Meaning of "Summer's Gone" by The Beach Boys

"Summer's Gone" captures the bittersweet feeling of nostalgia and the inevitability of change as seasons shift. The lyrics highlight the fleeting nature of time and the impact it has on relationships and memories. The repetition of "gone like yesterday" emphasizes the transient nature of summer and the past, as old friends have moved on and dreams are held onto desperately. The mention of watching the waves and living in the present moment while reminiscing on the past creates a sense of wistfulness and acceptance of the inevitability of change. The contrasting emotions of laughter, tears, life, and death encapsulate the complexity of human existence and the cycles of life. Ultimately, the song evokes a sense of melancholy but also a sense of gratitude for the memories and experiences that have shaped the narrator's life.