In the back of the bar
You’re talking to me with the lights on
You told me love don’t exist
And if it does, it doesn’t last long
And in this city, it hits
I said, “Let’s drink until the last call”
I know you’re leaving with him
But can you wait until the last song?
I know what your summertime friends have to say about me
But you always wanna see me again
This should be the last time you’re gonna leave without me
And the last time you call me your friend
And, oh, and I get so mad that we’re not together
And, oh, yeah, I want you bad
It doesn’t matter where you are
(Ooh-wee-ooh-wee, ooh-wee-ooh-wee)
(Ooh-wee, don’t leave)
(Ooh-wee-ooh-wee, ooh-wee-ooh-wee)
It doesn’t matter where you are
(Ooh-wee-ooh-wee, ooh-wee-ooh-wee)
(Ooh-wee, don’t leave)
(Ooh-wee-ooh-wee, ooh-wee-ooh-wee)
We’re in the back of your car
You’re telling me it’s not the right time now
But you can never decide
For tonight, can you just say I’m right, say I’m right, say I’m right?
And, oh, and I get so mad that we’re not together
And, oh, yeah, I want you bad
It doesn’t matter where you are
(Ooh-wee-ooh-wee, ooh-wee-ooh-wee)
(Ooh-wee, don’t leave)
(Ooh-wee-ooh-wee, ooh-wee-ooh-wee)
It doesn’t matter where you are
(Ooh-wee-ooh-wee, ooh-wee-ooh-wee)
(Ooh-wee, don’t leave)
(Ooh-wee-ooh-wee, ooh-wee-ooh-wee)
And, oh, and I get so mad that we’re not together
And, oh, yeah, I want you bad
Longing and Late-Night Confessions
“Summertime Friends” by The Chainsmokers captures the emotional turbulence of unrequited love and fleeting connections. The song is set against the backdrop of late-night bars and city lights, where the narrator and their love interest grapple with vulnerability and indecision. The lyrics reveal a candid conversation about love’s impermanence, with the protagonist yearning for something deeper while facing the reality of a transient summer romance. The repeated plea for the other person to stay, even just until the last song, highlights the desire to hold onto fleeting moments of intimacy.
The Push and Pull of Desire
The chorus reflects the tension between what the narrator’s friends think and their own persistent longing. There’s an undercurrent of frustration and hope—an admission of wanting more than friendship, despite repeated goodbyes. The infectious “ooh-wee” refrains echo the emotional highs and lows, painting a vivid picture of longing that transcends physical distance. Ultimately, “Summertime Friends” is a relatable anthem for anyone who has experienced the bittersweet feeling of wanting someone who’s just out of reach.
Song Credits
- Artist: The Chainsmokers
- Release Year: 2024