As the summer months wind down, August brings with it a mix of warmth and wistfulness. Musicians have captured this mood in their songs, creating melodies and lyrics that encapsulate the beauty, nostalgia, and transitions this month symbolizes. Below you’ll find a curated list of songs about August, each capturing a unique facet of this memorable month.
Be sure to check out the Songs About August Playlist at the bottom of this page.
Best Songs About January
1. “August 30th” – Delirious?
Lyric Sample: “Thank you for the chance to live again, I will run always for you.”
“August 30th” is a heartfelt anthem of gratitude and renewal. The song has themes of redemption and devotion, with lyrics that celebrate finding hope and purpose in the face of life’s challenges. The passionate delivery and uplifting melody create an inspiring atmosphere, making it a meaningful addition to any August playlist.
2. “August” – Taylor Swift
Lyric Sample: “August slipped away into a moment in time, ’cause it was never mine…”
This heartfelt ballad from Taylor Swift’s Folklore album is about the bittersweet memories of a fleeting summer romance. The poignant lyrics and ethereal melodies resonate with listeners, capturing the fleeting essence of love and time.
3. “Cold Wind in August” – Van Morrison
Lyric Sample: “It was a cold wind in August, shivers up and down my spine.”
Van Morrison’s soulful storytelling shines in this evocative track. The song’s poetic lyrics have themes of longing and fleeting moments, capturing the essence of standing amidst California pines during a late summer chill.
4. “The First Day in August” – Carole King
Lyric Sample: “On the first day in August, I want to wake up by your side.”
This gentle tune captures the beauty of love and new beginnings. Its vivid imagery and tender lyrics make it a perfect representation of the warmth and peace that August can bring.
5. “August October” – Robin Gibb
Lyric Sample: “In August October, the grass grew, the sky was blue, and I want you.”
Robin Gibb’s track about love, loss, and the passage of time. With its poetic lyrics and wistful melody, “August October” captures the fleeting beauty of cherished moments, making it a great addition to this list.
6. “August 7, 4:15” – Bon Jovi
Lyric Sample: “Tell me it was just a dream – August 7, 4:15.”
Bon Jovi delivers a haunting ballad with “August 7, 4:15,” inspired by a tragic real-life event. The emotional lyrics and somber melody highlight the pain of loss and the search for justice, creating a powerful tribute to innocence lost.
7. “Stuck in the August Rain” – Jethro Tull
Lyric Sample: “But I’m still still stuck in the August rain; stuck out in the cloudburst once again.”
Jethro Tull’s “Stuck in the August Rain” captures the feeling of emotional turmoil amidst the heavy downpour of late summer. The melancholy lyrics and thoughtful tone convey a sense of being trapped in an endless storm, both literally and metaphorically.
8. “August 10” – Khruangbin
Lyric Sample: Instrumental track
Khruangbin’s instrumental piece, “August 10,” offers a dreamy soundscape perfect for unwinding. Its serene and groovy vibes make it a standout track for appreciating the lazy, contemplative days of August.
9. “August Moon” – Sara Bareilles
Lyric Sample: “Her eyes, they shine on you, while I stay under the August moon.”
“August Moon” is a haunting ballad about love, longing, and heartache. The song’s lyrics and emotional delivery capture the pain of unrequited love and the torment of watching someone else find happiness. With its raw vulnerability, it’s a beautiful yet sorrowful song about the complexities of the heart.
10. “33rd of August” – David Allan Coe
Lyric Sample: “It’s the 33rd of August, Lord, and I’m finally coming down.”
David Allan Coe’s “33rd of August” is a country song that blends gritty realism with profound emotional depth. The track explores themes of personal turmoil, redemption, and the haunting persistence of past pain.
11. “August” – Rilo Kiley
Lyric Sample: “August, I’ll see you soon, under yellow moons.”
Rilo Kiley’s song evokes a sense of nostalgia and longing, capturing the bittersweet emotions of a relationship that’s slipping away. With its evocative lyrics, the song covers the passing of time and the hope for an eventual reunion, all set against the backdrop of the fading days of summer.
12. “August Day” – Daryl Hall & John Oates
Lyric Sample: “And the sky colored heavy gray, August Day.”
“August Day” captures the stillness and distinct mood often felt during late summer. The song’s uptempo melody and vivid lyrics evoke a sense of anticipation and quiet introspection, making it a perfect anthem for those slow, contemplative moments that August often brings.
13. “August 8th” – NOFX
Lyric Sample: “August 8th is a beautiful day. I see a bunch of hippies crying.”
NOFX’s “August 8th” is a playful and energetic punk rock anthem that captures the contrast between a beautiful day and the chaotic, unpredictable nature of life. With its upbeat tempo and quirky lyrics, the song conveys a sense of relief and joy, celebrating the optimism of a perfect summer day.
Conclusion
Music inspired by August often captures the month’s duality: joyful, sunny days alongside bittersweet moments.
The variety of genres and emotions in these songs mirror the complexity of the month itself, creating a playlist that feels as dynamic as August’s weather.
So, as August rolls around each year, dive into these melodies to fully embrace its spirit.
If you want to hear more songs that reference the months of the year, check out our Best Songs with Months in the Title.