Summer in the City
Red Hot Chili Peppers vs. Joe Cocker Lyrics
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Back of my neck getting dirty and gritty
Been down, isn't it a pity
Doesn't seem to be a shadow in the city
All around people looking half dead
Walking on the sidewalk hotter than a match head
But at night it's a different world
Go out and find a girl come on,
Despite the heat it will be alright
And babe, don't you know it's a pity
The days can't be like the night
In the summer in the city in the summer in the city
Cool town, evening in the city
Dressed so fine and looking so pretty
Cool cat lookin' for a kitty
Gonna look in every corner of the city
Ill I'm wheezing like a bus stop
Running up the stairs gonna meet ya on the roof top
But at night it's a different world
Go out and find a girl come on,
Come on lets dance all night
Despite the heat it will be alright
And babe, don't you know it's a pity
The days can't be like the night
In the summer in the city in the summer in the city
Solo but at night it's a different world
Go out and find a girl
Come on, come on lets dance all night
Despite the heat it will be alright
And babe don't you know it's a pity
The days can't be like the night
In the summer in the city in the summer in the city
Hot town summer in the city
The lyrics of "Summer in the City" by the Red Hot Chili Peppers vs. Joe Cocker depict the contrasting experiences of day and night in a bustling city during the summer. The song sets the scene of a hot town with the heat causing discomfort and making the surroundings seem dirty and gritty. The imagery of the back of the neck getting dirty and the absence of shadows in the city emphasize the harshness of the urban environment during the day, with people looking tired and worn out as they navigate the scorching sidewalks. Despite the oppressive heat, the lyrics suggest a sense of hope and escapism as they invite the listener to go out, find a girl, and dance all night.
As the song transitions to the evening in the city, the mood shifts to a cooler and more glamorous atmosphere. The language shifts to portray a more stylish and elegant setting, with references to fine dressing and a cool cat looking for a kitty. The lyrics convey a sense of anticipation and eagerness as the singer describes wheezing like a bus stop while rushing to meet someone on the rooftop. The night is presented as a different world where the energy is heightened, and the possibility of finding romance and joy is tantalizing.
The repeated refrain throughout the song emphasizes the contrast between day and night, highlighting the allure and excitement of the city after dark. The plea for the days to be more like the night reflects a longing for the carefree and vibrant atmosphere of nighttime, where worries can be set aside, and the spirit of adventure takes over. The upbeat and rhythmic cadence of the lyrics mirrors the pulsating energy of a city that never sleeps, enticing the listener to join in the celebration and revelry.
In the final verses and the solo section, the song maintains its invitation to embrace the vibrant nightlife of the city during the summer. The repetition of the imperative to go out, find a girl, and dance all night underscores the sense of liberation and joy that comes with letting go of inhibitions and embracing the moment. The song captures the essence of summer in the city as a time of transformation, where the mundane routines of the day give way to the intoxicating thrill of the night, providing a temporary escape from the pressures and constraints of urban life.
Line by Line Meaning
Hot town summer in the city
The heat of the city is intense during the summer
Back of my neck getting dirty and gritty
Feeling hot and sweaty in the city streets
Been down, isn't it a pity
Feeling low, what a shame
Doesn't seem to be a shadow in the city
No relief from the sun's heat in the city
All around people looking half dead
Everyone looks tired and exhausted
Walking on the sidewalk hotter than a match head
The pavement is scorching underfoot
But at night it's a different world
The city transforms into a lively place at night
Go out and find a girl come on,
Let's go out and socialize, seeking companionship
Come on and dance all night
Enjoying the nightlife and dancing until dawn
Despite the heat it will be alright
Even with the heat, everything will be fine
And babe, don't you know it's a pity
It's unfortunate, my dear
The days can't be like the night
Daytime activities can't compare to the excitement of the night
In the summer in the city in the summer in the city
The city is alive and vibrant during the summer
Cool town, evening in the city
The city feels cooler in the evening
Dressed so fine and looking so pretty
Everyone is dressed up and looking attractive
Cool cat lookin' for a kitty
Someone cool is looking for a companion
Gonna look in every corner of the city
Exploring every part of the city for fun
Ill I'm wheezing like a bus stop
Feeling sick and out of breath
Running up the stairs gonna meet ya on the roof top
Quickly climbing stairs to meet someone on the rooftop
Solo but at night it's a different world
Being alone, but nightlife changes the atmosphere
Go out and find a girl
Venture out and connect with someone
Despite the heat it will be alright
The warmth won't dampen the enjoyment
And babe don't you know it's a pity
My dear, it's a shame
The days can't be like the night
Daytime experiences can't compare to the excitement of the night
In the summer in the city in the summer in the city
The urban environment is bustling and lively during the summer
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Steve Boone, John Benson Sebastian, Mark Douglas Sebastian
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind