Brian Hyland – ‘Sealed With A Kiss’

Released in 1962, Brian Hyland’s “Sealed With a Kiss” captured the hearts of teenagers with its sweet melody and relatable lyrics. The song became a chart-topping hit, solidifying Hyland’s place as a teen idol and offering a nostalgic look at the bittersweet emotions of summer love.

Composed by Peter Udell and Gary Geld, “Sealed With a Kiss” tells the story of a young man facing a summer separation from his sweetheart. The opening lines set the scene: “Every day in a letter sealed with a kiss / Guess it’s gonna be a hole I’ll send you all my dreams.” Letters, the primary mode of communication in the pre-internet age, become a symbol of connection despite the physical distance.

The song paints a vivid picture of the protagonist’s longing. “I’ll see you in the sunlight / I’ll hear your voice everywhere / I’ll run to tenderly hold you but darling you won’t be there,” he sings. His imagination fills the empty space with memories of their time together, a bittersweet reminder of what he’s missing.

The chorus, delivered with a youthful yearning, captures the essence of the song: “Don’t wanna say goodbye / For the summer knowing oh / Let us make a pledge to meet in September / And seal it with a kiss yes it’s gonna be a cold lonely summer / But I’ll feel the emptiness / I’ll send you all my love.” The promise of a reunion in September offers a glimmer of hope, making the separation a little easier to bear.

“Sealed With a Kiss” isn’t just about romantic love; it taps into a universal experience of missing someone close during a time of change. Summer, for many teenagers, represents a time of freedom and exploration. The impending separation signifies a return to routine and the bittersweetness of growing up.

The song’s enduring appeal lies in its nostalgic charm. It evokes memories of young love, summer days, and the anticipation of reunion. The simple melody and heartfelt lyrics resonate with listeners of all ages, transporting them back to a time of youthful innocence and the bittersweet pangs of first love.

Here are some additional points to consider:

• The song’s title, “Sealed With a Kiss,” refers to the act of sealing a letter with a kiss, symbolizing the emotional connection between the lovers despite the physical distance.
• The use of the word “cold” to describe the upcoming summer highlights the emotional emptiness the protagonist feels without his love interest.
• The hopeful and optimistic tone of the song, despite the separation, leaves the listener with a sense that their love will endure.

“Sealed With a Kiss” remains a timeless classic, a testament to the enduring power of pop music to capture the universal emotions of young love and the bittersweet beauty of summer.