Donna Summer (1948-2012): On The Radio (moroder / Summer, 1979) - Lyrics May 2026

When Donna Summer released "On the Radio" in late 1979, she wasn't just a singer; she was the undisputed "Queen of Disco" transitioning into a new era. Written by Summer and her longtime collaborator Giorgio Moroder for the film Foxes , the track became an instant classic, capturing the bittersweet intersection of nostalgia, heartbreak, and the hope of a broadcasted message. The Context

Donna Summer (1948–2012): The Story Behind "On the Radio" (1979)

The song served as the title track for Summer’s first greatest hits compilation, On the Radio: Greatest Hits Volumes I & II . It exemplifies the "Moroder Sound"—a blend of driving electronic beats and orchestral arrangements—while showcasing Summer’s soulful, gospel-trained vocal range.

Now I'm sitting here and I'm wonderingHow I'm gonna get it back to youIt’s a long time since I let you inAnd I think I’ve changed my mindIt was only yesterdayWhen we were on the runYou were the only oneAnd it was love

And you said it had to beIf you only knew the way I feltAnd I heard it on the radioAnd I knew that it was youAnd you said it had to beIf you only knew the way I feltAnd I heard it on the radioAnd I knew that it was youIt was on the radio

And you said it had to beIf you only knew the way I feltAnd I heard it on the radioAnd I knew that it was youAnd you said it had to beIf you only knew the way I feltAnd I heard it on the radioAnd I knew that it was you