The band's goal was to create a new style of American music, which would later be called "cowpunk." Hermann had the idea of naming the band after the traditional cowboy song, Tex Ritter's "Blood on the Saddle," that Big Al the bear sings at the Country Bear Jamboree in Disneyland. They were playing the LA club scene when in 1984 their self-titled debut album was released on The Minutemen's New Alliance (Enigma) label. The band was busy touring North America until 1986 when their second album "Poison Love" was released in America on Chameleon/Suite Beat and in Europe on Stiff UK and New Rose. Touring then expanded into Canada and Europe. In 1987 the band's third album "Fresh Blood" was released on Greg Ginn's SST label in North America and New Rose in Europe.
The original line-up broke up soon after. Bandleader Greg Davis spent the time between incarnations as a member of The Vandals and backing up country singer Candy Kane. Since then, BOTS has released "More Blood" (1993, Semaphore), "Quit Calling Me From Jail" (1994, Kill Rock Stars), "New Blood" (1995, Last Call), and "Flesh and Blood" (2001, One Million Dollar Records). The current line-up includes founder Greg Davis, Dave Frappier (who has anchored himself behind the kit since 1994), and newcomer (former Jolly Ranchers bassist) Billy Hines. The new line-up is putting the finishing touches on a new album (Blood Alcohol) and getting ready for another tour....
Summer Girl
Blood on the Saddle Lyrics
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You were mine and here to stay
I awoke and you were gone
I began to sing this song
You were my summer girl
Beautiful summer girl
You were my summer girl
Hair of henna heart of gold
You were young and I was bold
Call me sweetheart in my ear
Say the words I love to hear
Across the ocean far away
I left you on a summer day
No, I didn't say goodbye
Left you there to sit and cry
Lovers come, lovers go
Where you are, I don't know
I doubt we'll meet again
I think about you now and then
You were my summer girl
Beautiful summer girl
You were my summer girl
Sweet baby sweet
You were my summer girl
Beautiful summer girl
You were my summer girl
Sweet baby sweet
You were my summer girl
Beautiful summer girl
You were my summer girl
Sweet baby sweet
You were fun when you were mine
In the lovely summer time
Now it's over now it's done
For awhile we had some fun
You were my summer girl
Beautiful summer girl
You were my summer girl
Sweet baby sweet
You were my German girl
Beautiful German girl
You were my German girl
Sweet baby sweet
The lyrics to "Summer Girl" by Blood on the Saddle portray a story of fleeting romance and longing for a lost love. The singer reminisces about a dream where the person they loved was with them, only to wake up and find them gone. The realization of their absence prompts the singer to express their emotions through song.
The lyrics describe the person they loved as a summer girl, using imagery of henna hair and a heart of gold. The relationship is depicted as one between youth and boldness, with endearing moments shared such as being called sweetheart and hearing words of love. This paints a picture of a sweet and tender connection that was cherished.
The song takes a melancholic turn as it reveals that the singer left the summer girl behind on a summer day without saying goodbye, leaving her to mourn their departure. The uncertainty of whether they will ever reunite adds to the bittersweet narrative, as the singer reflects on the memories of their time together and the impact the summer girl had on their life.
As the song comes to a close, the singer acknowledges that the summer romance has ended and reminisces about the fun they had during that time. The repetition of the lines emphasizing the summer girl's beauty and sweetness highlights the lasting impression she has left on the singer. The mention of a "German girl" in the final verse suggests that the singer may have moved on to another chapter in their life, but the memories of their summer girl will always hold a special place in their heart.
Line by Line Meaning
I had a dream the other day
I envisioned a scenario while sleeping recently
You were mine and here to stay
I believed you were mine and would remain with me
I awoke and you were gone
When I woke up, you were no longer present
I began to sing this song
I started to sing about my feelings through this melody
You were my summer girl
You were the person I associated with the summer season
Beautiful summer girl
A stunning individual who represents the essence of summer
Sweet baby sweet
Endearing and tender, my affection for you
Hair of henna heart of gold
Your hair dyed with henna, with a heart of pure sincerity
You were young and I was bold
You were youthful, while I was confident and daring
Call me sweetheart in my ear
Address me fondly and affectionately
Say the words I love to hear
Express the sentiments that bring me joy
Across the ocean far away
Separated by a vast distance across the sea
I left you on a summer day
I departed from you during a summer day
No, I didn't say goodbye
I didn't bid farewell properly
Left you there to sit and cry
Leaving you behind, causing you to feel sorrow
Lovers come, lovers go
Romantic partners enter and exit one's life
Where you are, I don't know
I am uncertain about your current whereabouts
I doubt we'll meet again
I am skeptical about us encountering each other in the future
I think about you now and then
Occasionally, thoughts of you cross my mind
You were fun when you were mine
You were enjoyable and entertaining when we were together
In the lovely summer time
During the pleasant and warm summer season
Now it's over now it's done
Our relationship has ended and concluded
For awhile we had some fun
We experienced enjoyment together for a period
You were my German girl
Referring to you as my girl from Germany
Beautiful German girl
An attractive individual hailing from Germany
Sweet baby sweet
Tender and endearing, my affection for you
Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: Gregory Davis
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind