American Songwriter has put together a list of four classic rock songs that evoke nostalgia for summers past, spanning the decades from the early 1970s to the early 2000s. The selection focuses on tracks whose lyrics or themes capture the bittersweet, fleeting nature of summer, whether through wistful reflection, seaside romance, or carefree memories of youth.

– "The Boys Of Summer" by Don Henley (1984) — evokes summer romance and melancholy for days gone by
– "Atlantic City" by Bruce Springsteen — bittersweet reflection on the passage of time, set in the New Jersey resort town
– "The Last DJ" by Tom Petty (2002) — nostalgic for the independent spirit of old commercial radio DJs
– "Saturday In The Park" by Chicago (1972) — captures a joyful Fourth of July scene, inspired by New York's Central Park