Introduction:
Jackson, a true son of Newnan, Georgia, is known for his smooth baritone vocals and his talent for weaving relatable stories into his music. Summertime Blues is a prime example. The song, produced by Joe Isaak, doesn’t boast with elaborate metaphors or complex instrumentation. Instead, it relies on a simple, catchy melody and relatable lyrics that paint a picture familiar to many – the struggle between summer responsibilities and the irresistible call of summertime freedom.
Now, this tune isn’t your typical blues lament. Sure, there’s a touch of melancholy in the lyrics, but Jackson infuses the song with a healthy dose of good-natured humor. We hear the protagonist’s frustration with his boss who keeps him working late, preventing him from taking a date out. We chuckle at his attempt to feign illness to snag a free day, only to be foiled by his own parents who tie car privileges to work ethic.
Jackson’s storytelling prowess shines in these verses. He doesn’t tell us how the protagonist feels; he shows us. Through vivid details and playful exaggeration, we can practically feel the protagonist’s sweat dripping under the summer sun, his heart sinking when his date plans are dashed, and his exasperation bubbling over as another idyllic summer day slips away.
But Summertime Blues isn’t all grumbling and complaints. There’s a glimmer of hope woven throughout. The protagonist dreams of grand solutions – taking his troubles to the United Nations or seeking help from his congressman (though he’s reminded he’s a little too young to vote). These lighthearted moments add a touch of whimsy and a sense that this frustration, while real, is temporary.
Summertime Blues wasn’t a chart-topping megahit, but it carved a special niche for itself in the vast landscape of country music. It became a relatable companion for countless listeners who’ve ever felt the sting of summer chores and the magnetic pull of summertime adventures. It’s a song that reminds us that even when summer throws us a curveball, there’s always a melody of hope and humor to keep us going. So, put on your boots, grab a glass of iced tea, and let Alan Jackson’s Summertime Blues transport you to those long, lazy days of summer, where the heat might be high, but the spirits can still soar.
Video:
Lyrics:
“Summertime Blues”
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 blues
Well 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 blues
Yeah, 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