Summer Kisses Winter Tears – Elvis Presley

“Summer Kisses, Winter Tears” is a tender ballad recorded by Elvis Presley in 1960. Originally intended for the soundtrack of the movie Flaming Star, the song didn’t make the final film cut but was still released and appreciated for its emotional depth and seasonal metaphor. Written by Ben Weisman, Fred Wise, and Jack Lloyd, the track reflects the heartache of lost love through the contrasting imagery of summer and winter—an evocative way to express the warmth of romance fading into cold sorrow.

In the lyrics, Elvis sings of a love that once brought joy during the “summer kisses” but has since disappeared, leaving behind only the “winter tears.” The seasonal metaphors are used powerfully to convey how fleeting moments of passion can turn into enduring heartache. Presley’s vocal performance is deeply emotional yet restrained, capturing the melancholy and nostalgia embedded in the words. The arrangement, featuring gentle guitar work and subdued backing vocals, supports the song’s somber tone.

Though not one of Presley’s biggest hits, “Summer Kisses, Winter Tears” has endured as a fan favorite and a hidden gem in his discography. Its enduring appeal lies in its timeless theme—love lost and remembered—which resonates across generations. The song has been featured in later compilations and was even revived in the 1990 Wim Wenders film Until the End of the World, introducing it to a new audience and reaffirming its emotional weight in Elvis’s vast catalog.

Ultimately, the song showcases Elvis’s ability to move listeners with simplicity and feeling. It stands as a poignant reminder of his gift for transforming a short, simple melody into something emotionally resonant and unforgettable.