Summer is upon us. And, with that comes a wave of beach selfies, party pics, and a general flow of feel-good vibes on Instagram. Many of us will find perfect moments and the right angle to post a hot summer selfie. You will have nailed your side pose and got the Barbie foot down. But what about your Instagram caption? How many of us spend a lot of time pondering over the right words to narrate our lives just to use emojis?
A great place to find inspiration is always in your favorite songs. Whether lazing on a sunny afternoon or feeling some of that summertime sadness, there is always a song that can sum up any given moment — that’s the beauty of music. At Unwritten, we’ve found some of our favorite lyrics from a host of summer hits. From famous one-liners to lesser-known lyrics that might convince your followers you’re a creative genius, we’ve got all the inspiration you need for your summer shots.
1. The Go-Go’s — Vacation
“Vacation, all I ever wanted.
Vacation, had to get away.”
The Go-Go’s have it summed up perfectly for anyone vacationing. This song has been one of the highest-charting songs for the all-girl, 80’s rock band and continues to give us all the summer feels.
2. DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince — Summertime
“It’s like the summer’s a natural aphrodisiac.”
We could have opted for a host of lyrics from Will Smith’s iconic duet with DJ Jazzy Jeff called “Summertime.” The chorus saying, “Summer, summer, summertime, time to sit back and unwind,” will never fail. But we’ve opted for this one-liner for anyone feeling the heat this summer.
3. The O.C. — Intro
“We’ve been on the run, driving in the sun
Looking out for number one.”
Undoubtedly one of the most recognizable TV themes is the O.C.’s “California.” It’s impossible not to picture an angsty Ryan Atwood or feel the nostalgia when that opening melody kicks in. Even if it’s not California, there’s always somewhere you can drift off to this summer.
4. George Ezra — Shotgun
“There’s a mountaintop that I’m dreaming of
If you need me, you know where I’ll be.”
This one comes from George Ezra and his summer anthem by the name of “Shotgun.” This song sends instant positive vibes — and our heads bopping too. So, for anyone on an adventure that may, or may not, include a mountaintop: this one’s for you.
5. Hanson — MMMBop
“So hold on to the ones who care, In the end, they’ll be the only ones there.”
Name the happiest, most nonsensical song you can think of. And, while none of us knows what “Mmmbop ba dupa dop” means, we can all relate to this sentiment. So, it’s the ideal caption for all those embraces caught on camera.
6. Will Smith — Miami
“Every day’s like a Mardi Gras, everybody parties all day, No work, all play, okay?”
Think summer. Think hot summer. Think Miami. Back in the ’98, Will Smith convinced us Miami was the only place to be. And while it’s a distant dream for most of us, this song manages to take us there — even if it’s just for a few minutes.
7. The Lovin’ Spoonful — Summer in the City
“Cool town, evenin’ in the city,
Dress so fine and lookin’ so pretty.”
For some, the heat of the summer is something to be tolerated and not enjoyed. Luckily, you’re in good company with The Lovin’ Spoonful, who sing about their escape from the day-time heat to the coolness of the night in the song “Summer in the City.”
8. The Kinks — Sunny Afternoon
“Now I’m sitting here,
Sipping at my ice-cold beer,
Lazing on a sunny afternoon.”
We’re staying in the cool sixties with the unforgettable classic called “Sunny Afternoon.” Nothing quite conjures up the feeling of summer more than an ice-cold beer on a hot day. So if you’re snapping and sipping, here’s the perfect caption.
9. Ruper Holmes — Escape (The Pina Colada Song)
“If you like piña coladas,
And gettin’ caught in the rain,
And the feel of the ocean,
And the taste of champagne.“
Is beer not your thing? Then, maybe you’re more of a cocktail lover? The Piña Colada Song tells the story of a man, bored with his relationship, who takes out an ad in the paper to find someone seeking the same spontaneity. Plus, there’s a happy ending — his girlfriend answers the ad.
10. Baz Luhrmann — Everybody’s Free To Wear Sunscreen
“Remember the compliments you receive; forget the insults.”
“Do one thing every day that scares you.”
“Enjoy your body. Use it every way you can. Don’t be afraid of it or what other people think of it.”
You’ll never find more lyrical inspiration than from the 1999 hit “(Everybody’s Free to) Wear Sunscreen.” This song is packed with wisdom for every occasion — not to mention it provides a healthy reminder to wear sunscreen.
11. Supergrass — Alright
“See our friends, see the sights, Feel alright.”
With its cheery piano tune and the freedom the song speaks of, “Feel Alright” feels instantly in tune with summer. It reminds us of what it means to be young and carefree and implores us all to have a good time.
12. Kim Wilde — Kids in America
“Friday night, and everyone’s moving
I can feel the heat, but it’s soothing, heading down,
I search for the beat in this dirty town.”
For more good times with your friends, what could be more fitting than Kim Wilde’s “Kids in America”? It reeks of coolness and permits us to live for the moment without worrying about tomorrow – the true essence of summer.
13. Jimmy Cliff — I Can See Clearly Now
“I can see clearly now; the rain is gone,
I can see all obstacles in my way,
Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind,
It’s gonna be a bright, bright, sun-shiny day.”
Was there ever a more hopeful and promising song than “I Can See Clearly Now”? For the moments in life that are a destination after a difficult journey, these lyrics provide that sense of joy we all seek.
14. Weezer — Island In The Sun
“When you’re on a golden sea, You don’t need no memory,
Just a place to call your own,
As we drift into the zone.”
If you’re lucky enough to be beach-bound, taking sea-filled selfies, and making all your followers green with envy, what better way to drift off into the sunset than with these poetic words from Weezer?
15. LFO — Summer Girls
“I like The Color Purple, Macaroni and Cheese, Ruby red slippers, and a bunch of trees, I call you up, but what’s the use, I like Kevin Bacon, but I hate Foot Loose.”
And, if you need some random lyrics that have no purpose other than to rhyme, here’s some nonsense from LFO’s 1999 song “Summer Girls.” For those silly moments for which there are no words, these lyrics will leave your followers stumped.
There’s no end to the music that might inspire your next caption. Whether it’s relaxing in the sun, spending time with friends or feeling the summer lovin’, we hope these songs might help soundtrack your summer. If nothing else, you can trust me on the sunscreen.
Featured image via Kindel Media on Pexels
