17 Best Songs about Heat and Heatwaves

Songs about heat and heatwaves have been a popular theme in music for decades, with artists using the hot weather as a metaphor for a variety of emotions and experiences. From the sultry sounds of jazz and blues to the upbeat rhythms of rock and pop, songs about heat have captured the attention of listeners around the world.

One classic example of a song about heat is “Summer in the City” by The Lovin’ Spoonful. Released in 1966, the song features a driving beat and catchy lyrics that capture the energy and excitement of a hot summer day in the city. The line “Back of my neck getting dirty and gritty” is particularly memorable, evoking the sensation of sweat and grime on a scorching summer day.

Another iconic song about heat is “Heatwave” by Martha and the Vandellas. Released in 1963, the song is a high-energy dance track that captures the exhilaration and intensity of a hot summer night. The chorus, with its repeated refrain of “Heatwave, heatwave,” is impossible to resist, and the song has become a classic of the Motown era.

In more recent years, artists like Katy Perry and Beyonce have incorporated the theme of heat into their music. Perry’s hit song “Hot N Cold” features a chorus that compares the ups and downs of a relationship to the changing temperatures of the weather, while Beyonce’s “Heat” is a sultry and sensual ode to the passion and intensity of love.

Overall, songs about heat and heatwaves capture a wide range of emotions and experiences, from the excitement of a summer day to the intensity of a romantic relationship. Whether you’re in the mood for an upbeat dance track or a slow and sultry ballad, there’s a song about heat out there that’s sure to hit the spot.

1. Love is Like a Heatwave – Martha and the Vandellas

“Love is Like a Heatwave” is a classic Motown hit song by American girl group Martha and the Vandellas. Released in 1963, the song features a dynamic horn section, driving percussion, and the soulful vocals of lead singer Martha Reeves. The lyrics compare the intensity of falling in love to a heatwave, with lines like “your love is burning me up inside” and “I can’t escape this feeling deep inside.” The song’s infectious melody and upbeat tempo make it a timeless classic that continues to be celebrated as one of the greatest hits of the Motown era.

2. The Heat is On – Glenn Frey

“The Heat is On” is a classic 80s rock song by Glenn Frey, released in 1984 as part of the soundtrack for the film “Beverly Hills Cop”. The song features a driving beat, catchy lyrics, and a saxophone riff that has become instantly recognizable to music fans around the world. The lyrics describe the pressure and intensity of a high-stakes situation, with Frey singing lines such as “The heat is on, on the street / Inside your head, on every beat”. “The Heat is On” is a classic of the era, showcasing Frey’s talent as a songwriter and performer.

3. Sun is Shining – Bob Marley

“Sun is Shining” is a reggae classic by Bob Marley, released in 1971 as part of his album “Soul Revolution”. The song features Marley’s signature smooth vocals, backed by a grooving bassline and sunny guitar riff. The lyrics are a celebration of life and the beauty of nature, with Marley singing lines such as “Sun is shining, weather is sweet / Make you want to move your dancing feet”. “Sun is Shining” is a timeless track that captures the essence of Marley’s music, with its positive message and infectious rhythm.

4. Summertime – DJ Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince

“Summertime” is a classic hip-hop track by DJ Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince (Will Smith). Released in 1991, the song features a smooth and mellow beat, jazzy samples, and the laid-back flow of Will Smith’s raps. The lyrics describe the joys of summer, with lines like “summer, summer, summertime / time to sit back and unwind.” The song’s catchy hook and feel-good vibes make it a perfect summer anthem that remains popular to this day. “Summertime” is considered one of the best songs of the 90s, and it helped cement DJ Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince’s place in hip-hop history.

5. Hot Fun in the Summertime – Sly and the Family Stone

“Hot Fun in the Summertime” is a classic funk and soul song by Sly and the Family Stone, released in 1969. The song features a groovy bassline, soaring horns, and Sly Stone’s soulful vocals. The lyrics celebrate the joy and freedom of summer, with lines like “Just slip’n’slide away / Oh, summer breeze, makes me feel fine, blowing through the jasmine in my mind”. “Hot Fun in the Summertime” is a timeless track that captures the essence of the 60s and the spirit of the season, with its infectious melody and carefree lyrics. It remains a favorite of music fans around the world to this day.

6. Summer in the City – The Lovin’ Spoonful

“Summer in the City” is a classic rock song by American band The Lovin’ Spoonful. Released in 1966, the song features a driving beat, wailing harmonica, and a catchy piano riff. The lyrics describe the heat and chaos of summer in the city, with lines like “hot town, summer in the city / back of my neck getting dirty and gritty.” The song’s iconic opening riff and gritty energy make it an enduring classic that captures the spirit of the 60s. “Summer in the City” remains one of The Lovin’ Spoonful’s most popular and beloved songs, and it continues to be celebrated as a quintessential summer anthem.

7. Kokomo – The Beach Boys

“Kokomo” is a hit song by The Beach Boys, released in 1988 as part of the soundtrack for the film “Cocktail”. The song features a laid-back melody, with a mix of acoustic and electric guitars, a catchy chorus, and a Caribbean-style beat. The lyrics describe a tropical paradise, with lines like “Aruba, Jamaica, ooh I wanna take ya / Bermuda, Bahama, come on pretty mama”. “Kokomo” became a massive commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in several countries and becoming one of the most popular Beach Boys songs of all time. It remains a favorite of music fans around the world, capturing the carefree spirit of summer and the joy of travel.

8. I’m on Fire – Bruce Springsteen

“I’m on Fire” is a haunting and sensual rock ballad by American singer-songwriter Bruce Springsteen. Released in 1984, the song features sparse instrumentation, with Springsteen’s voice accompanied only by a gentle guitar and occasional keyboard flourishes. The lyrics describe the intensity of desire, with lines like “hey little girl, is your daddy home? / did he go away and leave you all alone? / I got a bad desire / oh, oh, oh, I’m on fire.” The song’s stripped-down arrangement and Springsteen’s vulnerable vocal delivery create a powerful and intimate atmosphere that perfectly captures the song’s themes of passion and longing. “I’m on Fire” remains a standout track from Springsteen’s extensive catalog of hits.

9. Hot ‘N’ Cold – Katy Perry

“Hot N Cold” is an upbeat pop song by Katy Perry, released in 2008 as part of her album “One of the Boys”. The song features a catchy melody, with a mix of guitar and synth sounds, and Perry’s signature sassy vocals. The lyrics describe the ups and downs of a tumultuous relationship, with Perry singing lines like “You change your mind like a girl changes clothes”. “Hot N Cold” became a massive commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in several countries and becoming one of Perry’s most popular songs. It remains a favorite of fans around the world, capturing the fun and excitement of a passionate relationship.

10. Heat of the Night – Bryan Adams

“Heat of the Night” is a classic rock song by Canadian singer-songwriter Bryan Adams. Released in 1987, the song features a driving beat, distorted guitars, and Adams’ trademark raspy vocals. The lyrics describe the heat and intensity of a passionate relationship, with lines like “in the heat of the night / when you know it ain’t right / but you do what you want to do.” The song’s catchy chorus and anthemic guitar riffs make it a quintessential rock hit from the late 80s. “Heat of the Night” remains one of Adams’ most popular and enduring songs, and it continues to be celebrated as a classic of the era.

11. Some Like it Hot – Power Station

“Summer Nights” is a classic duet by Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta, featured in the 1978 film “Grease”. The song features a fun and upbeat melody, with Travolta and Newton-John trading verses and harmonizing on the chorus. The lyrics describe the romantic ups and downs of a summer fling, with lines like “Summer lovin’, had me a blast / Summer lovin’, happened so fast”. “Summer Nights” became an instant hit and remains a beloved classic to this day, capturing the nostalgia and excitement of a carefree summer romance.

12. Summer Nights– Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta

“Summer Nights” is a classic duet by Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta, featured in the 1978 film “Grease”. The song features a fun and upbeat melody, with Travolta and Newton-John trading verses and harmonizing on the chorus. The lyrics describe the romantic ups and downs of a summer fling, with lines like “Summer lovin’, had me a blast / Summer lovin’, happened so fast”. “Summer Nights” became an instant hit and remains a beloved classic to this day, capturing the nostalgia and excitement of a carefree summer romance.

13. Burnin’ For You – Blue Oyster Cult

“Burnin’ For You” is a classic rock song by American band Blue Oyster Cult. Released in 1981, the song features a driving beat, catchy guitar riffs, and the distinctive vocals of lead singer Eric Bloom. The lyrics describe the intensity of desire, with lines like “I’m burnin’, I’m burnin’, I’m burnin’ for you.” The song’s anthemic chorus and memorable guitar solo make it a standout track from the era of classic rock. “Burnin’ For You” remains one of Blue Oyster Cult’s most popular and enduring songs, and it continues to be celebrated as a quintessential rock anthem.

14. In the Summertime – Mungo Jerry

“In the Summertime” is a feel-good hit song by British rock band Mungo Jerry. Released in 1970, the song features a catchy melody, a cheerful beat, and the distinctive vocals of lead singer Ray Dorset. The lyrics describe the simple pleasures of summer, with lines like “have a drink, have a drive, go out and see what you can find.” The song’s upbeat vibe and laid-back charm make it a classic of the era, and it remains a popular summer anthem to this day. “In the Summertime” is a testament to the enduring power of catchy hooks and good vibes in popular music.

15. Summertime – Janis Joplin

“Summertime” is a classic blues-rock ballad by American singer-songwriter Janis Joplin. Originally written as an aria for the opera “Porgy and Bess,” Joplin’s version features a soulful vocal performance, accompanied by a gentle guitar and understated organ. The lyrics describe the heat and languor of summer, with lines like “summertime, time, time / child, the living’s easy.” Joplin’s emotive and powerful vocals elevate the song to new heights, creating a sense of yearning and nostalgia for the long, lazy days of summer. “Summertime” remains one of Joplin’s most beloved and iconic songs, and it continues to be celebrated as a masterpiece of blues and rock music.

16. The Effects of Climate Change on Densely Populated Areas – People Under The Stairs

“The Effects of Climate Change on Densely Populated Areas” is a thought-provoking and socially conscious hip-hop track by American duo People Under The Stairs. Released in 2019, the song features a sample-driven beat and intelligent, poetic lyrics that explore the impact of global warming on urban areas. The lyrics describe the devastating effects of rising sea levels and extreme weather events, with lines like “climate change don’t discriminate, it’s taking out the poor and the rich.” The song’s socially conscious message and innovative musical approach make it a standout track in contemporary hip-hop, highlighting the genre’s capacity for engaging with pressing social and environmental issues.

17. Glass Animals – Heat Waves

“Heat Waves” is a hit single by British indie rock band Glass Animals. Released in 2020, the song features a hypnotic beat, shimmering synths, and the distinctive vocals of lead singer Dave Bayley. The lyrics describe the feeling of isolation and confusion that many people experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic, with lines like “sometimes all I think about is you / late nights in the middle of June.” The song’s dreamy, introspective mood and Bayley’s emotional delivery make it a standout track from Glass Animals’ discography, and it remains a beloved anthem of the pandemic era. “Heat Waves” is a testament to the power of music to capture and reflect the zeitgeist of the times.