10 Songs About August

As I sit here on my porch, watching the golden light of late summer filter through the leaves, I can’t help but feel a bittersweet nostalgia wash over me. August has always been a month of transitions – a time when the carefree days of summer begin to give way to the anticipation of fall. It’s a month I’ve experienced in so many different ways throughout my life: as a child dreading the return to school, as a teenager savoring those last precious moments of freedom, and now as an adult, marveling at how quickly the seasons seem to change.

Here, I’ve compiled a list of 10 songs that, for me, truly embody the heart and soul of this pivotal month. Each track tells a story, paints a picture, or evokes a feeling that resonates with my own experiences of August.

1. “August” by Taylor Swift

“August” is a song from Taylor Swift’s 2020 album Folklore. Co-written and produced with Jack Antonoff, this dream pop and guitar pop ballad features elements of soft rock, characterized by its guitars, strings, and vocal reverberation. The song narrates a fleeting summer romance from the perspective of a girl named Augustine, who is part of a fictional love triangle. Swift’s lyrics convey a sense of longing and regret, capturing the ephemeral nature of the relationship as it “slips away like a bottle of wine”. The song has become a seasonal favorite, experiencing significant streaming spikes each August.

2. “The First Day in August” by Carole King

“The First Day in August” is a folk-rock song from Carole King’s 1972 album Rhymes & Reasons. Co-written with Charles Larkey, the song reflects on the passage of time and the intimate moments shared with a loved one. The lyrics depict a serene and romantic scene of waking up together on the first day of August, watching the sunrise, and spending the day in each other’s company. The song’s gentle melody and heartfelt lyricism are quintessential of King’s style, making it a cherished piece in her discography.

3. “August October” by Robin Gibb

“August October” is a ballad from Robin Gibb’s 1970 solo album Robin’s Reign. The song reflects on a past love and the emotions associated with remembering it during the months of August and October. Gibb’s distinctive vocals and the song’s melancholic mood capture the essence of longing and nostalgia. The lyrics express a sense of loss and the passage of time, with the world moving on even as the singer remains caught in his memories.

4. “August” by No Vacation

“August” by No Vacation is an indie rock song that evokes the hazy, carefree days of summer. The song is an ode to the simple pleasures of summertime, blending themes of nature and love. Its dreamy, laid-back vibe is characteristic of No Vacation’s style, making it a perfect addition to any end-of-summer playlist. The song’s nostalgic feel captures the essence of August as a time for reflection and enjoyment before the transition to autumn.

5. “August 7, 4:15” by Jon Bon Jovi

“August 7, 4:15” is a poignant song from Jon Bon Jovi’s 1997 solo album Destination Anywhere. The song is a deeply personal tribute to Katherine Korzilius, the six-year-old daughter of Bon Jovi’s personal manager, Paul Korzilius, who tragically died on August 7, 1996. The lyrics recount the events of that day, describing a seemingly perfect Texas afternoon that turned into a nightmare when Katherine went missing after getting the mail and was later found deceased. The song captures the sorrow and confusion surrounding the incident, with Bon Jovi expressing disbelief and grief over the loss. The repeated line, “August 7, 4:15,” marks the exact time of the tragic event, emphasizing the moment’s impact on those affected.

6. “Stuck in the August Rain” by Jethro Tull

“Stuck in the August Rain” is a reflective and melancholic track by Jethro Tull, featured on their 1995 album Roots to Branches. The song’s lyrics depict a person trapped in a state of emotional gloom, despite being surrounded by comfort and care. The imagery of rain and clouds serves as a metaphor for the singer’s inner turmoil and inability to escape his dark mood. Lead vocalist Ian Anderson has described the song as a commentary on the mental state of individuals who, despite having everything seemingly in place, still struggle with unhappiness. The song’s melancholic tone and introspective lyrics resonate with listeners who have experienced similar feelings of being stuck in a rut.

7. “August Day Song” by Bebel Gilberto

“August Day Song” by Bebel Gilberto is a dreamy and gentle bossa nova track that captures the essence of a rainy August day. The song, which features a mix of English and Portuguese lyrics, expresses the singer’s longing to be close to a loved one, despite the physical distance between them. The soothing melody and Gilberto’s soulful voice create a sense of nostalgia and yearning. The song reflects on the desire to escape loneliness and find solace in memories and dreams of being together. “August Day Song” is a perfect example of Gilberto’s ability to blend Brazilian musical traditions with contemporary sounds, creating a timeless and evocative piece.

8. “August Day” by Hall & Oates

“August Day” by Hall & Oates is a reflective track that delves into themes of love, uncertainty, and emotional stagnation. The song uses the imagery of an August day to symbolize a period of waiting and introspection within a relationship. The lyrics describe a scene where the sun doesn’t cast shadows, and the air is still, creating a sense of suspended time and unresolved emotions. The song’s melancholic tone captures the feeling of being stuck in a moment, unsure of how to move forward in a relationship that seems to be at a standstill. The repeated references to the heavy gray sky and static atmosphere emphasize the emotional weight and indecision faced by the singer.

9. “Cold Wind in August” by Van Morrison

“Cold Wind in August” by Van Morrison is a soulful ballad that explores themes of loneliness, longing, and the end of a relationship. The song uses the contrasting imagery of a cold wind in the typically warm month of August to symbolize the cooling off of a once-passionate romance. The lyrics reflect the singer’s desire to hold on to the relationship despite its inevitable decline. The song’s bluesy tone and Morrison’s emotive vocals convey a deep sense of melancholy and introspection, capturing the bittersweet nature of love and loss as the summer fades into autumn.

10. “This August Day” by Saint Asonia

“This August Day” by Saint Asonia is an intensely personal and emotional song from their 2019 album Flawed Design. Written by lead vocalist Adam Gontier, the song recounts a pivotal moment in his life when he was battling substance abuse and ended up in the emergency room while his son was being born on the other side of the country. The lyrics express Gontier’s regret at not being present for his son’s birth and the profound impact this event had on his life. The song’s powerful imagery of “burning down” and “raging fire” on that August day symbolizes both the personal turmoil and the transformative experience of becoming a father. The track is a raw and honest reflection on Gontier’s struggles and the hope for redemption and renewal.

Submit Your Song to This Playlist

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Serena Whitfield

Serena Whitfield is the founder of PlaylistCurator.org. She’s a musician who writes songs for bands. She studied music at the University of Oxford and graduated with distinction. With her expertise, she knows how to review songs and understand what makes good and bad music. Every playlist on our platform is approved by her before publishing to maintain top-notch quality. If you want her to check out your song and maybe get featured on our playlist, submit your song for Serena to evaluate.