Lyrics: Summer Night City
End of night a new day dawning And the first birds start to sing In the pale light of the morning Nothing's worth remembering It's a dream, it's out of reach Scattered driftwood on the beach Summer night city Summer night city Waiting for the sunrise, soul dancing in the dark Summer night city Walking in the moonlight, love-making in the park Summer night city In the sun I feel like sleeping I can't take it for too long My impatience slowly creeping Up my spine and growing strong I know what's waiting there for me Tonight I'm loose and fancy-free Ah-ah When the night comes with the action I just know it's time to go Can't resist the strange attraction From that giant dynamo Lots to take and lots to give Time to breathe and time to live Waiting for the sunrise, soul dancing in the dark Summer night city Walking in the moonlight, love-making in the park Summer night city It's elusive call it glitter Somehow something turns me on Some folks only see the litter We don't miss them when they're gone I love the feeling in the air My kind of people everywhere When the night comes with the action I just know it's time to go Can't resist the strange attraction From that giant dynamo And tomorrow, when it's dawning And the first birds start to sing In the pale light of the morning Nothing's worth remembering It's a dream, it's out of reach Scattered driftwood on a beach Waiting for the sunrise, soul dancing in the dark Summer night city Walking in the moonlight, love-making in the park Summer night city Waiting for the sunrise, soul dancing in the dark Summer night city Walking in the moonlight, love-making in the park Summer night city Waiting for the sunrise, soul dancing in the dark Summer night city Walking in the moonlight, love-making in the park Summer night city Summer night city Summer night city Summer night city Summer night city Summer night city Love-making Summer night city Summer night city Waiting for the sunrise Summer night city Walking in the moonlight Summer night city Summer night city Waiting for the sunrise Summer night city Walking in the moonlight Summer night city
Exploring the Magic of “Summer Night City”
A Celebration of Nocturnal Freedom
“Summer Night City” by ABBA captures the exhilarating pulse of nightlife and the allure of the city after dark. The lyrics paint vivid scenes of anticipation, from the quiet stillness at dawn to the energetic embrace of nighttime adventure. The song’s narrator is drawn to the city’s irresistible energy, describing a personal transformation as impatience and restlessness give way to freedom and excitement under the cover of night.
Escapism and Urban Romance
The recurring theme of waiting for sunrise and dancing in the dark speaks to the escapist nature of the song. The city becomes a playground where inhibitions are shed, love is found in moonlit parks, and the worries of the day fade into insignificance. The lyrics also touch on the fleeting, dreamlike quality of these experiences, likening them to “scattered driftwood on the beach” when morning comes. Ultimately, “Summer Night City” is a tribute to the thrill and transience of urban nights, where memories are made and forgotten in the blink of an eye.
Song Credits
Songwriters: Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus
Release Year: 1978
Label: Polar Music