Summertime
Astrid Gilberto/Stan Getz Lyrics


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[Diane]
Summertime and the livin' is easy
Fish are jumpin' and the cotton is high
Oh your daddy's rich and your ma is good lookin'
So hush little baby don't you cry

[Barry]
One of these mornin's you're gonna rise up singin'
Then you'll spread your wings and you'll take to the sky
But 'til that mornin' there's anothin' can harm you
With daddy and mammy standin' by

[Barry & Diane]
Oh, Summertime and the livin' is easy
Fish are jumpin' and the cotton is high
Oh your daddy's rich and your ma is good lookin'




So hush little baby don't you cry
Cry, cry

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to "Summertime" by Astrid Gilberto/Stan Getz are a classic example of a lullaby meant to soothe a child to sleep. The song conjures up images of a warm summer day, where the fish are jumping and the cotton is high. The singer reminds the baby that they are blessed with a wealthy father and a beautiful mother, and that there is nothing to fear with the family by their side. The second stanza is sung by a different voice, promising the baby that one day they too will "rise up singing" and fly away. However, until that day arrives, they can rest easy knowing that they are safe in the arms of their loved ones.


The lyrics of "Summertime" are open to interpretation, as they have been covered by artists of various genres over the years, making it more of an American classic than just a jazz standard. The song was written by George Gershwin for the 1935 musical Porgy and Bess and has since been covered by countless artists, including Janis Joplin, Ella Fitzgerald, and Louis Armstrong. The lyrics are often considered to be an ode to the African American experience of the Deep South, where the cotton fields were the prime source of income. Some scholars also suggest that the song may reflect the harsh reality of Jim Crow laws, as the lyrics stress the need for unity and protection within the family unit.


Line by Line Meaning

Summertime and the livin' is easy
The summer season is here and life is stress-free


Fish are jumpin' and the cotton is high
Nature is vibrant with fish leaping and cotton plants flourishing


Oh your daddy's rich and your ma is good lookin'
You come from a fortunate family with wealthy and attractive parents


So hush little baby don't you cry
There's no need to worry, just relax and be at peace


One of these mornin's you're gonna rise up singin'
One day you will wake up feeling joyful and ready to face the day


Then you'll spread your wings and you'll take to the sky
You will have the opportunity to soar and reach new heights


But 'til that mornin' there's anothin' can harm you
Until that time, nothing can hurt you


With daddy and mammy standin' by
Your parents are always there to support and protect you


Cry, cry
Ending repetition of the advice to be calm and not worry




Lyrics © SONGS MUSIC PUBLISHING, RALEIGH MUSIC PUBLISHING
Written by: Du Bose Heyward, George Gershwin, Ira Gershwin

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

@maycanlas6665

Tall and tan and young and lovely
The girl from Ipanema goes walking
And when she passes Each one she passes goes, ah
When she walks, she's like a samba
That swings so cool and sways so gently
That when she passes Each one she passes goes, ah
Oh, but he watches so sadly
How can he tell her he loves her
Yes, he would give his heart gladly
But each day, when she walks to the sea
She looks straight ahead, not at him
Tall, and tan, and young, and lovely
The girl from Ipanema goes walking
And when she passes He smiles, but she doesn't see
Oh, but he sees her so sadly
How can he tell her he loves her
Yes, he would give his heart gladly
But each day, when she walks to the sea
She looks straight ahead, not at him
Tall, and tan, and young, and lovely
The girl from Ipanema goes walking
And when she passes he smiles, but she doesn't see
She just doesn't see, no she just doesn't see
But she doesn't see, she doesn't see, no she just doesn't see



All comments from YouTube:

@brianmolstad1255

When I started dating my wife in 1964 this was one of the very first songs we listened to and bought. She died two weeks ago and I still love her and remember this like it was 1964. God bless you Elisabeth.

@kellao2481

Aw rip❤

@Jinping-CoronaEatingShow

God blass you

@bruceeide4359

May Good God Bless you sir, for your faithfulness and love toward your forever soulmate.

@GroundhogzGarage

That’s a beautiful memory of your time together.

@stevecinquemani6225

@@Jinping-CoronaEatingShow ²

172 More Replies...

@abelincoln3287

What a lovely vision she was and a unique and beautiful voice. She had a shy and timid presentation, and still delivered a classic performance. RIP

@diegoacuna4493

🕊

@bigballermakingmyends2797

😥😥😥

@oliviahackshaw5267

yes,just heard of her passing and playing this in memoriam

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