i’ll be Walking on Sunshine and Dancin’ In The Country when the Sunshine Shine which goes like: Sunrise, Sunburn, Sunset

Hello, my favorite Monday Music peeps! I hope you all had a wonderful weekend! Around here, Mother Nature decided she was feeling a little dramatic and treated us to rain, thunderstorms, and enough gray skies to make us wonder if she’d misplaced the calendar and thought it was still March. One minute we were enjoying pleasant spring weather, and the next we were inundated with cold rain.

It was also a bit of a stressful week around here. My brother took a fall from his roof on Thursday and ended up spending Thursday night in the ICU. Needless to say, that wasn’t on anyone’s plans for the week, and it’s been a whirlwind ever since. The hubby hates hospitals, so we saved our visit for today, when we can harass my bro on his home turf… heh!

Things are thankfully looking much better now, but I’ll share more details and an update in tomorrow’s Random Tuesday Thoughts post.

But for now, since it is Monday, let’s do what we do best and turn up the music! This week’s theme is “June boasts the most daylight hours. Share music about long sunny days. Express yourself in song however this prompt moves you!” This week’s theme is especially fitting given the weather’s apparent plan to skip right over spring and head straight into summer later this week!

Let’s start with a song that may be one of the most recognizable feel-good anthems ever recorded. Released in 1985, this song has become synonymous with happiness, optimism, and those bright summer days when everything just seems a little better.

In fact, the song has become such a staple of movies, television, commercials, and pop culture that it’s nearly impossible to hear the opening notes without instantly feeling your mood lift. 😄

With its laid-back groove and feel-good vibe, the song basically turns into instant sunshine the second it starts playing. If somebody handed me a paper plate full of barbecue while this song was on in the background, honestly, that would feel pretty on-brand.

What’s especially interesting is that the songwriter said there was no grand inspiration behind the song. They described it simply as “a piece of simple fun” and an optimistic tune written by a band that, by their own admission, wasn’t particularly cheerful at the time.

Even more surprising, some members of the band didn’t initially like the song and weren’t convinced it fit their image. Thankfully, they gave it a chance, because it went on to become their signature hit and one of the most enduring summer songs of all time.

For a theme celebrating June’s long sunny days, this song feels like the perfect soundtrack for soaking up every extra minute of daylight.

Get ready to dance, here’s Katrina and The Waves with “Walking on Sunshine”:

Next up is a song that perfectly captures the feeling of those long summer days that seem to stretch on forever. This artist’s song is packed with warm-weather energy, celebrating small-town nights, good friends, and making memories long after the sun goes down.

Definitely a compliment to this week’s theme, this song feels like what happens when one of those endless June days rolls right into an unforgettable summer evening.

The artist took inspiration for the upbeat song from the dance parties he has with his wife and three children. It became a nightly tradition in their household to go to the playroom, turn on the party lights, and make some moves as a family. He said:

“We’ve been having these dance parties every night at my house after dinner with our three kids, so I was sort of in that headspace of ‘Let’s just make some fun music’.”

Give a listen to Tyler Hubbard with “Dancin’ In The Country”:

Next up is a song that feels tailor-made for this week’s theme. This artist’s song is a feel-good anthem that celebrates optimism, gratitude, and finding joy even after life throws a few curveballs your way. Built around his signature blend of country, hip-hop, and Southern influences, the song radiates the kind of positive energy that makes you want to roll the windows down, head outside, and soak up every extra minute of daylight.

Released in 2024 as the lead single from his album, this song reflects the artist’s outlook on turning life’s challenges into something positive. After experiencing tremendous highs and some very difficult moments—including a serious motorcycle accident that nearly took his life—he described the project as a new chapter focused on resilience, purpose, and finding the sweetness that can come from hard times.

He encouraged listeners to try turning their worst moments into a smile every once in a while, and that message shines brightly throughout the song. With its uplifting lyrics, infectious groove, and sunny outlook, this song feels like the perfect soundtrack for a long June day. 

Get ready to dance, here’s Blanco Brown with “Sunshine Shine”:

Last, but definitely not least, I couldn’t resist including a song whose title practically sums up the entire concept. This song is a celebration of those long summer days that seem to stretch on forever, filled with sunshine, young love, and memories in the making. From early morning fishing trips to late-night bonfires, the song captures the kind of carefree moments that make summer feel a little magical.

Released in 2018, the track paints a nostalgic picture of growing up and falling in love against a backdrop of endless daylight and warm summer nights. It’s one of those songs that instantly transports you to a lake, a beach, or a country backroad with the windows down and nowhere in particular to be. If June’s extra hours of sunshine had an official soundtrack, this song would definitely be near the top of the playlist.

Get ready for some fun, here’s Luke Bryan with “Sunrise, Sunburn, Sunset”:

That’s a wrap for this week – have a great Monday! See you on the dance floor!

Now, onto the particulars of Monday’s Music Moves Me:

I have the supreme honor and privilege of being a co-host with the inimitable Xmas Dolly and our musical cohort, the awesome Cathy from Curious as a CAThy, and Alana of Ramblin’ with AM!

Want to join in the fun? It’s easy – just find a tune that rocks your boat, post it, and link up! Check out the other music lovahs and let’s jam!