For decades, Bryan Adams’ song “Summer of ’69” has been celebrated as a nostalgic anthem for youth, love, and music. Fans around the world have sung it enthusiastically, imagining it as a tribute to the iconic year 1969, a time of freedom, rock ’n’ roll, and carefree days. However, Bryan Adams himself has recently revealed that the song carries a cheeky, adult meaning that many fans might not expect.
“When people think of ‘Summer of ’69,’ they usually picture the year,” Adams explained in an interview. “But for me, the ‘69’ was a metaphor for making love in the summertime.” The song, released on Adams’ 1984 album Reckless and later as a single, has lines like “I got my first real six-string / Bought it at the five and dime / Played it ’til my fingers bled…” that celebrate youthful memories. Yet the double entendre adds a layer of playful provocation that Adams embraces openly.
Adams also shared that the song was almost titled “Best Days of My Life” but adding “69” made it feel more provocative. Co-writer Jim Vallance emphasized that the song also reflects the summers of their youths, compiling fond memories into its lyrics.
Now 65, Bryan Adams continues to live his best days and perform the song with energy that resonates with audiences everywhere. In 2023, during a concert in Salt Lake City, an unexpected stagecrasher didn’t throw him off as he smoothly continued the iconic line, “Was the summer of ’69.” His musical legacy, filled with joyous and sometimes cheeky moments, remains as strong as ever.
