10 Best Boomer Summer Songs

Slather on some sunscreen and prepare for smooth sailing as I list the 10 best boomer summer songs for your playlist. In other words, time to go down memory lane.

Have you noticed over the years there’s usually a popular “song of the summer?” A song that brings back memories of the sound of waves, a sense of freedom, splashing in a pool, and the smell of a barbecue. You won’t notice a “song of the fall” or “song of the spring.”

Maybe that’s because summertime represents easy living, relaxation, and plenty of fun in the sun and deserves to be celebrated with music.

Let’s do just that with boomer summer songs from our era!

Summer Breeze by Seals and Croft

“Summer breeze makes me feel fine.”

Now that I live where there’s ocean breezes, I relate to those lyrics!

Not sure what “jasmine in my mind” has to do with anything. I have to assume it’s because jasmine blooms in the summer.

Whatever, this 1972 summer classic still brings back memories of laying out in the sun and slathering on baby oil – who worried about future wrinkles back then – when summer breezes were very welcome!

Hot Fun in the Summertime by Sly & The Family Stone

“County fair in the country sun, and everything is cool.”

Add a youthful fling to this 1969 boomer summer song and let it take you back in time.

Those Lazy Hazy Crazy Days of Summer

Let’s go a bit further back in time for this classic from Nat King Cole’s 1962 album with the same title.

Roll out those “days of soda, pretzels, and beer.”

California Girls by the Beach Boys

Makes me laugh, but my best friend and I took some pride in this song in our teens since we were from California. The 1965 song was flattering to all the girls, but it seems we California girls came out on top. Don’t judge us. Hey, we insecure teenagers needed whatever ego booster we could find back in the day!

“The West Coast has the sunshine, and the girls all get so tanned.”

Well, yes, we did! And I have the age spots to prove it! Lol

School’s Out by Alice Cooper

“No more pencils, no more books, no more teacher’s dirty looks.”

Loved this 1972 song as a teen celebrating the excitement of summer. As a parent, I felt somewhat more differently about it. Either way, this song will surely bring back memories.

Rock on!

Summer in the City by The Lovin’ Spoonful

“Hot town, summer in the city, back of my neck getting dirty and gritty.”

Even if you didn’t spend your summers in the city, you knew this 1966 boomer summer song.

Sitting by the Dock of the Bay by Otis Redding

This 1968 song begins with the sound of ocean waves. What more do you want?

Who can’t relate to this guy who came from Georgia to the ‘Frisco bay to find peace by the water during stormy times?

In the Summertime by Mungo Jerry

One of my favorites. This 1970 tune is just so hap-happy.

“We’re always happy; Life’s for livin’, yeah, that’s our philosophy.”

Yup, mine too!

Under the Boardwalk by the Drifters

Can’t you just feel the sand crunching beneath your toes and eating hot dogs on a “blanket with your baby” under the boardwalk?

Many artists have sung this song, but the original came out in 1964.

Here Comes the Sun by the Beatles

This optimistic song from 1969 written by George Harrison tells us that “after a “long, cold, lonely winter” here comes the sun.

And “I say,  it’s all right.”

And we believed our beloved Beatles.

Lucky us! Creating this list boomer summer songs reminds me that we had the best music in the 60s and 70s.

What’s your favorite summer tune? Please share in the comments below.

Want to enjoy the rest of summer.? Check out my list of five ways to enjoy the summer before this delightful season is over.