According to Songfacts, Buffalo Tom's name is derived from the band Buffalo Springfield and the first name of the drummer Tom Maginnis. The band epitomized the rise of indie guitar rock in the 1990s, but unfortunately they had only limited commercial success, despite the consistently high quality of their records.
While Buffalo Tom never 'officially' broke up, they took a seven year break, starting around 1999/2000. During that time while singer/guitarist Bill Janovitz and singer/bassist Chris Colbourn worked on solo material and other projects (Bill with his band, The Crown Victoria, Chris with former Fuzzy singer/guitarist Hilken Mancini). Drummer Tom Maginnis took up a day job in publishing.
In 2007 the trio began playing again and released an album of new material, Three Easy Pieces.
As of 2018 they are again active, touring behind their album released 3/2/2018, "Quiet and Peace."
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SUMMER
Buffalo Tom Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Summer song sung all along
Dragged across the seven seas
To the beach come follow me
Summer's gone a summer song
You've wasted every day, every day
Summer's letters on the ground
Seven pins, the fall begins
When the leaves burn, summer ends
Summer's gone a summer song
You've wasted every day, every day
Summer's gone, can't wipe it off my hands
Write it in the sand, in the sand
Where've my heroes gone today?
Mick and Keith and Willie Mays
Broken windows trails outside
I can take you for a ride
Summer's gone a summer song
You've wasted every day, every day
Summer's gone, can't wipe it off my hands
Write it in the sand, in the sand
In the sand
Summer's gone a summer song
You've wasted every day, every day
Summer's gone, can't wipe it off my hands
Write it in the sand, in the sand
In the sand
In the sand
In the sand
In the sand
Buffalo Tom's "Summer" is a nostalgic song that talks about the passing of summer, regret, and the loss of innocence. The song starts with the line "Sight unseen, sadder seas," which sets the tone for the nostalgic feeling of the song. The lyrics then go on to describe the passing of summer, with the line "Summer's gone, a summer song, you've wasted every day, every day." This line highlights the regret of the singer, who acknowledges that they did not make the most of their time during the summer season.
The next verse talks about "cellophane," a reference to the transparent material used to wrap food or other items, and a "grandma's town." The lyrics paint a picture of faded memories and old, forgotten places. The line "Seven pins, the fall begins, when the leaves burn, summer ends" is a beautiful portrayal of the transition from summer to fall, with the leaves changing color and eventually falling off the trees.
The final verse is a nod to the heroes of the past, such as Mick Jagger and Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones, and baseball player Willie Mays. The line "I can take you for a ride" is a promise of escape from the mundanity of everyday life. The song ends with the repetition of the chorus, "Summer's gone, can't wipe it off my hands, write it in the sand, in the sand."
Overall, "Summer" is a poignant reminder of the fleeting nature of time and the importance of seizing the moment. It's a song about nostalgia, regret, and the loss of innocence that strikes a chord with anyone who has ever loved and lost the memories of summer.
Line by Line Meaning
Sight unseen, sadder seas
Despite not physically seeing it, the summer has brought with it a sense of sadness and melancholy.
Summer song sung all along
The summer has a familiar tune and rhythm that is shared and enjoyed by many.
Dragged across the seven seas
Despite the challenges and obstacles, the summer continues to persist and thrive.
To the beach come follow me
Join me in embracing the summer and all that it has to offer, particularly at the beach.
Summer's gone a summer song
Although the season may have ended, the memories and experiences of the summer are forever ingrained in our minds and hearts.
You've wasted every day, every day
The singer is lamenting not making the most of their summer and having regrets for not fully enjoying it.
Cellophane, a grandma's town
The singer describes a place that feels old-fashioned and outdated, much like a grandmother's town.
Summer's letters on the ground
The remnants of the summer can still be found on the ground, symbolizing the lasting impact it has.
Seven pins, the fall begins
The mention of pins could represent a countdown to the end of summer, and the arrival of fall.
When the leaves burn, summer ends
The changing colors and falling of leaves signify the end of summer and the beginning of fall.
Summer's gone, can't wipe it off my hands
The summer has left an indelible mark and memories that will not easily fade away.
Write it in the sand, in the sand
Although memories may fade or be forgotten, it is important to remember and cherish them.
Where've my heroes gone today?
The singer is questioning where their role models or inspirational figures have gone and why they are not present or visible.
Mick and Keith and Willie Mays
These names represent notable figures in music, entertainment, and sports respectively.
Broken windows trails outside
The presence of broken windows suggests a sense of decay or decline in the surrounding environment.
I can take you for a ride
The artist is offering to escort the listener on a journey or escape from the current setting.
In the sand
Reiteration of the phrase to emphasize the importance of memories and the fleeting nature of time.
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: DAVIDE MARANI
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
mattaki
Sight unseen, sadder seas
Summer song sung all along
Dragged across the seven seas
To the beach come follow me
Summer's gone a summer song
You've wasted every day, every day
Cellophane, grandma's town
Summer's letters on the ground
Seven pins, the fall begins
When the leaves burn, summer ends
Summer's gone a summer song
You've wasted every day, every day
Summer's gone, can't wipe it off my hands
Write it in the sand, in the sand
Where've my heroes gone today?
Mick and Keith and Willie Mays
Broken windows, trails outside
I can take you for a ride
Summer's gone a summer song
You've wasted every day, every day
Summer's gone, can't wipe it off my hands
Write it in the sand, in the sand
In the sand
In the sand
In the sand
In the sand
Ryan John Thomas.
Yes. Great song and that. Where the !#%cl r thy.
Kingdom Come.
Thy words have disappeared.
U know who u r, u kno u.
The closeness, the mystery of.
Only If?
Too Late.
Outside the hospital walls.
R. I. Peace.
You must be a Dillon!
Even think 4 @ second.
H. H. Kirst.
Chantel O'Farrell
I was just 15 when this came out, and was utterly obsessed. Tonight I'm feeling nostalgic, this is a beautiful song.
K Weber
this song never fails to take me right back to the summer it was released, shortly after i graduated high school. just an incredible song! i still have the cassette!
Justin Haynes
Another one that had me mesmerized around this time was spacehog in the meantime
Oscar Mora
Love this
Madmok128
yo same here summer of 95. this song has that early to mid 90s guitar tone going on.
Madmok128
@Justin Haynesdude that song especially. I remember this being released maybe a few months earlier. And other songs like Seaweed ‘Start With’,, Naked by the goo goo dolls, Sick of Myself by Matthew Sweet, or Stars by Hum, there were so many around this time
...It's all too wrong to make it right... The Cure Forever!!!!
One of the greatest songs ever written in human history!
Richard Adams
2000 years from now people realize how brilliant this was.....
Stephen Walker
Why nae telly or sumhing
Rob Arnold
such a great song both when it came out and now, still listen to it at least once a week if not more