Summertime
Astrud Gilberto; Stan Getz Lyrics
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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'
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
The song Summertime, written by George and Ira Gershwin in the 1930s, has become a timeless classic, covered by countless artists and rendered in many different styles, from jazz to opera to rock. The version performed by Astrud Gilberto and Stan Getz showcases the melodic and harmonic beauty of the song while infusing it with a sensuous Brazilian vibe. The slow, languid rhythm, the lush instrumentation, and the soothing vocals of Gilberto create a dreamy atmosphere that evokes the lazy, sultry days of summer.
The lyrics tell a simple story of a child being comforted by a parent, most likely a mother, who reassures him that everything will be alright, despite the challenges of life. The opening lines describe the idyllic nature of summertime, with its abundance of nature's gifts, such as fish and cotton, and the implicit sense of ease and freedom that they suggest. The contrast between the child's privileged background, with the father's wealth and the mother's beauty, and the child's vulnerability, as indicated by the need for soothing, creates a poignant tension that adds emotional depth to the song.
The middle section, which features a male voice, Barry, introduces a hint of ambiguity, as he tells the child that someday he will rise up and take to the sky, but until then he needs the protection of his parents. This could be interpreted as a metaphor for the child's future aspirations and the challenges he will face on his journey to independence. The final repetition of the opening lines by both voices, followed by the repetition of the word cry, brings the song to a close, underscoring the importance of emotional connection and support in times of difficulty and uncertainty.
Line by Line Meaning
Summertime and the livin' is easy
Summer has arrived and the times are good
Fish are jumpin' and the cotton is high
The rivers are filled with life and the fields are ripe for harvest
Oh your daddy's rich and your ma is good lookin'
You come from a wealthy and attractive family
So hush little baby don't you cry
There is no need to worry or be upset
One of these mornin's you're gonna rise up singin'
One day you will wake up feeling confident and happy
Then you'll spread your wings and you'll take to the sky
You will be free to explore and experience the world
But 'til that mornin' there's anothin' can harm you
Until then, there is nothing to fear or worry about
With daddy and mammy standin' by
Your parents will always be there to support you
Cry, cry
A reminder to not let worries and fears bring you down
Lyrics © IMAGEM U.S. LLC , Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DOROTHY HEYWARD, DU BOSE HEYWARD, GEORGE GERSHWIN, IRA GERSHWIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind