There’s something about a sunny day with blue skies and puffy clouds that makes me want to listen to feel-good music, and what’s better than being in the sun and listening to music? Being in the sun and listening to music about being in the sun!

To celebrate the final days of summer before online classes begin, we at the Clog have put together a playlist to be enjoyed while you’re out there soaking up that vitamin D. All of these indie and classic rock songs either mention the sun in their titles or have lyrics about sunshine, blue skies or lazy summer days. Enjoy!

“Hard Sun” by Eddie Vedder

I could listen to Eddie Vedder’s voice all day. This song comes from his solo album Into the Wild, which has a more mellow vibe than his work with Pearl Jam. The lyrics about the sun are more metaphorical than literal, but you can read into them however you choose. Also, this song has major road trip vibes and was used in the soundtrack for the movie “Into the Wild.”

“Sunny Afternoon” by The Kinks

There has never been a more perfect song for “lazing on a sunny afternoon.” If you’re someone who likes to lie in a park or on the Glade and tan, this song is a great soundtrack for chilling and purposefully doing nothing. 

“Megan” by Smoking Popes

This is one of my favorite songs, and I had to include it because of the way it starts: “Butter on a summer day/ When she’s around.” The guitar riffs and chord progressions are so beautifully bittersweet, making this a song you’ll want to play again and again this summer.

“Mr. Blue Sky” by Electric Light Orchestra

I dare you to find a single person who doesn’t feel compelled to dance and sing along to “Mr. Blue Sky.” This song is such a bop. It’s so cheerful, and it’s literally a 5-minute ode to sunny skies.

“Don’t Stop…” by Oasis

“Lazy days and sunny rays will guide me/ Back home to where I belong,” sings Noel Gallagher. As people transition to new places or back into old homes, this song may help capture the spirit of wandering and leaving one place behind for another. This song makes for easy listening, its alternative rock sound brimming with optimism. Even though summer may be ending and things may be changing, listen to the lyrics and “don’t stop being happy.” 

“Sunshine of Your Love” by Cream

Because sunlight increases the levels of serotonin in your brain, we have come to associate sunshine with happiness and, as this song proves, with love. It just wouldn’t sound right if they sang “in the darkness of your love,” would it? Whether you happen to be in love or not, this sick classic rock song deserves a place on your sunny day playlist.

“Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles

Lastly, what would a sunny day playlist be without this gem? This song will not fail to put a smile on your face and give you hope for the future. Bonus points if you happen to listen to it just as the sun’s rays begin to peek out from behind a cloud. 

Cue up this playlist the next time you’re in your backyard sunbathing or taking a walk in your neighborhood. Now stop reading this, and go soak up the sun!