Friday, April 4, 2025

Bummer in the City: The 393rd Greatest Song

 

It's interesting what a person will write a song about.

In the Lovin' Spoonful's Number One hit, "Summer in the City," John Sebastian complains about how hot a summer day can be in a big city:

  • Back of my neck getting dirty and gritty
  • Doesn't seem to be a shadow in the city
  • Sidewalk hotter than a match head

Cooling off on a city summer day


But then the sun goes down and the fun begins:

  • Go out and find a girl
  • Cool cat looking for a kitty
  • Gonna meet you on the rooftop


But hey, fantasizing about romantic encounters is better song material than actual big-city nightlife:

Sundown, city gettin' dark
Gangs overtakin' every inch of the park
Cool cat, beefin' up the kitty
Five Card Stud being played with no pity
Got robbed waitin' at the bus stop
Running up the stairs, tryin' to hide on the rooftop


Sinatra was right: If you can make it there, you can make it anywhere.


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