As I sit here on my porch, sipping iced tea and watching fireflies dance in the twilight, I can’t help but reflect on the magic of June. For me, June has always been a month of transitions and new beginnings. It’s when spring gracefully bows out, making way for summer’s grand entrance. The air is thick with the scent of blooming flowers and freshly cut grass, and the days stretch out endlessly, filled with promise and possibility.
Here, I’ve compiled a list of 10 songs that capture the essence of June in all its glory. From wistful ballads about summer love to upbeat anthems celebrating the season, these tracks span genres and decades, each offering a unique perspective on what June means to different artists.
Contents
- 1. “Bye June” by The Smashing Pumpkins
- 2. “That’s Life” by Frank Sinatra
- 3. “June Hymn” by The Decemberists
- 4. “June On The West Coast” by Bright Eyes
- 5. “Drops of Jupiter” by Train
- 6. “Rainy Day In June” by The Kinks
- 7. “June In January” by Dean Martin
- 8. “Middle of June” by Noah Gundersen
- 9. “Evening in June” by Van Morrison
- 10. “Words I Couldn’t Say” by Rascal Flatts
- Submit Your Song to This Playlist
1. “Bye June” by The Smashing Pumpkins
“Bye June” is a song by The Smashing Pumpkins that originally appeared on their self-released Moon demo in 1989 and later featured on the Lull EP in 1991. The song is a simple, acoustic track performed by Billy Corgan, characterized by its repetitive and whimsical lyrics. The song’s lyrics revolve around the phrase “Bye June,” where the narrator expresses a desire to go to the moon and hopes that June will join him soon. The song’s simplicity and repetitive nature evoke a sense of longing and anticipation, with June symbolizing a person or a time the narrator eagerly awaits.
2. “That’s Life” by Frank Sinatra
“That’s Life” is a classic song performed by Frank Sinatra, released in 1966. The song was written by Dean Kay and Kelly Gordon and first recorded by Marion Montgomery in 1963. Sinatra’s version, arranged and conducted by Ernie Freeman, became a significant hit, reaching the fourth spot on the Billboard Hot 100. The song’s lyrics convey an uplifting message about resilience and perseverance, emphasizing that despite life’s ups and downs, one should remain positive and keep striving because better days will come. Sinatra’s powerful and emotive delivery, combined with the song’s orchestral arrangement, makes it a timeless anthem of hope and determination.
3. “June Hymn” by The Decemberists
“June Hymn” by The Decemberists is a track from their 2011 album The King Is Dead. The song is written from the perspective of a woman reflecting on the beauty and tranquility of her garden in June.
The lyrics paint vivid images of nature, such as “yellow bonnets” and “honeycombs,” evoking a sense of peace and nostalgia. The song’s gentle melody and poetic lyrics celebrate the simple joys of life and the serene moments found in nature. It captures the essence of early summer, with its lush landscapes and the promise of new beginnings, making it a perfect addition to a playlist about June.
4. “June On The West Coast” by Bright Eyes
“June On The West Coast” by Bright Eyes is a reflective and introspective song that describes the narrator’s experiences and emotions during a week spent in Winnetka, California.
The song’s lyrics delve into themes of sorrow and joy, exploring the weight of human emotions against the backdrop of the Californian summer. The narrator reflects on personal connections and the passage of time, creating a melancholic yet hopeful atmosphere. The song’s contemplative nature and vivid imagery make it a poignant exploration of emotional landscapes and the significance of place and time in shaping one’s experiences.
5. “Drops of Jupiter” by Train
“Drops of Jupiter (Tell Me)” is a song by Train, released as the lead single from their second studio album, Drops of Jupiter, in 2001. The song was inspired by lead singer Pat Monahan’s late mother, who had passed away after a battle with cancer. Monahan described that the lyrics came to him in a dream, where he envisioned his mother exploring the universe and returning with “drops of Jupiter in her hair.” The song blends celestial imagery with everyday details, creating a unique juxtaposition that resonates with themes of loss, exploration, and hope.
The track features a notable string arrangement by Paul Buckmaster and achieved significant commercial success, peaking at number five on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning two Grammy Awards.
6. “Rainy Day In June” by The Kinks
“Rainy Day in June” is a song by The Kinks from their 1966 album Face to Face. Written by Ray Davies, the song paints a vivid picture of a sudden, unexpected rainstorm in June.
The lyrics describe a dramatic transformation of the environment, with imagery of misty shadows, disappearing light, and an ominous atmosphere. The song’s verses evoke a sense of foreboding and melancholy, with references to mythical creatures and a sense of doom. Despite the gloomy setting, the song’s repetitive chorus, “Everybody felt the rain,” suggests a shared human experience, emphasizing the universal impact of the rainstorm.
7. “June In January” by Dean Martin
“June in January” is a classic song performed by Dean Martin, featured on his 1959 album A Winter Romance. The song, originally introduced by Bing Crosby in the 1934 film Here Is My Heart, was written by Ralph Rainger and Leo Robin.
The lyrics express a romantic sentiment, where the warmth and joy of love make it feel like June even in the cold month of January. The song uses the contrast between the winter setting and the feelings of love to highlight the transformative power of romance. Dean Martin’s smooth vocals and the song’s nostalgic melody make it a timeless piece that captures the essence of love transcending seasons.
8. “Middle of June” by Noah Gundersen
“Middle of June” is a song by Noah Gundersen, released on October 6, 2009. The song is a reflective and introspective piece that captures the passage of time and the contemplation of life’s complexities.
The lyrics describe a scene where the narrator sits beneath an old tree, thinking about the world and feeling a sense of uncertainty. The song’s melancholic tone is underscored by Gundersen’s emotive vocal delivery and the sparse, acoustic arrangement. It evokes a sense of solitude and introspection, with the “middle of June” serving as a metaphor for a moment of pause and reflection amidst the ongoing flow of life.
9. “Evening in June” by Van Morrison
“Evening in June” is a track from Van Morrison’s 2003 album What’s Wrong with This Picture?. The song is characterized by its smooth blend of Celtic rock, blues, and R&B influences, typical of Morrison’s eclectic style.
The lyrics paint a serene picture of a June evening, capturing the tranquility and beauty of the moment. The song’s gentle melody and Morrison’s soulful vocals create a warm and inviting atmosphere, making it a perfect soundtrack for a peaceful summer evening. The track achieved moderate success, charting at number 20 on the Billboard Adult Alternative Airplay chart. “Evening in June” is a celebration of the simple pleasures of life and the quiet moments of contentment that can be found in nature.
10. “Words I Couldn’t Say” by Rascal Flatts
“Words I Couldn’t Say” is a song by Rascal Flatts from their 2006 album Me and My Gang. Written by Steve Robson, Tammi Kidd, and Gregory Becker, the song is a poignant breakup ballad that delves into the emotions of regret and unspoken feelings.
The lyrics recount the narrator’s reflections on missed opportunities to express their emotions, with vivid imagery of moments such as “a moment on a front porch late one June.” The song’s arrangement features a moderate tempo and a chord progression in C major, with Gary LeVox’s lead vocals complemented by harmonies from Jay DeMarcus and Joe Don Rooney. The song’s heartfelt message and emotional depth resonate with listeners, making it a standout track on the album. It was also featured in the 2010 film Country Strong, performed by Leighton Meester, which brought renewed attention to the song.
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 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.