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Farewell to Sunshine: An End-of-Summer Playlist

by Peculiar Ibhawoh


As swimsuits give way to sweaters and sunsets give way to the comforting glow of bonfires, we say goodbye to endless summer days. And what better guide through this emotional journey than a curated playlist that expresses our feelings?


From the lighthearted beats that set the tone for road trips to the introspective melodies that portray peaceful reflection, this playlist captures the essence of our summer adventures. Let the tunes build a bridge between the memories of the previous season and the promise of the ones to come as you press play.


'The Nights' by Avicii

Kicking off our playlist with an electrifying start is Avicii's 'The Nights'. With its addictive EDM sounds and motivating lyrics, the song captures the essence of seizing every moment and living life to the fullest. As summer draws to a close, this song is an anthem for embracing the adventures that characterize the season.


'The Nights' by Avicii is more than simply an EDM anthem; it's a call to action. Its beats entice us, yet its lyrics have a timeless message. The song encourages us to dive wholeheartedly into life, to take risks, and to seize every opportunity. It embodies "carpe diem," a reminder that the experiences we acquire form bright threads of our path.


As we move from sunny days to the embrace of fall, 'The Nights' is an appropriate introduction. It inspires us to rejoice in life's unpredictability and find beauty in the highs and lows.


'Wake Me Up' by Avicii

Avicii strikes again with 'Wake Me Up', a captivating combination of electronic dance music and folk melodies. This tune is a seamless blend of sounds that speak to both the heart and the soul. With the delicate transition from summer's sun-soaked carefreeness to the approach of fall, we believed the song's themes—seeking meaning, embracing change, and finding purpose—would resonate with you.


With its toe-tapping beats and soul-stirring lyrics, 'Wake Me Up' is a musical journey in and of itself. The song asks us to embrace the changes in our lives with open arms, just like the seasons do. Every journey, whether a road trip or a life route, has twists and turns that shape who we are. As you sway to the rhythm of this song, remember that seeking meaning and awakening to new possibilities is a journey that never truly ends.


'Summer' by Calvin Harris

'Summer' by Calvin Harris needs no introduction. This electric anthem beats with the season's heartbeat, calling us to give in to its addictive groove. The song is a lively encouragement to embrace the rhythm of the moment and dance like no one is watching. And as we dance, 'Summer' becomes more than just a song; it becomes a vivid memory in the making.


The song depicts the fleeting charm of the season, imprinting in our minds the connections formed, laughs shared, and stories told during the carefree days. Even when the days become shorter, the memories of sun-soaked trips will always be warm. It may appear that the most valued moments in life are typically spent chasing sunsets, dancing under stars, and embracing the endless possibilities that summer brings, but 'Summer' is a living testament to the idea that these moments linger far beyond the calendar's shift.


'Cool for the Summer' by Demi Lovato

Demi Lovato's uplifting pop anthem, 'Cool for the Summer', is just as brazen and adventurous as the season itself. The song creates a fire of enthusiasm from the first note and continues to burn brightly throughout its entirety. 'Cool for the Summer' begs us to break free from the mundane and delve headfirst into the frenzy of summer exploits, with a fascinating melody that lingers in the mind and vibrant energy that echoes in every rhythm.


In every lyric, 'Cool for the Summer' captures the exhilarating surge of emotions that comes with newfound adventures. The adventurous spirit of the song pushes us to let go, to explore the unknown, to let go of inhibitions, and to dance beneath the sun's unyielding gaze. 'Cool for the Summer' declares that we can choose to be brave, real, and bold in this little chapter. As the pace continues, we're encouraged to join the chorus, letting go of our inhibitions and dancing to the beat of an amazing summer.


'Sun Goes Down' by Robin Schulz ft. Jasmine Thompson

As the sun gracefully descends beyond the horizon, the melodic embrace of 'Sun Goes Down' by Robin Schulz ft. Jasmine Thompson ushers us into a world of serene summer evenings. The music paints an image of serene beauty with each note, where the golden hues of sunlight gradually blend into the lovely palette of night.


This tune is soothingly inspiring while remaining quiet. Jasmine Thompson's angelic vocals transport us through the changing tides of time like a lovely breeze. The music itself attests to the eternal beauty of summer's final act, much as the lyrics remind us of the enduring essence of love.


In this playlist, 'Sun Goes Down' serves as a twilight serenade. It is the song that says goodbye to the warmth of the day. While the light of summer fades, its essence remains in the warm glow of dusk, prompting us to ponder, appreciate, and find peace in the beauty of transitions.



'Firestone' by Kygo ft. Conrad Sewell

Kygo's signature tropical house sound triumphs in 'Firestone'. This track brings us to lovely coastal resorts or starry dance floors with its beats and enticing melody. The song's appeal stems from its ability to encapsulate the essence of summer—sun-kissed days and starry nights.


Imagine toes sinking into warm sands and waves gently lapping at the shore. With each note, the track captures the serenity of sitting beneath a cloudless sky, appreciating the carefree moments that define Summer. As we listen to our playlist, 'Firestone' reminds us that summer's allure isn't limited to the day; it extends into the night. The song is the soundtrack to those golden moments when time appears to stand still.


'Summer Days' by Martin Garrix ft. Macklemore & Patrick Stump

Blurring the lines between genres, 'Summer Days' emerges as a combination of electronic sounds, rap verses, and pop-infused vocals. This daring collaboration results in a symphony that reflects the eclectic essence of summer—a time when boundaries are intended to be bent and rules are meant to be rewritten.


The electronic pulses throb like a restless summer's heartbeat, urging us to embrace the now with zeal. The rap verses add an edgy attitude to the track, embodying the rebellious spirit of tossing caution to the wind. In between these sounds, pop-infused vocals soar like a sunburst, inviting us to sing along.


'Summer Days' emphasizes the joy of living in the moment—the thrill of accepting spontaneity and delighting in the unknown. The song represents a variety of summer experiences, from sunshine adventures to starlit escapades. As you listen, we are inviting you to let go of your inhibitions and submit to the season's free-spirited energy.


'Shut Up and Dance' by WALK THE MOON

Dancing its way into our hearts, 'Shut Up and Dance' emerges as an anthem of uncontrolled liberation. The song conveys the universal, irresistible need to throw off inhibitions, seize life's outstretched hand, and immerse oneself in the throbbing rhythm of existence. The track's vibrant melody and unbounded energy serve as a musical reminder that the most exhilarating moments in life can be found when we surrender to the dance.


I dare you, dear reader, to let go and live unapologetically with this song. The melody of 'Shut Up and Dance' is like a siren's song, luring us into a whirlwind where time stops and troubles dissolve away. The music's infectious energy acts as a catalyst, causing a chain reaction of movement and laughing. As the notes swirl around you, try to revel in the thrill of the present.


'Adventure of a Lifetime' by Coldplay

Coldplay's 'Adventure of a Lifetime' sets the stage for the unknown, asking us to enjoy the thrill of new horizons and uncharted territory. The song's lively melody and descriptive lyrics represent the zeal that comes with Summer—a time when possibilities stretch out before us and the world feels like an open book. With their inspiring phrases, the lyrics remind us that every moment is an opportunity waiting to be grabbed.


This song acts as a musical compass in our playlist, guiding us down the path of self-discovery. It sums up the concept of starting new chapters and relishing every twist and turn that life throws at you. We hope that as you listen to 'Adventure of a Lifetime,' you will be encouraged to write your own stories and be reminded of your limitless potential.


'Best Day of My Life' by American Authors

This is a personal favorite. Every note of 'Best Day of My Life' rings like a bell, signaling the present wonder. The joyous melody of the song expresses the sense of life fully engaged in the present. With each beat, it becomes a musical manifestation of the spirit that distinguishes summer's bright days—a spirit of joy, freedom, and unabashed happiness.


'Best Day of My Life's exuberant attitude is a plea to embrace life with open arms. Its lyrics reflect the exhilarating sensation of being unconcerned about the past or the future, enjoying simply in the light of the now. The song encourages us to dance to our own beat, to see the beauty in every day, and to treasure every moment.


'Best Day of My Life' holds a special position in our collection, serving as a reminder that the most memorable experiences aren't often great trips, but rather the little joys that make our hearts sing.


'Electric Feel' by MGMT

'Electric Feel' bridges the gap between the real and the magical. Its acoustics compel us to immerse ourselves in the magic of the moment, to embrace the unexpected, the extraordinary, and the grandeur that surrounds us. We're urged to surrender to the beauty of Summer as the music wraps around us, where everyday events are touched with an iridescent shine. Nestled within our playlist, 'Electric Feel' is a reminder to enter a dreamscape where the possibilities are as limitless as the night sky.


'Walking on a Dream' by Empire of the Sun

As we step onto a dreamy path paved by Empire of the Sun's electronic pop masterpiece, we're encouraged to immerse ourselves in a world glistening with sunlight. Each note holds the promise of a bright voyage through the moments of summer.


The song is an open invitation to abandon the humdrum and embrace the adventure. In our playlist, this track captures the essence of summer as an endless playground, inspiring us to explore, dream, and revel in the season's dazzling glow. With each enchanting note, Empire of the Sun's masterpiece paints a path toward embracing the adventures that lie ahead, even after summer ends.


'Feel It Still' by Portugal. The Man

'Feel It Still' is a brilliant blend of old and modern elements. It is a nostalgic and contemporary musical combination. The toe-tapping rhythm of the music sparks movement within us.


'Feel It Still' is a manifesto for living boldly, with lyrics that invite us to question the status quo. It's a musical reminder that, in the middle of routines and customs, we're encouraged to forge our own path and indulge in the excitement of the unexpected. It encourages us to dance to our own beat.


As the second-to-last song on our playlist, 'Feel It Still' serves as a bright metaphor of enjoying the moment. It captures the essence of summer's colorful allure—a season that pushes us to escape the mundane and appreciate every moment. This song reminds us that the most meaningful events in life are typically those that challenge standards and make us feel alive.


'On Top of the World' by Imagine Dragons

'On Top of the World' by Imagine Dragons is a joyful declaration of victory and uninhibited celebration. The song's joyous melody ignites a spark of pleasure within us from the first note, beckoning us to join in its chorus of delight. The track is an empowering testimonial to our ability to overcome challenges and relish in the joy of our accomplishments.


'On Top of the World' is the final song in our handpicked playlist, and its lyrics are a rallying cry, reminding us that the journey may have been difficult, but the view from the peak is worth every step. It's a musical testament to the strength that comes from never giving up. Its beat serves as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, the spirit of victory persists. We're asked to join in the fun, basking in the sense of success that each summer provides.


I hope this music inspires you to remember the past while looking forward to the new chapters that fall will bring. As the final notes fade away, we are left with a sense of renewed expectancy. Each song has taken us on a journey, yet the rhythms live on. Summer's outward presence may fade, but its spirit lives on in the memories we've created.


Stay sun-kissed, music lovers.

 

About the Writer

Peculiar Ibhawoh is a passionate storyteller who loves using words to convey real stories, even the uncomfortable ones. As a self-published author and ghostwriter, she explores the depths of human experiences, celebrating joys and exploring hardships. Currently, you can find her short stories on Medium and her guest contributions gracing the pages of Erato Magazine.


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