Cruel Summer

Bananarama

About Cruel Summer

"Cruel Summer" is a song recorded by the English girl group Bananarama. It was written by Steve Jolley, Tony Swain and Bananarama and produced by Swain and Jolley. Released as a single in 1983, it was initially a stand-alone single but was subsequently included on their self-titled second album which was released a year later, thus it is considered the album's first single. The song reached number eight on the UK Singles Chart in 1983, and after its inclusion in the 1984 film The Karate Kid it reached number nine on the U. S. Billboard Hot 100. Bananarama singer Sara Dallin said the song "played on the darker side (of summer songs): it looked at the oppressive heat, the misery of wanting to be with someone as the summer ticked by. We've all been there!" It was ranked number 44 on VH1's 100 Greatest Songs of the '80s. Billboard named the song #13 on their list of 100 Greatest Girl Group Songs of All Time. 


Year:
2000
3:31
48 

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Hot summer streets
And the pavements are burning
I sit around
Trying to smile but
The air is so heavy and dry
Strange voices are saying
(What did they say)
Things I can't understand
It's too close for comfort
This heat has got
Right out of hand

It's a cruel, (cruel), cruel summer
Leaving me here on my own
It's a cruel, (it's a cruel), cruel summer
Now you're gone

The city is crowded
My friends are away
And I'm on my own
It's too hot to handle
So I got to get up and go

It's a cruel, (cruel), cruel summer
Leaving me here on my own
It's a cruel, (it's a cruel), cruel summer
Now you're gone

Gonna feel only it was

It's a cruel, (cruel), cruel summer
(Leaving me), leaving me here on my own
It's a cruel, (it's a cruel), cruel summer
Now you're gone

It's a cruel, cruel summer
Leaving me here on my own
It's a cruel, cruel summer
Now you're gone

Gonna feel only it was

It's a cruel, (cruel), cruel summer
(Leaving me) leaving me here on my own
It's a cruel, (it's a cruel), cruel summer
Now you're gone

Gonna feel only it was

It's a cruel, (cruel), cruel summer
(Leaving me), leaving me here on my own
It's a cruel, (it's a cruel), cruel summer
Now

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Bananarama

Bananarama are an English female pop band who have had success on the pop and dance charts since 1982. Rather than relying on harmony, the band generally sings in unison, as do their background vocalists. Although there have been line-up changes, the group enjoyed most success as a trio made up of lifelong friends Siobhan Fahey, Keren Woodward and Sara Dallin. In The 1980s, Bananarama were listed in the Guinness World Records as the all female group with the most chart entries in the world, a record which they still hold. Since 1992, Woodward and Dallin have continued Bananarama as a Duo. more »

1 fan

Written by: Keren Woodward, Tony Swain, Steven Jolley, Sara Dallin, Siobhan Maire Deirdre Fahey

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Downtown Music Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song Origins
"Cruel Summer" is a single released by the English girl group Bananarama in 1983. It was composed by the group's members, Sarah Dallin, Siobhan Fahey, and Keren Woodward, with Jolley & Swain.
Chart Performance
The song was a top-ten hit in the UK, peaking at number 8 in the UK Singles Chart. In the United States, it reached number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1984.
Iconic Video
Its music video received substantial airplay on MTV and is famous for its innovative use of footage from New York City, which was not a common location for music videos at the time.
Global Success
The song also reached the Top 10 in six European countries, and became a number-one hit in South Africa.
Movie Appearance
"Cruel Summer" is also known for its appearance in the 1984 feature film "The Karate Kid," which added to its popularity in the United States.
Cover Versions
The song has been covered by several artists, including Ace of Base, who had a hit with the song in the 1990s.
Lyrics Interpretation
The song's lyrics have been interpreted as a poignant symbol of adolescent angst and the harsh realities of growing up.
Impact on Fashion
Bananarama's fashion choices for the video, including their denim-on-denim look, as well as sporty and tomboyish attire, influenced the 80s fashion scene, especially among young women and girls.
Billboard Recognition
In 2019, Billboard ranked "Cruel Summer" as the 30th best summer song of all time.
Album Feature
The song originally appeared on "Bananarama" their second studio album, which became one of their most successful albums, especially in the UK.

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    Cruel Summer

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1984

    Billboard #9


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