About the Song
"Cruel Summer" is a song by the English girl group Bananarama. It was written by Bananarama, Steve Jolley, and Tony Swain, and produced by Jolley and Swain. Released in 1983, it was initially a stand-alone single but was subsequently included on their self-titled second album a year later. The song reached number eight on the UK Singles Chart in 1983 and the group appeared on the BBC's Top of the Pops that summer, and after its inclusion in the 1984 film The Karate Kid, it reached number nine on the US Billboard Hot 100.
Meaning Behind the Lyrics
"Cruel Summer" can be seen as an exploration of the bittersweet feelings that often accompany summer love. For many listeners, the song captures the tension between joy and heartache, reflecting the fleeting nature of relationships during the carefree summer months. The upbeat melody contrasts with a sense of longing, suggesting that such bright experiences can sometimes lead to deeper emotional struggles. This duality resonates well with audiences, creating a relatable narrative about the complexities of romantic encounters and the feelings that linger when summer fades.
Did You Know?
- Bananarama are an Irish-English pop group formed in London in 1980.
- The group, originally a trio, consisted of friends Sara Dallin, Siobhan Fahey, and Keren Woodward.
Music Details
These details come from the iTunes song listing used for the artwork and metadata match.
- Album/collection: The Greatest Hits Collection (Collector Edition)
- Genre: Pop
- iTunes release date: January 1, 1983
- Track runtime: 3:35
Video Snapshot
- Video title: Bananarama – Cruel Summer (Official Video)
- YouTube channel: London Records
- Video published: September 26, 2017
- Video runtime: 3 minutes, 33 seconds
- YouTube views when drafted: 83,931,009
- YouTube likes when drafted: 547,446
- YouTube comments when drafted: 33,283
Quick Facts
- Artist: BANANARAMA
- Song: CRUEL SUMMER
- Album/collection: The Greatest Hits Collection (Collector Edition)
- Genre: Pop
- Reference page: Cruel Summer (Bananarama song)
