Summertime
Janis Joplin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Child, the living's easy
Fish are jumping out
And the cotton, Lord
Cotton's high, Lord so high
Your daddy's rich
And your ma is so good looking, baby
She's looking good now
Hush, baby, baby, baby, baby now
No, no, no, no, no, no, no
Don't you cry, don't you cry
One of these mornings
You're gonna rise, rise up singing
You're gonna spread your wings, child
And take, take to the sky
Lord, the sky
But until that morning
Honey, n-n-nothing's going to harm ya
No, no, no no, no no, no
No, no, no no, no no, no
No, no, no no, no no, no
Don't you cry, don't you cry
Janis Joplin's bluesy rendition of the classic Gershwin tune “Summertime” is a powerful interpretation that combines rock, soul, and her signature psychedelic sound. The opening line, "Summertime, time, time / Child, the living's easy,” sets the tone for the song. The lyrics describe the joys of summertime and how life is easier during this time of year. The image of the fish jumping out in the first verse adds to the positive and freeing feeling of summertime.
The following verse talks about the singer's admiration of the baby's mother, emphasizing her attractiveness with the phrase, "And your ma is so good looking, baby / She's looking good now." The next few lines ask the baby to stop crying and reassure them that nothing will harm them until they're ready to take flight, "One of these mornings / You're gonna rise, rise up singing / You're gonna spread your wings, child / And take, take to the sky / Lord, the sky."
Overall, the song is sending a message of hope and possibility. It speaks to all those who are feeling down and lost, and reassures them that they will one day rise and soar, like a bird in the sky. Joplin's emotional delivery of the vocal adds depth to the song's timeless message.
Line by Line Meaning
Summertime, time, time
Summer has arrived
Child, the living's easy
Life is good and relaxed
Fish are jumping out
Nature is thriving and lively
And the cotton, Lord
The cotton crops are growing well
Cotton's high, Lord so high
The cotton crops are prospering
Your daddy's rich
Your family has plenty of wealth and financial resources
And your ma is so good looking, baby
Your mother is attractive and elegant
She's looking good now
Your mother is looking fine and happy
Hush, baby, baby, baby, baby now
Be quiet and calm, little one
No, no, no, no, no, no, no
Don't worry, everything is okay
Don't you cry, don't you cry
There is nothing to be sad or upset about
One of these mornings
Soon, in the future
You're gonna rise, rise up singing
You will feel happy and victorious
You're gonna spread your wings, child
You will use your talents and abilities to succeed
And take, take to the sky
You will go far and accomplish great things
But until that morning
Until that time comes
Honey, n-n-nothing's going to harm ya
You are protected and safe
No, no, no no, no no, no
There is nothing to fear
No, no, no no, no no, no
There is no danger
No, no, no no, no no, no
You are secure and taken care of
Don't you cry, don't you cry
There is no reason to worry or be upset
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Dorothy Heyward, Du Bose Heyward, George Gershwin, Ira Gershwin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Andre Atteint
Dear Janis
@GetihSunda
Summertime, time, time
Child, the living's easy
Fish are jumping out
And the cotton, Lord
Cotton's high, Lord, so high
Your daddy's rich
And your ma is so good-looking, baby
She's looking good now
Hush, baby, baby, baby, baby, baby
No, no, no, no, don't you cry
Don't you cry!
One of these mornings
You're gonna rise, rise up singing
You're gonna spread your wings
And take, take to the sky
Lord, the sky
But until that morning
Honey, n-n-nothing's going to harm ya
No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no
No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no
No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no
Don't you cry
Cry
@stephenhaugen5211
Nobody can compare. Her voice still gives me chills. Blues/rock goddess.
@CAyme-bd7oz
Oui
@nadiaroussel5689
Yessssss
@lauramarkovic5307
I agree, this one's hers! 🙌❤️
@laurencebaron4342
Pour ma dernière demeure
@kanesteiner8613
Very true
@jozsefszili8625
For me, it's one of the best guitar theme of all time.
@user-fy1xx1fq2o
Amazing solo!
@basiliospapanikolaou5669
And voice to 😊