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Summertime Blues
Eddie Cochran Lyrics


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I'm gonna raise a fuss, I'm gonna raise a holler
About a-workin' all summer just to try to earn a dollar
Every time I call my baby, try to get a date
My boss says, "no dice son, you gotta work late"
Sometimes I wonder what I'm a-gonna do
But there ain't no cure for the summertime blues

Well, my mom and pop told me, "son, you gotta make some money"
If you want to use the car to go ridin' next Sunday
Well, I didn't go to work, told the boss I was sick
"Well, you can't use the car 'cause you didn't work a lick"
Sometimes I wonder what I'm a gonna do
But there ain't no cure for the summertime blues

I'm gonna take two weeks, gonna have a fine vacation
I'm gonna take my problem to the United Nations
Well, I called my congressman and he said "whoa!"
"I'd like to help you son but you're too young to vote"
Sometimes I wonder what I'm a gonna do
But there ain't no cure for the summertime blues

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Summertime Blues" by Eddie Cochran is a social commentary about a young man frustrated with his working conditions and the limitations it places on his personal life. The opening line "I'm gonna raise a fuss, I'm gonna raise a holler" sets the tone for the song's message. The singer is working hard all summer to earn a dollar, but every time he tries to enjoy himself or take some time off, he is met with resistance from his boss or parents. The line "Every time I call my baby, try to get a date, My boss says, "no dice son, you gotta work late" highlights the frustration experienced by young working-class individuals who struggle to find a balance between work and personal life.


The second verse contains the same message, with the singer faking being sick to avoid working, only to be told later that he couldn't use the car because he didn't work a day. This verse reflects the limited opportunities available to young people and the expectation that they work hard to earn any privileges they may have. The line "Well, my mom and pop told me, "son, you gotta make some money" signifies the pressure that parents often place on their children to work hard and support themselves financially.


The final verse shows the singer's reaction to the ongoing frustration he faces. He decides to take two weeks' vacation, but even then, his problem doesn't get solved. He tries to take his complaint to a higher authority, the United Nations, but even that effort fails as he is told that he is too young to vote. The final line, "there ain't no cure for the summertime blues," can be seen as a statement about the difficulties young people face as they try to navigate the societal expectations placed upon them.


Line by Line Meaning

I'm gonna raise a fuss, I'm gonna raise a holler
I am going to complain loudly and make a scene.


About a-workin' all summer just to try to earn a dollar
I am frustrated that I have to work hard all summer just to make a little money.


Every time I call my baby, try to get a date
Whenever I try to make plans with my girlfriend, I encounter obstacles.


My boss says, "no dice son, you gotta work late"
My boss is not willing to give me time off to have fun.


Sometimes I wonder what I'm a-gonna do
I am feeling uncertain and worried about my situation.


But there ain't no cure for the summertime blues
Unfortunately, there is nothing I can do to fix my problems.


Well, my mom and pop told me, "son, you gotta make some money"
My parents have encouraged me to work hard and earn a living.


If you want to use the car to go ridin' next Sunday
In order to use the car for recreation, I need to have some money saved up.


Well, I didn't go to work, told the boss I was sick
I called in sick to my job in order to have some free time.


"Well, you can't use the car 'cause you didn't work a lick"
My boss is punishing me for not working by taking away my ability to use the car.


I'm gonna take two weeks, gonna have a fine vacation
I plan to take some time off to relax and enjoy myself.


I'm gonna take my problem to the United Nations
I am so frustrated that I feel like I need to seek help from an international organization.


Well, I called my congressman and he said "whoa!"
I tried to get help from my local representative, but he was surprised by my request.


"I'd like to help you son but you're too young to vote"
My congressman is unable to help me because I am not yet of voting age.


Sometimes I wonder what I'm a gonna do
I am still uncertain and worried about my situation.


But there ain't no cure for the summertime blues
Unfortunately, there is nothing I can do to fix my problems.




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave
Written by: Eddie Cochran, Jerry Neal Capehart

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@janeleekeller

Released in 1958

Thanks C H Stereo 😊.

"Sharon Sheeley" wrote The Song,
'Poor Little Fool' for Ricky Nelson
which was His first #1 Hit in 1958 and Billboard's very First Hot 100 #1.

It was the First song She wrote, and She was 15 years old when she wrote it.

JaneLee - in Suburban Philadelphia Pennsylvania, USA
5/18/22

PS, if you don't understand what I'm talking about, You're Not Reading The Description.



All comments from YouTube:

@AdrianoPedrasPreciosas

Uma obra de arte

@stefanijakrivaja6068

Yes

@ronnieosullivan7928

Dead at 21, How unfair life can be. This guy was so talented.he would have been huge if he had lived long enough ! But he sure left his mark.

@downtownbobbybrown6237

Not to mention how many women he would of entertained !

@ronnieosullivan7928

@@downtownbobbybrown6237 Yes indeed

@crackdadonB1

Your not lying.. He definitely left a mark because im born i 88 and this song is part of my childhood and im from the bronx ny lol La Bamba.. His scene is CLASSIC!

@eleanorcornish7098

haven’t heard of these people before, i’m 20 and this video was recommended to me by my teacher to lift summer spirits, how did he past?

@wesleycook7687

@@eleanorcornish7098 Car crash. 1960.

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@havingagr8time

He was the real deal. One of the rock 'n' roll gods!

@grutzwurst8229

Thank's Eddie that you gave us one of the greatest Rock'n'Roll Songs of all Times...!!!

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