Single released 11 April 2024
Teenage Summer
Neil Finn
(Are we gonna have some teenage summer)
Is it real
Or a fiction of your mind
Am I gone
In a fraction of your time
You mistake my real intentions once again
Want to be near you, wanted to hear you
My words alight
Like paper drifting in the sky
Not enough to be a witness of your life
All along
I was hoping we would come of age
Walking around you
Want to surround you
But I can’t get close enough
Can’t get close enough
Wanted to find you
Wanted to break through
Life's imitation
I’ve been away too much
I’ve been locking it away too much
I’m here tonight
And I’m gone again
You pick up your bags
and you ready to fly
Pick up your bags
Baby come on
Wanted to hear you
Want to be near you
But I can’t get close enough
I can’t get close enough
Want to surround you
Want to be near you
But I can’t get close enough
Wanted to be near you
Wanted to care for you
But I can’t get close enough
Wanted to break through
Life's imitation
I’ve been away too much
I’ve been locking it away too much
I’m gonna call you
Life's imitation
I’ve been away too much
I’ve been locking it away too much
I ‘m gonna call you
Life's imitation, blue heaven
Are we gonna have some teenage summer
Are we gonna have some mad new year
Are we gonna have some teenage summer
Am I gonna have some mad idea
Song appears on:
Crowded House - Gravity Stairs (2024 album)
Crowded House - Teenage Summer (2024 single)
“It’s about trying to achieve some reality and being aware that connection is hard to make. And even before Covid, it was hard to find closeness to people. That became particularly acute afterward.”
Initially performed live under the title “Life’s Imitation”, “Teenage Summer” underwent a spontaneous name change thanks to the insight of Neil’s grandson.
“My grandson Manaia told me ‘Teenage Summer’ was one of his favourite songs. He’d identified the peak moment in the song, and a light went on. It’s that simple: the children must be heard.”