“Summer Child” by Conan Gray
One thing that can be said about Conan Gray is that he’s a sensitive artist. For example, image-wise he relies heavily on black as opposed to vibrant colors. Or put otherwise, Gray doesn’t come off as one of those happy-go-lucky, always partying types of musicians. He not only lets it be known that his own soul has been scarred by traumatizing events, but this singer also understands, as with “Summer Child”, that others are going through the same thing.
And such is by and large the nature of this narrative. Summer itself is of course an upbeat season. But that noted, it’s not abundantly clear what Conan is trying to get at by labeling the subject/addressee so.
On one hand, i.e. in the pre-chorus, he seems to be implying that said individual likewise possesses a cheerful personality. But the lyrics also read as if this person is the melancholic type, even in the selfsame pre-chorus for instance, where Kid Krow is able to perceive that the addressee is internally sad, even when he or she may appear happy on the outside.
The actual chorus, read from a certain perspective, also comes off as such. But what it seems like Conan is saying conclusively is that the “Summer Child” has a tendency, due in large part to a less-than-ideal upbringing, to hold his or her true feelings inside, as if she’s unable to truly express joy. But it seems that the vocalist perceives this disposition as being a front. So what Gray is telling said individual, most comprehensively put, is that they should open up their heart and dedicate more energy to their own happiness.
Did Conan Gray write “Summer Child”?
Yes. Conan wrote “Summer Child” on his lonesome, with the track’s producer being Dan Nigro.
When was “Summer Child” released?
This is one of the songs to be found on “Superache”, Gray’s second studio album, which Republic Records made fully known to the world on 22 June 2022. Prior to Superache‘s release, the five songs listed below preceded it as its official singles.
I love this song and the artist in so underrated
I think Conan by saying “Summer child” meant person who acts like optimistic, loves sun and is really kind, when inside is just depressed. At beginning of song he’s saying “You see all the flowers in weeds” what i guess means optimism. Then he mean (but I don’t know if it’s one of reasons of this title; i’m just guessing) depressed person in moment “you cover up your arms with your sleeves even in hundred degrees”, what means that the person wanted to cover their bruises, and that means depression.
Ugh, I guess i listen to his songs too much.
I think the song basically means like a person who was a people pleaser, struggles with stuff like depression or self harm, and someone who’s always putting others before themselves.