"Summer Coat" by Gatlin is a song about holding onto something that once brought comfort and protection, even when it no longer serves a purpose. The lyrics depict the protagonist finding a coat in a bin during winter and wearing it as their "second skin," never taking it off again. The coat symbolizes a safe space or a shield against the harsh realities of the world. The protagonist wishes for the coldness of winter to last forever so that they can continue to rely on this sense of security. They long for a perpetual season of cold, where they can wear the coat even in the summer, metaphorically representing their desire to hold onto comfort and familiarity. However, as the seasons change and warmth arrives, the coat becomes unnecessary and burdensome. The sun represents the inevitable passage of time and the arrival of new circumstances that the protagonist must face. They understand that clinging to the past and resisting change is futile. Despite this realization, the protagonist struggles to let go. They feel conflicted, aware that they don't need the coat anymore, but still hold onto it, fearing the unknown and the potential discomfort it brings. The song alludes to the figurative heat stroke that awaits if they continue down this path of resistance. Ultimately, "Summer Coat" delves into themes of change, the passage of time, and the struggle to let go of what was once comforting, even when it no longer serves a purpose. It captures the bittersweet realization that growth and adaptation require leaving behind familiar and comfortable spaces, even if it's challenging to do so.
