20 Best songs About Heat

Nina Hampson

The summer sun can be a great thing. It brings warmth and light after long months of cold, dark days.

But sometimes, the heat can be unbearable.

The sun beats down mercilessly, and the humidity makes the air feel thick and stifling. It’s no wonder that so many people hate summer.

But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

We’ve compiled a list of the 20 best songs about heat to help you get through the summer sun.

So turn up the AC, grab a cold drink, and enjoy these tunes.

By the way, if you’re interested in songs about heat, you may also want to read songs about waves, songs about hot, songs about sweat, songs about the sun, and songs about vacations.

Heat Wave – Martha And The Vandellas

[Love Is Like A] Heat Wave (The Motown Story: The 60s Version)

“Heat Wave” is a song written by Holland-Dozier-Holland and recorded by Martha and the Vandellas.

It was released as a single in 1963 and became the group’s first major hit, reaching number four on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

The song is about the heat wave that hit Detroit in July of that year.

The lyrics describe the city as “sizzling” and “steaming,” and the people as “sweating from head to toe.”

The song features a distinctive horn section, which gives it a light and airy feel despite the subject matter.

“Heat Wave” is considered one of the classic Motown songs, and has been covered by many artists over the years.

The Heat Is On – Glenn Frey

Glenn Frey - The Heat Is On (From "Beverly Hills Cop" Soundtrack)

Glenn Frey’s The Heat Is On is a song about, well, the heat.

It’s a catchy, up-tempo number that perfectly captures the feeling of summertime.

The lyrics describe the blazing sun and the effects it has on people and animals alike.

(“The heat is on / The heat is on / The temperature is rising / It isn’t surprising / She’s got the look that says / ‘Come on, let’s go.'”)

But beyond its surface-level fun, The Heat Is On also contains a deeper message about the dangers of global warming. As Frey sings in the chorus, “We’re running out of time.”

By drawing attention to this very real problem, Frey ultimately gives The Heat Is On a whole new level of meaning.

Sun Is Shining – Bob Marley

The song “Sun Is Shining” by Bob Marley is a song about the heat. In the lyrics, Marley talks about how the sun is “blazing” and “beat[ing] down” on him.

He also mentions how he is “sweat[ing] out in the street.”

These lyrics paint a picture of a person who is feeling the intense heat of the sun.

The song goes on to talk about how the sun is “shining” on everyone, regardless of whether they are good or bad.

This is a powerful image, as it shows that even though the heat can be unbearable at times, it is still an essential part of life.

Hot N Cold – Katy Perry

Katy Perry - Hot N Cold (Official Music Video)

“Hot N Cold” is a song by American singer Katy Perry.

The song was released as the second single from her second studio album, One of the Boys (2008). The song peaked at number three on the US Billboard Hot 100.

The song has been described as “catchy” and “quirky”. It is about a relationship that is “hot and cold”.

The song received mixed reviews from critics. Some praised its catchiness, while others criticized its production and lyrics.

The song won the MTV Video Music Award for Best Female Video in 2009.

It was also nominated for the Grammy Award for BestPop Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group in 2010.

Some Like It Hot – The Power Station

Some Like It Hot (7" Edit) (2005 Remaster)

Released in 1985, Some Like It Hot was the debut single by The Power Station.

The song was an immediate success, reaching the top of the charts in both the US and UK.

Co-written by Bernard Edwards and Tony Thompson of Chic, Some Like It Hot perfectly captures the feel of summertime.

The lyrics are playful and sensual, with a catchy chorus that is impossible to resist singing along to.

The song also features a memorable guitar riff from Duran Duran’s John Taylor. 

Heat Waves – Glass Animals

Glass Animals - Heat Waves (Official Video)

The song Heat Waves by Glass Animals is a song about the dangers of heat waves.

The lyrics describe the effects of heat on the human body, and how it can lead to illness and even death.

The song also describes how heat waves can affect animals and plants, causing them to wither and die.

The song ends with a warning to stay safe during heat waves, and to be prepared for the worst.

The song is a powerful reminder of the dangers of extreme heat, and the need to take precautions to stay safe.

Hot Fun In The Summertime – Sly & The Family Stone

Sly & The Family Stone - Hot Fun in the Summertime (Official Audio)

In “Hot Fun in the Summertime,” Sly and the Family Stone capture the essence of carefree summer living.

The song’s laid-back groove reflects the lazy days of summer, when the only concern is having fun in the sun.

The lyrics describe a simple scenario of kids playing in the street, enjoying popsicles and water balloon fights.

But despite its simplicity, the song captures the joy of summertime fun.

The horns and guitar licks create a festive atmosphere, while Sly Stone’s signature raspy vocals add an element of cool.

As a result, “Hot Fun in the Summertime” is the perfect song to help you beat the heat.

Heat Of The Night – Bryan Adams

Bryan Adams - Heat Of The Night

Released in 1987, “Heat of the Night” is a power ballad by Canadian singer-songwriter Bryan Adams.

The song was written for the soundtrack of the film “The Hunger”, and it peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

“Heat of the Night” is a mid-tempo song with a catchy hook and synthesizer-driven production.

The lyrics are about a man who is trying to seduce a woman, and the sexual tension between them is palpable.

The song became an 80s classic, and its iconic status was cemented when it was used in the film “Dirty Dancing”.

Summer In The City – The Lovin’ Spoonful

The Lovin' Spoonful - Summer in the City (Audio)

Released in 1966, “Summer in the City” is a song by the Lovin’ Spoonful that quickly became a summertime anthem.

The catchy tune and cheerful lyrics perfectly capture the excitement of summer in the city, from the sound of “ice-cream bells” to the smell of “hot garbage.”

While the song may evoke warm memories of summer vacations past, it also serves as a reminder of the less pleasant aspects of city life, such as smog and melting tar.

Despite its less than idyllic subject matter, “Summer in the City” remains a fun and nostalgic tribute to hot summer days.

Heat Of The Moment – Asia

Heat Of The Moment

Many people think that the song “Heat of the Moment” by Asia is about a physical attraction between a man and a woman.

However, the lyrics actually describe the feeling of being caught up in the moment and not being able to think clearly.

The narrator is in a situation where he is about to make a major decision, and he knows that he needs to act quickly.

However, he also knows that he could make the wrong choice and regret it later.

The song reflects the confusion and indecision that can come with feeling “the heat of the moment.”

When The Heat Hits The Streets – Laura Branigan

When the Heat Hits the Streets

In “When the Heat Hits the Street,” Laura Branigan tells the story of a young woman who is struggling to make ends meet.

The song paints a picture of a harsh and unforgiving world, where the only thing that keeps people going is the hope of finding love.

The protagonist is desperate for attention and affection, but she knows that she can never find happiness in the heat of the city.

On Fire – Van Halen

On Fire (2015 Remaster)

On Fire is a song by Van Halen about the element of heat.

The song starts with an electric guitar riff that sounds like fire crackling.

This is followed by the lyrics, which speak of the unstoppable power of heat.

The singer compares heat to a force of nature, something that can’t be controlled or stopped.

He also talks about how heat can be both beneficial and destructive, depending on how it’s used.

In the end, the singer asks if we’re ready to “feel the heat” and “burn up the night.”

On Fire is a catchy, upbeat song that speaks to the power of heat.

It’s a great choice for anyone who wants to rock out and learn more about this essential element.

Heatseeker – AC/DC

AC/DC - Heatseeker (Official Video)

Heatseeker is a song by the Australian rock band AC/DC.

It was released as the first single from their eleventh studio album, Blow Up Your Video (1988).

The song was written by Angus Young and Malcolm Young, and it was produced by Bruce Fairbairn.

Heatseeker peaked at number 15 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States, making it the band’s highest-charting single in the country at that time.

The song also peaked at number four on the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart.

In Australia, the song reached number three on the ARIA Singles Chart.

Here Comes The Sun – The Beatles

The Beatles - Here Comes The Sun (2019 Mix)

Here Comes the Sun is a song written by George Harrison and first released on the Beatles’ 1969 album Abbey Road.

The sunny disposition of the song has led many to believe it is about the end of the band’s tensions and the beginning of a new era of peace and love.

However, Harrison has said that it is actually about the personal struggles he was going through at the time.

Despite this, the optimistic lyrics and catchy melody have made it a timeless classic.

Here Comes the Sun has been covered by numerous artists over the years, and its message of hope and resilience continues to resonate with fans all over the world.

Hot In Herre – Nelly

Nelly - Hot In Herre (Official Music Video)

Nelly’s 2002 smash hit “Hot In Herre” is all about the steamy summer months.

The rapper celebrates the heat, proclaiming that “it’s getting hot in here” and urging listeners to “take off all their clothes.”

The song’s sexually charged lyrics and catchy beat make it the perfect soundtrack for a sultry summer night.

“Hot In Herre” spent seven weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart, cementing Nelly’s place as one of the biggest artists of the early 2000s.

While the song is now over a decade old, its message is still relevant today – there’s nothing like cranking up the tunes and dancing in the summer heat.

Summer Nights – John Travolta, Olivia Newton-John

John Travolta & Olivia Newton John - Summer Nights (Grease)

Summer Nights by John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John is a song about the joys and struggles of young love.

The lyrics tell the story of two teenagers who fall in madly love during the summer months, but who are forced to part ways at the end of the season.

While the song is lighthearted and fun, it also touches on the complexities of young romance, depicting the intensity of first love as both a source of happiness and pain.

Summer Nights is a classic summer anthem that perfectly captures the excitement, confusion, and heartache of young love.

Summertime Blues – Eddie Cochran

“Summertime Blues” is a song co-written and recorded by American rockabilly artist Eddie Cochran. It was written in 1958 and released in 1959.

The song peaked at number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100. It is ranked as the 78th greatest song of all time by Rolling Stone magazine.

The song has been covered by many artists, including The Who, Jimi Hendrix, Cheap Trick, and Brian Setzer.

The song is about the struggles of a young man during the summer months.

He is working a boring job to earn money to buy a car, but he can’t afford to buy gas or go out and have fun.

He is also worried about his girlfriend leaving him for someone else.

The song reflects the frustrations of many teenagers during the summer months.

Girl On Fire – Alicia Keys

Alicia Keys - Girl on Fire (Official Video)

Alicia Keys released her song “Girl on Fire” in 2012 as the lead single from her fifth studio album of the same name.

The song is a mid-tempo R&B and hip-hop ballad with influences of pop music.

It features Keys’ vocals with a range of F#3-D5 and a throbbing beat.

The lyrics describe a powerful, independent woman who is “on fire”, which is interpreted as a metaphor for self-empowerment.

The song peaked at number 11 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and received positive reviews from music critics, who praised its production and Keys’ vocal performance.

When A Fire Starts To Burn – Disclosure

Disclosure - When A Fire Starts To Burn (Official Video)

The song “When a Fire Starts to Burn” by Disclosure is all about heat.

The lyrics talk about how heat can build up and turn into a destructive force.

The song also compares heat to a fire, saying that it can start small but quickly get out of control.

The chorus of the song includes the line “When a fire starts to burn, it’s hard to stop.”

This line is significant because it shows how heat can be difficult to contain once it gets started.

Overall, the song is a warning about the dangers of heat and how it can quickly become dangerous if not kept under control.

Canned Heat – Jamiroquai

Jamiroquai - Canned Heat

Canned Heat is a song by Jamiroquai that was released in 1996.

The song is about heat, specifically the heat waves that often occur during the summer months.

The lyrics describe the effects of the heat on people and how it can make them feel.

The song also includes a message about how people should be careful to stay hydrated and avoid becoming overheated.

Canned Heat is a catchy song with an important message, and it remains popular today among fans of Jamiroquai.