10 Beatles songs to listen to in the summertime

The Beatles
The Beatles | Jim Gray/GettyImages

Many Beatles songs are optimistic and have a feel-good attitude, but only a handful of tunes can transform fans' summertime activities. Some of the Fab Four's tracks are so summery that they're perfect for listening to in the garden on a beautiful day or while taking a drive or a road trip. Here are some Beatle songs to add to your summertime playlist.

10. 'Good Morning Good Morning'

If the rooster's crowing at the beginning of "Good Morning Good Morning" doesn't make you want o jump out of bed and start enjoying a gorgeous summer day, we don't know what does. A Kellogg commercial inspired John Lennon to write the song. It played in the background as he worked at home. It might reflect John's boredom with suburban life at the time, especially post-tour, but it can also reflect a day in the life of someone ready to enjoy a nice lazy day.

9. 'Octopus's Garden'

The title and lyrics of Ringo Starr's Abbey Road track, "Octopus's Garden," certainly conjure up pictures of marine life, but they can also remind listeners of a day at the beach. The song is definitely perfect for playing as you drive to the shore or during any other vacation by the waves.

8. 'I'll Follow The Sun'

In his book The Lyrics: 1956 to the Present, Paul McCartney wrote that "I'll Follow The Sun" is a "Leaving of Liverpool" tune. He said, "I'm leaving this rainy northern town for someplace where more is happening." However, "I'll Follow The Sun" can also be about leaving home for a vacation or a trip. Or it could be taken literally, following the sun as it moves around the garden.

7. 'Good Day Sunshine'

"Good Day Sunshine" is one of the most summery Beatles songs in their entire catalog. It paints a perfect day out in the sun. You can't get more summery than the lyrics, "I need to laugh, and when the sun is out/ I've got something I can laugh about/ I feel good, in a special way/ I'm in love and it's a sunny day."

6. 'Penny Lane'

"Penny Lane" doesn't have overly summery lyrics but has the right aesthetic. Paul is, of course, singing about a real-life street he frequented in Liverpool, "Wet beneath the blue suburban skies." The imagery is there, and it's just a feel-good tune to play while walking about.

5. 'Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds'

"Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds" isn't overly summery either, but it paints a beautiful picture. We can see ourselves lounging in the garden, looking up at the sky and imagining the scenes unfolding. It would have to be a beautiful sunny day in order to see Lucy in the sky, would it not?

4. 'Day Tripper'

"Day Tripper" is clearly about a dysfunctional relationship where the woman is a day tripper with only a one-way ticket. However, if you only listen to the bopping guitar riff and melody, it's a tune for outdoor activities. It's also great to play if you're day-tripping somewhere and driving on the road.

3. 'Twist And Shout'

"Twist And Shout" is always a crowd-pleaser and brings everyone out on the dance floor. It's played at every outdoor party, block party, and parade, especially after Ferris Bueller sang it in Ferris Bueller's Day Off. It's a dance tune that makes everyone feel good, no matter the setting.

2. 'Strawberry Fields Forever'

John didn't base "Strawberry Fields Forever" on a strawberry field, it was the name of a Salvation Army children's home in Liverpool, but the song's title does make one think of one. Nothing says summer better than a bowl of strawberries. It's impossible not to eat the delicious fruit and listen to the track on a lazy summer day.

1. 'Here Comes The Sun'

George Harrison's "Here Comes The Sun" is the epitome of summer songs. It's all in the title and lyrics, but it's even more summery because George wrote it in Eric Clapton's garden on a sunny day. He was playing hooky from The Beatles' tense business meetings. The song reflects George's happiness at spring's arrival and getting to trade the sun for the stuffy meetings. However, "Here Comes The Sun" can reflect many things. It's optimistic and inspiring, even if you want to listen to it being lazy in the garden.

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