There are few sounds that always remind me of summer; ice cream truck music, cicadas chirping in the evening, and questionable salmon sizzling on the grill at the pool.
This summer I’ve added a new sound to my list, it’s the sound of P sawing holes in our attic in an attempt to let out the hot air. At the rate he’s going I’m afraid we won’t have a roof by September, just a tarp with a large fan while he stands under it with his Radio Shack thermometer and says, “Does it feel any cooler yet?”
“Nope, not yet. Check back with me in December.”
Anyway, one last sound of summer is a good fourth of July playlist. Granted, we’re not doing anything for the fourth due to my hectic week of keeping my pool commitments, but we’ll still need some good music to listen to as we think about all our friends at the beach and the lake.
Actually, we’ll probably be at the pool because rumor has it there will be both a seed-spitting contest and a belly flop contest. I don’t mean to brag (Yes I do; I totally mean to brag) but Caroline won the belly flop contest last year and we’re hoping for a repeat championship. It brings a new meaning to the old saying “No guts, no glory”.
My list is slightly unconventional because, well, it’s my list and you should all know by now that I have the musical sensibilities of a disc jockey at a junior high dance party. Plus, as much as I enjoy listening to Neil Diamond’s “America” and yelling out “TODAY!” during the chorus, I chose songs that weren’t overtly patriotic because I tried to avoid the obvious choices.
So, without further rambling (sure), here is my list of twelve summertime songs because I couldn’t narrow it down to ten because it felt like I was reenacting a scene from “Sophie’s Choice”.
1. America the Beautiful – Ray Charles
Okay, sure, this is an obvious choice, but I have to include it because it doesn’t feel like the fourth of July to me until I hear Ray sing. It’s guaranteed to make me cry every year.
2. Pink Houses – John Cougar Mellencamp
John Cougar, with or without the Mellencamp, is a fan of the patriotic song. For some reason this one is my favorite. Maybe because I once lived in a pink house.
3. Soak up the Sun – Sheryl Crow
Obviously. One summer before P and I had Caroline we headed to Port Aransas for a little vacation. I remember sitting on the ferry listening to this song and thinking this is what pure contentment feels like.
4. Vacation – The Go-Go’s
If this video didn’t make you want to be a part of some sort of all-girl water ski performance team then I don’t know if we can be friends.
5. Senorita – Justin Timberlake
Truthfully, I could make a list of only Justin Timberlake songs because they all make me so happy. I chose this one because it just feels summery to me. It’s like a cold drink in song form.
6. Summertime – DJ Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince
Because even if it’s 105 degrees outside, it’s not summer until I hear it.
7. Sing a Song – Earth, Wind & Fire
Happy. Happy. Happy.
8. Going Back to Cali – LL Cool J
Truth be told I’ve never been to Cali and you can’t go back to somewhere you’ve never been, but none of that matters. What matters is that I have always loved this song and it reminds me of summers at the beach when I was in high school, even though Crystal Beach is the polar opposite of anything in California, and by that I mean it’s not even remotely pretty.
9. Your Love – The Outfield
It reminds me of being on vacation. I think it’s because the opening lyrics say, “Josie’s on a vacation far away…”
10. Breathe – Michelle Branch
There are certain songs I just love the minute I hear them and this was one of them. It makes me want to get in a convertible and drive around with the top down singing at the top of my lungs while my hair whips in the wind. Except I can’t stand to have my hair whipping in the wind. It’s a minor detail.
11. Bizarre Love Triangle – New Order
I realize this may seem like an odd choice, given that I’ve never expressed a penchant for any sort of techno-pop, but it brings back vivid memories of the summer after I graduated from high school. To this day, I experience an odd craving for a berry wine cooler whenever I hear it. Not that I drank any wine coolers, I just knew people who did.
12. Boys of Summer – Don Henley
I used to think it said, “I can see you, your brow’s getting shiny in the sun” and I’d always think that he’d be better off to not talk about his girlfriend’s sweat issues. Only later did I realize he was singing, “I can see you, your brown skin shining in the sun” and I thought that made a lot more sense.
Let’s not even pretend that there aren’t countless great songs missing from this list. What’s on your fourth of July playlist? What song feels like summer?
And, remember as we celebrate the fourth:
Everywhere around the world
They’re coming to America (TODAY!)
Every time that flag’s unfurled
They’re coming to America (TODAY!)
God bless America. Y’all have a happy 4th!
Meredith says:
You Get What You Give (You’ve Got the Music in You) – New Radicals
July 3rd, 2009 at 9:35 am
Molly Pearce says:
I love me some Cruel Summer by Bananarama reminds me of going to the beach one year with my dad. And Walk Like an Egyptian by the Bangles, because I made an Egyptian outfit after I saw this video and wore it for like three days straight thinking I was Cleopatra one summer. Have a happy 4th.
~Molly P
July 3rd, 2009 at 9:58 am
Cindi in Boston says:
My husband loves Breathe by Michelle Branch. I always make fun of him because he sings along super loud, and wishes he was in a convertible too, but that’s another story..
I really like Island In The Sun by Weezer
Also, just about anything by Sublime reminds me of summer and California ( I grew up there).
American Woman- Lenny Kravitz
Rock Your Body- Justin Timberlake (yum) =)
July 3rd, 2009 at 9:59 am
Jai@wifeof1momof4 says:
I am so with your list, especially Ray Charles and Fresh Prince .. but also Lee Greenwood’s God bless the USA.
July 3rd, 2009 at 10:03 am
superkaty says:
all good choices. very well “played.” i’d add “all summer long” by kid rock. reminds me of the lake, summer, and don’t forget: bartles and james.
July 3rd, 2009 at 10:19 am
Elaine says:
“School’s Out” by Alice Cooper – it’s from MY past in high school
“Celebrate” by Kool & the Gang – it’s what I play for my kids on their last day of school
“Love Shack” – the Bangles? the Go Gos? not sure. Anyway, the first time my husband were in the DFW airport coming back from Cancun (w/out kids), we heard this song in the TGI Fridays. It’s become a tradition now – every trip from Cancun, we eat dinner in the DFW Fridays (not sure if there’s only one or not), and twice since then, I have heard “Love Shack” again. What are the odds?
July 3rd, 2009 at 10:19 am
Emily D says:
Summer Girls – LFO
First of all the name Lyte Funky Ones, what were they thinking? But seriously, who doesn’t love Fun Dip & Cherry Coke, not to mention Foot Loose and New Kids on the Block!
Also, I must concur on Vacation & Boys of Summer.
And for a newer one…
Put Your Records On – Corinne Bailey Rae
July 3rd, 2009 at 10:53 am
Summer says:
“Love Shack” is by the B-52s of “Rock Lobster” fame.
All these are good songs. I love anything from the 80s–great, great music.
July 3rd, 2009 at 10:55 am
Kristen says:
This is a great list! I am in charge of the playlist for our party on the 4th and I’m gonna go download these now.
For some reason, Bob Marley always feels like summertime to me.
July 3rd, 2009 at 11:01 am
Cynthia says:
“Dancing on the Ceiling” by Lionel Ritchie!
July 3rd, 2009 at 11:07 am
Traci@TotalMomsense says:
What about Kool & the Gang, or A-ha, or maybe some Quiet Riot…and it isn’t the fourth until you hear the Beastie Boys do Paul Revere. Happy 4th!
July 3rd, 2009 at 11:14 am
Sewfordough says:
“God Bless the U.S.A. by Lee Greenwood…wouldn’t be the Fourth of July without it. I remember that song being played on the radio as my brother was being deployed to the first gulf war. Rips your heart out. Let’s not forget to pray for our troops.
July 3rd, 2009 at 11:24 am
Carey says:
Great post! I’d have to say the song that most makes me think of summer is “Kokomo” by the Beach Boys. It makes my want to lie on a deck chair by the pool at some island resort and sip frozen drinks served by tan shirtless island boys.
July 3rd, 2009 at 12:12 pm
Married to an Aussie in OK says:
Love it, but have to ditto the “Kokomo” vote. Or anything by the Beach Boys, really.
July 3rd, 2009 at 12:31 pm
hannah r says:
Oh but aint that America for you and me. Aint that America we’re something to see baby. Aint that America, home of the free. Little pink houses for you and me.
July 3rd, 2009 at 12:40 pm
Bernadette says:
Hot Fun in the Summer time by Sly and the Family Stone
Summer in the City by Loving Spoonful
July 3rd, 2009 at 12:55 pm
Halala Mama says:
Thank God there is no Lee Greenwood on your list…I was afraid I was going to have to quit reading your blog. Also, ditto on the Timberlake thing – my fave on my Ipod is “love stoned/I think she knows”. I sang it to my newborn in those hours he wouldn’t go to sleep. Is that wrong?
July 3rd, 2009 at 12:57 pm
Chelsea says:
I love hearing whats on other peoples playlists. It gives me lots of ideas on what to add to mine. Here are a few I love:
Feel Like Makin’ Love – Bac Company
Rebel yell – Billy Idol
So What – Pink
Waitin on a Woman – Brad Paisley
What’s Up – 4 Non Blondes
July 3rd, 2009 at 1:22 pm
Jennifer says:
Crystal Beach Hater!
Just kidding. It is pretty ugly.
July 3rd, 2009 at 1:25 pm
Sturgmom says:
Not a playlist, but wanted to chime in that I used to get the words wrong on that Bryan Adams song, too. I used to think he was saying, “…after the POISON summer had gone.” Nevermind that my mistake was actually part of the TITLE because I didn’t actually know the title. A poison summer, in my estimation, must have been a very very bad one. The brown skinned sweaty girl may not have survived.
Anyway, I’ve since learned. And I hope Bryan learned he needs to work on his enunciation.
July 3rd, 2009 at 1:38 pm
Vicky says:
I’m so taking offense at your Crystal Beach comment. I had a house down there until Ike took it away and it was beautiful down there – ok not Hawaii beautiful, but beautiful just the same (so much better than crappy old Galveston). What I wouldn’t do to have my place back.
July 3rd, 2009 at 1:52 pm
Beth says:
LEE GREENWOOD … GOD BLESS THE USA
July 3rd, 2009 at 2:50 pm
Becky says:
You are so fun! Too much pressure think of summer songs right now but I like your list. I feel the same about Justin Timberlake.
July 3rd, 2009 at 3:10 pm
Shelly W says:
Love me some Cheryl Crowe. Listening to her just makes me happy.
July 3rd, 2009 at 3:16 pm
The Gonzo Mama says:
Great list! I totally geek out to New Order on a regular basis.
July 3rd, 2009 at 4:24 pm
Amanda @ Serenity Now says:
Here’s to hopes of a big win in the belly flop contest!
Love your playlist! I like a little Beach Boys on mine too.
Have a Happy 4th of July!
July 3rd, 2009 at 4:37 pm
Mary says:
Ok, you totally need Kokomo. Chatahoochie by Alan Jackson is also a great summer song. And anything Sublime. Takes me back to high school (when life was fun and I didn’t have to work during the summer!!) Ooh…it’s 5 o’ clock somewhere? Maybe that’s not appropriate for Caroline but then again, I remember listening to Garth Brooks singing Two Pina Coladas and thinking Captain Morgan was who steered the ship
Maybe that’s embarassing and I shouldn’t have admitted it…
July 3rd, 2009 at 4:44 pm
Kelly says:
Ok. So I used to think that Don Henley said “After the poison summer has gone…” I sang it that way for about 10 years. Maybe he was poisoned by her sweat. I’m just puttin’ it out there ???
I also like Summer Nights by Rascal Flatts. So fun.
July 3rd, 2009 at 5:02 pm
Kelly says:
I just read the comments and discovered I’m not the only one. He is saying poison summer. I knew it!
July 3rd, 2009 at 5:05 pm
Lysa TerKeurst says:
Queen- Fat Bottom Girls Make the Rockin’ World Go Round.
So appropriate to listen to as I saunter around the pool in a skirted tankini…
and just for thrills I sing it out loud for all to hear.
July 3rd, 2009 at 5:52 pm
Diana says:
Awww, you mean Mr. Diamond doesn’t even get his props? (TODAY!)
July 3rd, 2009 at 6:44 pm
Rebecca says:
This summer it’s Boom Boom Pow for me.
July 3rd, 2009 at 7:28 pm
Ruth says:
What a great list! I was just thinking of putting together a list for us to listen to today!
July 3rd, 2009 at 7:29 pm
Mary @ Giving Up on Perfect says:
I love Summertime by Fresh Prince. So you putting it on your list just makes me real happy.
Happy Fourth!
July 3rd, 2009 at 8:05 pm
lauren kelly says:
Hope you have a GREAT Fourth!!! :O)
July 3rd, 2009 at 8:25 pm
Branalyn says:
God Bless the USA is good, but today I felt to change to words to “where at least for now I’m free.” Summertime by Kenny Chesney. If my computer wasn’t broken (I’m obviously on someone else’s) I’d look through my ITunes and I’m sure I’d find more…
July 3rd, 2009 at 9:09 pm
Jennifer says:
We just returned from a fabulous trip to San Antonio and your name was mentioned by me no less than 5 times during our stay…my hubby kept asking and how do you know this Big Mamma?? LOL! Check out our pics on our blog.
Happy 4th!!
July 3rd, 2009 at 9:19 pm
tammy says:
As i mentioned on Sophie’s post, summer is not complete with ‘Under the Boardwal’ by The Drifters.
Have an wonderful and cool day no matter where you spend it.
happy 4th!
July 3rd, 2009 at 9:36 pm
C-re says:
Ok, so I’m insulted there’s no Jimmy Buffett in there…Margaritaville, Cheeseburger in Paradise, Pencil Thin Mustache, NONE OF THOSE??
I’d add in Love Shack, Keg in the Corner, the Cocktail song(Bermuda, Jamaica, ooo I wanna take you to the Kokomo….we’ll get there fast and then we’ll take it slow…thtttthhhaaaatttt’s where I wanna go!!
July 3rd, 2009 at 9:56 pm
Vicky says:
I’m sorry about my snarky comment above about Crystal Beach. I guess I’m just a little sensitive (hormonal?) about it because I would really love to be there this 4th of July weekend.
I’m really not offended and I love reading your blog.
Again, I’m sorry.
July 3rd, 2009 at 10:40 pm
brandy says:
Davis always yells when jumping in the pool…”go big or go home!” hope she wins!!
July 4th, 2009 at 12:21 am
Mari says:
this is so cool. i’m going to download your list onto my ipod and take it to the bbq we’re going to. i like this. thank you and i hope you don’t mind that i’m copying you.
mari
July 4th, 2009 at 1:11 am
Daryl Callahan says:
I am new to your blog and I find it very entertaining. My daughter has a food blog and that has gotten me into reading others. Your daughter is adorable and I enjoy your writing! Just thought I would tell you!!!
July 4th, 2009 at 8:26 am
Kaye says:
Hope you and yours have a wonderfully blessed 4th of July.
Love your song choices:)
Blessings always,
Kaye
Matthew 21:22
July 4th, 2009 at 11:23 am
Shelley says:
Would it be weird if I told you that I nearly wet my pants reading this post? Oh, it would? Then, I’ll just say that YOU ARE SO STINKIN’ FUNNY!!!!
July 6th, 2009 at 12:47 am
Linda at 2nd Cup says:
#’s 7 and 12 could make my list because I’m a child of the 70’s. But now that you’ve said, “brow’s getting shiny in the sun,” I will forever think of that when I hear the song. Cracked me up out loud.
July 6th, 2009 at 9:12 am
Derek says:
Awesome songs!
And I love Neil Diamond.
July 6th, 2009 at 9:13 am
Courtney says:
Not sure if this counts, but I like Rascall Flatts new song “Summer Nights” I think it’s perfect for the beginning of summer!
July 6th, 2009 at 9:36 am
AmandaG says:
OMG! I know what you mean about the hot house. I think I might pass along the idea of putting some more roof ventilation to my husband. We live in an older home (i.e, not very well sealed or insulated) in San Antonio and let me tell you our A/C just isn’t keeping up. Poor thing.
July 6th, 2009 at 10:37 am
Charla says:
Runaround by Blues Traveler is one song that always reminds me of summer! Love your choices specifically 5, 6, 8, 9 and 11. Maybe it would be easier to say the whole list!
July 7th, 2009 at 11:23 am