to the sun is often overshadowed by its more famous cousin, “Here Comes the Sun,” but not today! While not only being one of our favorite Beatles songs, this is also the quintessential “sunny vibes” song. The bouncy anthem-like music and Paul’s jaunty singing have the same energizing feel as a beautiful sunny day. Combined with lyrics like “I feel good in a special way, I’m in love and it’s a sunny day,” well, if your heart doesn’t swell, we’ll eat our hats.

The bouncy anthem-like music and Paul’s jaunty singing have the same energizing feel as a beautiful sunny day. Combined with lyrics like “I feel good in a special way, I’m in love and it’s a sunny day,” well, if your heart doesn’t swell, we’ll eat our hats.

2. Ain’t No Sunshine When She’s Gone by Bill Withers

Another soul-grabber, but in a completely different way. This song is so visceral, Wither’s voice is like a rumbling thunder cloud and the slow rhythmic music is like the pleading patter of rain. Okay, that metaphor may be reaching a little, but it’s a damn moving song. Despite not being your typical upbeat “sunshine and rainbows” song, the comparison of sunshine to happiness and the lack thereof to heartbreak makes the point even more poignant.

Despite not being your typical upbeat “sunshine and rainbows” song, the comparison of sunshine to happiness and the lack thereof to heartbreak makes the point even more poignant.

3. Morning Has Broken by Cat Stevens

While this song doesn’t straight up mention the sun in the title, it’s a beautiful psalm about the breaking of a new day, and playing it will make you want to run arms outstretched into the sunrise or roll around on daisies or both. Originally written in Scottish Gaelic by Mary McDonald, Cat (or Yusaf) brought it to beautiful life in 1971. One of our all time favorites… the rolling piano and gentle swaying guitar strum, his voice crooning “mine is the sunlight, mine is the morning,” it’s guaranteed to make you feel good in a I-want-to-join-a-hippie-commune sort of way.

4. Mr. Blue Sky by Electric Light Orchestra

This song actually has a remarkably similar sound to “Good Day Sunshine.” We’re okay with that. It also easily passes for a modern indie pop song, despite being released in 1977, ahead of its time. “Mr. Blue Sky” is a feel-good tribute to a perfect sunny day: a shining sun smiling down against the backdrop of a blank blue sky. The chorus of singers and orchestral vibe make it perfect for driving around town on a sun-soaked day with the wind whipping your hair, your speakers blaring, and a big dumb grin on your face. Good job, ELO.

The chorus of singers and orchestral vibe make it perfect for driving around town on a sun-soaked day with the wind whipping your hair, your speakers blaring, and a big dumb grin on your face. Good job, ELO.

5. Steal My Sunshine by Len

We had to include this one because–remember this song? You’re welcome. Perhaps not the most critically appreciated ballad on this list, but there is no denying its greatness. For one, it’s damn catchy. For two, such inventive structure! This song experimented with lyrical content in ways previously only used by dog owners and parents of small children. L-A-T-E-R on in this blog post we will discuss why it’s always good to keep on your toes when it comes to spelling. (Not really.)

6. Sunny Afternoon by The Kinks

Ah, The Kinks. This chart topper made it to number one in the UK in 1966. Another personal favorite (that seems to be a recurring theme), this trippy, dreamy jam isn’t exactly a tribute to the sun. Written by Ray Davies in his home after a period of illness, he expressed his then state of mind through the story of a fallen aristocrat who has lost his wealth and can no longer afford the life of luxury to which he (and his “big fat mama”) have grown accustomed. As with all Kinks songs, it’s edgy, sexy, and fun.

Play it in on a tape in a walkman and lay on the grass with a red Popsicle for the best effect.

7. You Are the Sunshine of My Life by Stevie Wonder

Stevie Wonder won a Grammy for Best Vocal Pop Performance for this one, as well he should have. This is the kind of grooving, mellifluous love song Stevie does best. Finger snapping, feet tapping good! Frank Sinatra even did a cover in 1974, so you know it’s the real deal. Much like “Ain’t No Sunshine,” this song doesn’t directly praise the sun, but rather does so by using it as an analogy for love and happiness–which is really what it all comes down to.

So there you have it, Mr. Sunshine–our sincere thank you note. We hope that you keep being your magnificent, sizzling, and wonderful self. Shine on, brother!

–Rebekah & Luba