Song meaning of End of the Summer by New York Dolls

The lyrics of "End of the Summer" by New York Dolls convey a sense of disillusionment and resignation as the season comes to a close. The opening lines suggest a carefree summer filled with love and excitement. However, the mention of "swindlers of the abyss" and the repetition of "rock and roll, kiss, kiss, kiss" hint at a shallow and fleeting experience.

As the song progresses, there is a noticeable shift in tone. The singer describes a feeling of isolation and confinement in a "circus of solitude" where everything is closed and they feel stuck in a repetitive groove. This can be interpreted as a metaphor for feeling trapped in a monotonous existence or a reflection on the end of youthful freedom and the onset of responsibility.

The chorus emphasizes the end of the summer, which not only refers to the literal end of the season but also the end of a particular period or phase in life. The lyrics highlight how the silence and escapism provided by music can offer solace and an escape from the violence and void present in the world.

Towards the end, the lyrics touch upon the idea that existence itself feels suffocating. The mention of regrets losing their luster and the feeling of being cornered implies a sense of hopelessness. The repetition of "It's the end of the summer" reinforces the finality of this realization.

Overall, "End of the Summer" reflects on the fleeting nature of youth, the disillusionment that comes with the end of an era, and the struggle to find meaning and escape in an oppressive world.