Fact sheet written by Federico Bertolotti, Oleg Rivoli, Gherardo Ungarelli from the Gastronomic Design Sciences course of the UNISG Bachelor of Science in Gastronomic Sciences and Cultures degree program
Type: Brano
Author: Childish Gambino (Donald Glo & Ludwig Göransson)
Release date: 2018
Genre: R&B / Neo-Soul / Electronic pop
Language: English
Feels Like Summer by Childish Gambino addresses some of the major contemporary environmental problems in a direct and symbolic way, calling for a collective awareness of the climate crisis. Behind the relaxed and seemingly carefree atmosphere of the song lies a critical reflection on the progressive deterioration of the planet.
Clear references torising global temperatures, expressed in the verse “Every day gets hotter than the one before,” emerge in the text, recalling global warming and its increasingly obvious consequences. At the same time, the phrase “Running out of water” alludes to drought and water scarcity, one of the most pressing global environmental problems.
The song also addresses the issue of biodiversity loss, referring to the disappearance of species critical to the balance of ecosystems. Verses such as “Air that kills the bees that we depend upon” and “Birds were made for singing, waking up to no sound” evoke a silent and depleted environment, where pollution compromises the survival of pollinating insects and birds.
Despite the critical tone, a hope for change also emerges in the song, encapsulated in the line “I really thought this world could change,” which suggests a desire for a turnaround and greater collective responsibility.
The animated video clip has sparked much discussion and criticism. It shows several celebrities immersed in daily activities during a hot summer day, seemingly indifferent to their surroundings. This visual choice highlights media and social distraction from the environmental crisis, underscoring how public attention is often focused on entertainment rather than real climate emergencies.
Overall, Feels Like Summer uses music, images, and symbols to transform itself into a social and environmental commentary, capable of combining entertainment and denunciation into an accessible yet deeply relevant message.
References
- Hrithvika (2021). Feels Like Summer: A Forecast of Animation’s Political and Documentary Function in Music Videos. https://www.fantasy-animation.org/current-posts/feels-like-summer-a-forecast-of-animations-political-and-documentary-function-in-music-videos
- S. Binet(2024). Avec ” Feels Like Summer “, Childish Gambino alerte sur l’inexorable changement climatique. https://www.lemonde.fr/series-d-ete/article/2024/08/01/avec-feels-like-summer-childish-gambino-alerte-sur-l-inexorable-changement-climatique_6264020_3451060.html