Bananarama - Cruel Summer

"Cruel Summer" by Bananarama is a synth-pop track that was released in 1983 as part of their debut album, "Deep Sea Skiving." Written by Sara Dallin, Keren Woodward, and their producer, Steve Jolley, the song quickly became one of Bananarama's signature hits.

The song features a catchy melody and upbeat tempo, but its lyrics tell a more melancholic story about the emotional struggles of summer love that’s not reciprocated. The juxtaposition of the cheerful sound with serious themes resonated with many listeners.

"Cruel Summer" had a moderate chart performance initially but gained renewed popularity when it was re-released in 1989, reaching number 8 in the UK charts. The song has been covered and sampled by various artists over the years, contributing to its lasting legacy in pop culture.

Its continued relevance was also highlighted when it gained popularity again in the 2019 television series "Stranger Things," which introduced the song to a new generation of fans. Overall, "Cruel Summer" remains a beloved classic from the 1980s and showcases Bananarama's unique style and vocal harmonies.

Bananarama - Cruel Summer Lyrics

Hot summer streets
And the pavements are burning
I sit around
Trying to smile but
The air is so heavy and dry
Strange voices are saying
(What did they say)
Things I can't understand
It's too close for comfort
This heat has got
Right out of hand

It's a cruel, (cruel,) cruel summer
Leaving me here on my own
It's a cruel, (it's a cruel,) cruel summer
Now you're gone

The city is crowded
My friends are away
And I'm on my own
It's too hot to handle
So I got to get up and go

It's a cruel, (cruel), cruel summer
Leaving me here on my own
It's a cruel, (it's a cruel,) cruel summer
Now you're gone

You're not the only one

It's a cruel, (cruel), cruel summer
(Leaving me) leaving me here on my own
It's a cruel, (it's a cruel,) cruel summer
Now you're gone

It's a cruel, cruel summer
Leaving me here on my own
It's a cruel, cruel summer
Now you're gone

You're not the only one

It's a cruel, (cruel), cruel summer
(Leaving me) leaving me here on my own
It's a cruel, (it's a cruel,) cruel summer
Now you're gone

You're not the only one

It's a cruel, (cruel), cruel summer
(Leaving me) leaving me here on my own
It's a cruel, (it's a cruel,) cruel summer
Now...