Intrroduction:
“Summertime Blues,” performed by Alan Jackson, is a vibrant, country rendition of the classic rockabilly song originally written and recorded by Eddie Cochran in 1958. Jackson’s version was released in 1994 as a part of his album “Who I Am.” This album, Jackson’s fourth studio effort, cemented his place as a leading figure in the country music scene during the 1990s. His take on “Summertime Blues” showcases a blend of traditional country and honky-tonk styles with a modern twist, staying true to his signature sound while paying homage to the original rock and roll roots of the song.
“Summertime Blues” by Alan Jackson is a lively cover that transforms the original rockabilly vibe into a purely country track, filled with twangy guitars, a steady beat, and Jackson’s deep, resonant voice. It fits well within the country genre, particularly the neo-traditionalist movement, which Jackson was a part of. This movement sought to return to the roots of country music by emphasizing straightforward lyrics, storytelling, and traditional instrumentation, distinguishing itself from the pop-infused country that had gained popularity in the preceding decades.
Upon its release, Alan Jackson’s version of “Summertime Blues” quickly climbed the charts. It was released as the third single from the album “Who I Am” in June 1994 and achieved significant success, reaching the number one spot on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart. This achievement made Jackson’s version one of the few covers to replicate the chart success of the original. Furthermore, the song’s popularity extended beyond the country genre, allowing Jackson to reach a broader audience and further solidify his status as a country music star.
The “Who I Am” album itself was a considerable success, eventually achieving multi-platinum status. It produced several chart-topping singles and helped Jackson win numerous awards and nominations throughout the 1990s, including from the Country Music Association (CMA) and the Academy of Country Music (ACM). His cover of “Summertime Blues” remains a fan favorite, demonstrating his ability to reinterpret a classic in a way that is both respectful of its origins and distinctively his own.
Video:
Lyrics:
“Summertime Blues”
Well I’m a-gonna raise a fuss, I’m a-gonna raise a holler
About a-workin’ all summer just to try an’ earn a dollar
Everytime I call my baby, to try to get a date
My boss says, “No dice, son, you gotta work late”
Sometimes I wonder what I’m gonna do
Cause there ain’t no cure for the summertime bluesWell my mom ‘n’ papa told me, “Son, you gotta make some money”
“If you wanna use the car to go ridin’ next Sunday”
Well, I didn’t go to work, told the boss I was sick
“Now you can’t use the car ’cause you didn’t work a lick”
Sometimes I wonder what I’m gonna do
Cause there ain’t no cure for the summertime blues[key change]
I’m gonna take two weeks, gonna have a vacation
I’m gonna take my problem to the United Nations
Well, I called my congressman and he said quote,
“I’d like to help you son, but you’re too young to vote”
Sometimes I wonder what I’m gonna do
Cause there ain’t no cure for the summertime bluesWell I’m a-gonna raise a fuss, I’m a-gonna raise a holler
About workin’ all summer just to try an’ earn a dollar
Sometimes I wonder what I’m a-gonna do
Cause there ain’t no cure for the summertime bluesYeah, sometimes I wonder what I’m gonna do
Cause there ain’t no cure for the summertime blues
No there ain’t no cure for the summertime blues