If you’re a fan of indie music, you’ve likely heard the hit song “Heat Waves” by Glass Animals. This infectious track has been featured in countless playlists and has become an anthem for the summer of 2020. But what’s the story behind this song? Let’s take a closer look at the lyrics, production, and meaning of “Heat Waves.”

The Lyrics & Meaning

The lyrics to “Heat Waves” are about a person who is having trouble letting go of someone they love. The chorus paints a vivid picture of what it feels like to be stuck in limbo between wanting to move on but still being held back by memories and emotions: “And I’m stuck underneath these heat waves / I’m so high, but I can’t escape / When every memory just replays / And every night turns into days”.

Production & Sound Design

The production on this track is top-notch. It starts off with a dreamy synth line that gradually builds up until it reaches its peak during the chorus. The drums are punchy and driving, while the guitars add texture without overpowering the mix. Lastly, lead singer Dave Bayley’s vocals have an effect applied to them that gives them a slightly otherworldly feel—perfect for conveying the sense of longing that is present throughout the song.

Reception & Success

Since its release in June 2020, “Heat Waves” has been streamed more than 2.2 billion times on Spotify alone (as of Jan 2023). It was also nominated for Best Song for the MTV Video Music Awards, Billboard Music for Top Rock Song, Top Viral Song and Top Streaming Song, and appeared on numerous “Best Of 2020” lists from publications such as Billboard and Pitchfork. All in all, it’s safe to say that this track has been quite successful!

Heat Waves on Ukulele

Here is the free downloadable chord chart for Heat Waves on ukulele. The song is originally in B, but this version is in C, to make it easier to play on ukulele. There are 6 chords in this song.

Number of chords: 06chords

Chords: Dm, C, Am, G, F, E

Heat Waves Chords in Chordpro Format

[Intro]

[Dm] [C] [Am] [G] X2

[Dm] Road shimmer[C] wigglin’ the vision
[Am] Heat, heat waves, I’m[G] swimmin’ in a mirror
[F] Road shimmer [C]wigglin’ the vision
[Am] Heat, heat waves, I’m[G*] swimmin’ in a—

[Chorus]
[Dm] Sometimes all I[C] think about is you
[Am] Late nights in the[G] middle of June
[F] Heat waves been [C]fakin’ me out
[Am] Can’t make you[G] happier now
[Dm] Sometimes all I[C] think about is you
[Am] Late nights in the[G] middle of June
[F] Heat waves been [C]fakin’ me out
[Am] Can’t make you[G] happier now

[Verse 1]
[Dm] Usually I put[C] somethin’ on TV
[Am] So we never think[G] about you and me
[F] But today I see[C] our reflections clearly
[Am] In Hollywood,[G] layin’ on the screen
[F] You just need a better [C]life than this
[Am] You need somethin’ I can[G] never give
[F] Fake water all a[C]cross the road
[Am] It’s gone now, now the [G]night has come, but

[Chorus]
[Dm] Sometimes all I[C] think about is you
[Am] Late nights in the[G] middle of June
[F] Heat waves been [C]fakin’ me out
[Am] Can’t make you[G] happier now

[Verse 2]
[Dm]You can’t fight it,[C] you can’t breathe
[Am]You say somethin'[G] so lovin’, but
[Dm] Now I gotta let you[C] go
[Am] You’ll be better off in[G] someone new
[Dm] I don’t wanna be [C]alone
[Am] You know it hurts[G] me too
[F] You look so [G]broken when you cry
[Am] One more and[G] then I say goodbye

[Chorus]
[Dm] Sometimes all I[C] think about is you
[Am] Late nights in the[G] middle of June
[F] Heat waves been [C]fakin’ me out
[Am] Can’t make you[G] happier now
[Dm] Sometimes all I[C] think about is you
[Am] Late nights in the[G] middle of June
[F] Heat waves been [C]fakin’ me out
[Am] Can’t make you[G] happier now

[Bridge]
[F] I just wanna know [F]what you’re dreamin’ of
[G] When you sleep and[G] smile so comfortable

[Am] I just wish that[Am] I could give you that

[C] That look [C]that’s [C]perfect[C]ly un-sad

[F] Sometimes all I [G]think about is you

[Am] Late nights in the[E] middle of June

[F] Heat waves been [G]fakin’ me out

[Am] Heat waves been[C*] fakin’ me out

[Chorus]
[Dm] Sometimes all I[C] think about is you
[Am] Late nights in the[G] middle of June
[F] Heat waves been [C]fakin’ me out
[Am] Can’t make you[G] happier now
[Dm] Sometimes all I[C] think about is you
[Am] Late nights in the[G] middle of June
[F] Heat waves been [C]fakin’ me out
[Am] Can’t make you[G] happier now

[Outro]
[Dm] Road shimmer[C] wigglin’ the vision
[Am] Heat, heat waves, I’m[G] swimmin’ in a mirror
[F] Road shimmer [C]wigglin’ the vision
[Am] Heat, heat waves, I’m[G*] swimmin’ in a mirror

[Dm] [C] [Am] [G]
[F] [C] [Am] [G*]

Conclusion

All in all, Glass Animals’ hit single “Heat Waves” is an incredible piece of music that captures both lyrically and sonically what it feels like to go through heartache and longing. From its powerful lyrics to its dreamy production, this track is sure to be remembered as a classic for years to come. So if you haven’t already heard it, be sure to give it a listen—you won’t regret it!

The post Heat Waves by Glass Animals Ukulele Chords with Downloadable PDF appeared first on Mahalo Music Mag.