Before I get to my alternate universe candidates for Song of the Summer, I want to share the song TikTok crowned with that title for both the U.S. and worldwide.
The winner is a 10-year-old dance pop track by English singer-songwriter Jess Glynne. ‘Hold My Hand’ was a #1 hit in the UK in 2015 while peaking at #86 on the Billboard Hot 100. So how did this seemingly forgotten song dominate this summer on TikTok?
Glynne has British tour operator Jet2holidays to thank for that. The company uses ‘Hold My Hand’ in its commercials, which are apparently ubiquitous in the UK. In the ads, the chorus of ‘Hold My Hand’ plays while the beaming announcer claims that “nothing beats a Jet2 holiday.”
Well, some clever TikTokkers got a hold of that audio and set it to scenes of less-than-amazing vacations. The clip has been used to soundtrack unwanted animal encounters, lousy accommodations, and other unfortunate circumstances. Here’s a compilation of the ten most-viewed examples.
The Jet2holidays phenomenon hasn’t resulted in ‘Hold My Hand’ reentering the charts (at least not yet), but it was enough to earn Glynne TikTok’s Song of the Summer crown. And nothing beats that!
Standing in a crowded room, and I can’t see your face
(Ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh)
Put your arms around me, tell me everything’s okay
(Ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh)
In my mind, I’m running ’round a cold and empty space
(Ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh)
Just put your arms around me, tell me everything’s OK
(Ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh)
[Pre-Chorus]
Break my bones, but you won’t see me fall, oh
The rising tide will rise against them all, oh
[Chorus]
Darling, hold my hand
Oh, won’t you hold my hand?
‘Cause I don’t wanna walk on my own anymore
Won’t you understand?
Cause I don’t wanna walk alone
I’m ready for this, there’s no denying
I’m ready for this, you stop me falling
I’m ready for this, I need you all in
I’m ready for this, so darling, hold my hand
[Verse 2]
Soul is like a melting pot when you’re not next to me
(Ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh)
Tell me that you’ve got me and you’re never gonna leave
(Ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh)
Tryna find a moment where I can find release (Find release)
(Ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh)
Please tell me that you’ve got me and you’re never gonna leave
(Leave, ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh)
[Pre-Chorus]
Break my bones, but you won’t see me fall, oh
The rising tide will rise against them all, oh
[Chorus]
Darling, hold my hand (Ah-ah, ah-ah)
Oh, won’t you hold my hand? (Ah-ah, ah-ah)
Cause I don’t wanna walk on my own anymore
Won’t you understand? (Ah-ah)
‘Cause I don’t wanna walk alone
I’m ready for this, there’s no denying
I’m ready for this, you stop me falling
I’m ready for this, I need you all in
I’m ready for this, so darling, hold my hand
[Bridge]
Don’t wanna know
That feeling when I’m all alone
So please don’t make me wait, cause I don’t wanna break
No, I don’t wanna fall
When you’re next to me
Can tell I’m not afraid to be
That you don’t make me wait, and never let me break
You never let me fall
[Chorus]
Darling, hold my hand (Ah-ah, ah-ah)
Oh, won’t you hold my hand? (Ah-ah, ah-ah)
Cause I don’t wanna walk on my own anymore
Won’t you understand? (Ah-ah)
‘Cause I don’t wanna walk alone
I’m ready for this, there’s no denying
I’m ready for this, you stop me falling
I’m ready for this, I need you all in
I’m ready for this, so darling, won’t you hold my hand?
Meet Me In Montauk 
The world of TikTok is fascinating! I wonder if jet2Holidays is benefiting from these spoofs. Also wondering if the artist benefits financially from these viral uses of the soundbite.