13 Songs About Ice Cream

As someone who has spent countless summer afternoons with an ice cream cone in hand and winters dreaming of sundaes, I can confidently say that few treats inspire the same level of joy and nostalgia as ice cream. It’s not just a dessert; it’s a mood-lifter, a celebration, and apparently, a muse for musicians across genres and decades.

In this playlist, I’ll take you on a flavorful journey through 13 songs that celebrate ice cream in all its glory. Whether you’re a chocolate chip fanatic or a strawberry enthusiast, there’s a tune here that will speak to your ice cream-loving soul.

1. “Banana Split for My Baby” by Louis Prima

Released in 1959, “Banana Split for My Baby” by Louis Prima is a playful and humorous song that showcases Prima’s signature swing style. The lyrics describe a whimsical scenario where the singer orders an extravagant banana split for his baby while opting for a simple glass of plain water for himself. The song features vivid imagery and a light-hearted tone, with lines like “Spray the whipped cream for at least an hour, pile it as high as the Eiffel Tower” and “Top it with a pizza just for fun” emphasizing the over-the-top nature of the dessert. The track is part of Prima’s album The Wildest! and is known for its catchy melody and upbeat rhythm.

2. “Ice Cream” by Sarah McLachlan

“Ice Cream” by Sarah McLachlan, released in 1993 as part of her album Fumbling Towards Ecstasy, is a sweet and tender love song. The lyrics use the metaphor of ice cream to describe the singer’s affection, stating “Your love is better than ice cream, better than anything else that I’ve tried.” The song contrasts the simplicity and delight of ice cream with the depth and richness of love, making it a heartfelt and relatable track. McLachlan’s soothing vocals and the gentle acoustic arrangement contribute to the song’s warm and intimate feel.

3. “Ice Cream” by Michael Hearst

Michael Hearst’s “Ice Cream” is part of his Songs For Ice Cream Trucks album, which was released in 2007. Hearst, known for his eclectic and whimsical musical style, created this collection to reinvent the traditional sounds associated with ice cream trucks. The album features a variety of vintage instruments like the glockenspiel, accordion, and theremin, giving it a nostalgic yet fresh feel. The song “Ice Cream” captures the playful and joyful essence of ice cream truck music, making it a delightful listen for both children and adults. Hearst’s work is characterized by its creativity and ability to evoke a sense of fun and nostalgia.

4. “Ice Cream Party” by Modest Mouse

“Ice Cream Party” by Modest Mouse, released in 2019, is a unique and somewhat eerie track that features Isaac Brock’s distinctive vocal style. The song’s lyrics invite listeners to an ice cream party at the singer’s house, repeating the phrase “please come over” in a somewhat haunting manner. The song touches on themes of loneliness and longing, with lines like “What am I doing wrong?” suggesting a deeper emotional undercurrent. The release of the song was accompanied by the launch of an official Modest Mouse ice cream flavor, adding a quirky promotional twist to the track.

5. “Ice Cream Phoenix” by Jefferson Airplane

Released in 1968 as part of Jefferson Airplane’s fourth studio album “Crown of Creation,” “Ice Cream Phoenix” is a psychedelic rock song that blends surreal imagery with philosophical musings. Composed by Jorma Kaukonen and Charles Cockey, the track features the band’s signature acid rock sound.

The lyrics are enigmatic and open to interpretation, with lines like “City streets in the dead of winter / Stop your mind with dirty snow” and “The wall of your memory will echo your sorrow / The pictures of sadness are not what they seem”. While not explicitly about ice cream, the song’s title evokes a sense of rebirth and transformation, possibly alluding to the cyclical nature of life and memory.

The song’s production, handled by Al Schmitt, contributes to its dreamy, introspective atmosphere. “Ice Cream Phoenix” showcases Jefferson Airplane’s ability to craft complex, multi-layered compositions that were characteristic of the late 1960s psychedelic movement.

6. “Ice Cream and Cake” by The Buckwheat Boyz

“Ice Cream and Cake” is a catchy, upbeat party anthem that gained popularity through its use in a 2009 marketing campaign for Baskin-Robbins. The song’s simple, repetitive lyrics celebrate the joy of combining two beloved desserts: “Ice cream ‘n’ cake, do the ice cream ‘n’ cake!”

The track features a bouncy, electronic beat with elements of electro-funk, making it ideal for dancing. The lyrics are straightforward and celebratory, emphasizing the fun atmosphere of a party: “Now who dat is with the ice cream and cake? / The party ain’t live without the ice cream and cake”.

While not as widely known as the Buckwheat Boyz’s viral hit “Peanut Butter Jelly Time,” “Ice Cream and Cake” has developed its own following. The song’s use in the Baskin-Robbins campaign, which included a commercial and a world record attempt for the largest cheerleading dance, helped boost its popularity.

7. “Ice Cream” by MIKA

Released on May 31, 2019, “Ice Cream” is a summer-ready anthem by Lebanese-English singer MIKA. The song serves as the lead single from his fifth studio album, “My Name Is Michael Holbrook”. MIKA wrote the track with Daniel Black, who also produced it alongside Mark Crew and Dan Priddy.

The lyrics of “Ice Cream” use the frozen treat as a metaphor for desire and romantic attraction. MIKA explained that the song was written on a day of extreme heat in August, describing it as “a heat mirage” where he dreamed of “summer flings with someone” he could never have.

Musically, the track is influenced by the “irreverent attitude of the music of the 90s,” particularly George Michael’s work from that era. MIKA stated that the song is meant to encourage listeners, especially men, to be more open about expressing their desires and to embrace a prouder version of themselves.

“Ice Cream” showcases MIKA’s signature pop style, blending catchy melodies with clever lyrics and a dash of whimsy. The song’s release was accompanied by a lyric video, further emphasizing its status as a potential summer hit.

8. “Do You Like Ice Cream While Surfin’ on the Sand” by Toca Luna

“Do You Like Ice Cream While Surfin’ on the Sand” by Toca Luna is a breezy, feel-good track that was released in 2020. The song blends elements of surf rock and pop, creating an upbeat and summery vibe. The lyrics, though not fully documented, suggest a carefree day at the beach, enjoying ice cream while surfing on the sand. The melody is catchy and light-hearted, making it an ideal addition to any summer playlist. Toca Luna’s playful approach to the theme of ice cream adds a whimsical touch to the song, capturing the essence of fun and relaxation.

9. “Ice Cream” by The George Lewis Ragtime Jazz Band of New Orleans

“Ice Cream” by The George Lewis Ragtime Jazz Band of New Orleans is a classic jazz track that showcases the traditional New Orleans jazz style. Originally recorded in 1955, the song is part of the album Jazz at Preservation Hall: The George Lewis Band of New Orleans. The track features lively instrumentation typical of ragtime jazz, including clarinet, trumpet, trombone, and piano. The song’s upbeat tempo and playful melody make it a joyful celebration of ice cream, evoking images of old-fashioned ice cream parlors and summer festivals. George Lewis’s clarinet playing is particularly notable, adding a rich, melodic layer to the composition.

10. “Ice Cream” by Blackpink and Selena Gomez

Released on August 28, 2020, “Ice Cream” is a collaboration between South Korean girl group Blackpink and American singer Selena Gomez. The song is an electropop and bubblegum pop track with elements of trap-pop, characterized by its playful and catchy melody. Written in the key of E major with a tempo of 80 beats per minute, the song features mostly English lyrics with a Korean rap verse by Lisa.

The lyrics are filled with ice cream-related double entendres, creating a fun and flirtatious vibe. The music video, directed by frequent Blackpink collaborator Seo Hyun-seung, features vibrant and colorful sets, with Gomez and the members of Blackpink appearing in various playful and stylish outfits. The video includes scenes of Gomez driving an ice cream truck, Blackpink dancing in a pastel-colored cul-de-sac, and various ice cream-themed visuals.

The collaboration brought together top producers and songwriters, including Teddy Park, Victoria Monét, and Ariana Grande, contributing to its polished and infectious sound. “Ice Cream” received positive reviews for its catchy hooks and playful production, making it a standout track in both Blackpink’s and Selena Gomez’s discographies.

11. “Ice Cream Castles” by The Time

“Ice Cream Castles” is the opening track from The Time’s third album, Ice Cream Castle, released on July 2, 1984. The song was composed by Prince (under the pseudonym Jamie Starr) and Morris Day, with Prince playing most of the instruments and Day providing lead vocals and drums. The track is a laid-back funk-pop song that features a prominent rhythm guitar, active keyboards, and an understated organ solo towards the end.

The lyrics of “Ice Cream Castles” explore themes of interracial relationships and social harmony, using the metaphor of “ice cream castles in the summertime” to depict a utopian vision of unity and love. The song’s funky elements and catchy melody helped it reach number 11 on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart.

12. “Ice Cream Man” by Jonathan Richman and The Modern Lovers

“Ice Cream Man” is a song by Jonathan Richman and The Modern Lovers from their 1977 album Rock ‘n’ Roll with the Modern Lovers. The track is a whimsical and nostalgic ode to the ice cream man, capturing the innocence and joy of childhood. Richman’s playful lyrics and simple, catchy melody evoke a sense of nostalgia, making it a charming addition to any playlist about ice cream.

The song features Richman’s signature minimalist rock style, with a straightforward arrangement that highlights his quirky vocal delivery and storytelling. “Ice Cream Man” stands out for its ability to transport listeners back to simpler times, celebrating the universal delight of hearing the ice cream truck’s jingle on a hot summer day.

13. “I Love Rocky Road” by “Weird Al” Yankovic

“I Love Rocky Road” is a parody song by “Weird Al” Yankovic, released on July 5, 1983, as part of his self-titled debut album. The song is a humorous take on the Arrows’ 1975 hit “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll,” famously covered by Joan Jett and the Blackhearts. In Yankovic’s version, the lyrics are transformed to express an obsession with rocky road ice cream.

The song features Yankovic’s trademark comedic style, with witty lyrics like “I hear those ice cream bells and I start to drool / Keep a couple quarts in my locker at school.” The music video, directed by Dror Soref, parodies the original “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll” video, with Yankovic performing in an ice cream parlor. The video is notable for using mashed potatoes instead of real ice cream to avoid melting under stage lights.

“I Love Rocky Road” showcases Yankovic’s talent for parody, combining humor with a catchy melody that stays true to the original song’s rock spirit. The track’s playful nature and clever lyrics make it a fun addition to an ice cream-themed playlist.

Submit Your Song to This Playlist

Do you have a track or song you’d like to feature on this playlist? If so, please fill out the form below for our evaluation.

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.