Summertime
Astrud Gilberto & Stan Getz Lyrics

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.