It’s summertime, and there’s no better way to enjoy the sun and heat than with a playlist of ice cream songs! Ice cream songs have been sung for decades. Some have had multiple covers, while others are one-hit wonders. We’re bringing you seven ice cream songs you should have on your list. Let’s jump in!
About the Song: Louis Prima sings this song in his signature throaty gruff blues voice. You might recognize his voice from the 1967 movie Jungle Book, where he played King Louie, the orangutan. The lyrics are from the point of view of a man ordering a banana split for his date.
About the Song: Ice Cream Man doesn’t hide the fact that the song is about sex. Tom Waits’ gravelly, raspy voice comes through as a creep with these lyrics. In the piece, he’s the ice cream man driving around the neighborhood with his eyes on a certain girl. He tells her he has a surprise for her, and if she “missed me in the alley, baby, don’t you fret, come back around and don’t forget.” Alleys have a slightly seedy and scary reputation for most women, and I don’t think she would want to go back there.
About the Song: If you’re a Van Halen fan, you know that the boys in the band leaned heavily on sexual innuendo. David Lee Roth is infamous for his libido and sexualized lyrics. So it makes sense that he wanted to record this sultry blues song on their first album, released in 1978. He’s the ice cream man. He’s got what the ladies want and guarantees their satisfaction. If that’s not enough reason to listen to this awesome version of Ice Cream Man, listen for Eddie Van Halen’s supreme guitar work.
About the Song: It’s a simple love song about how “your love is better than ice cream.” That’s saying a lot because we all know how delicious ice cream is. Of course, she also claims that “your love is better than chocolate,” so it must be the best thing ever. The tune is slow and nostalgic, sung in McLachlan’s signature indie style.
About the Song: Jonathan Richman is known for bringing childlike excitement to his music and shows. This song is actually about the ice cream man – one of the few on this list that doesn’t have a double meaning. He’s singing about the excitement of seeing the ice cream man on your street. He conveys that feeling of being a child, hearing that iconic ice cream truck music, and knowing that a delicious frozen treat is about to be in your grasp. It would be fun to play in the car with the kids after getting your ice cream treats.
About the Song: Weird Al Yankovic is the master of parody and just plain goofiness. He’s written humorous lyrics that parody famous songs and the accompanying videos that poke fun at pop culture. I Love Rocky Road is his take on Joan Jett’s cover of I Love Rock and Roll. It’s about a man who is obsessed not just with ice cream but only with rocky road. “Chocolate’s getting old, vanilla just leaves me cold,” he jams.