summer song
Dave Brubeck Lyrics


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Love, to me, is like a summer day
Silent 'cause, there's just too much to say
Still, and warm, and peaceful,
Even clouds that may drift by
Can't disturb our summer sky

I'll take summer, that's my time of year
Winter's shadow, seems to disappear
Gay is swanee season,
That's the reason I can say
That I love a summer day

I hear laughter, from the swimming hole
Kids out fishin', with the willow pole
Boats come driftin', round the bend
Why must summer, ever end...

Love, to me, is like a summer day

If it ends, the memories will stay
Still, and warm, and peaceful,
Now the days are getting long
I can sing my summer song

I hear laughter, from the swimmin' hole
Kids out fishin', with the willow pole
Boats come driftin', round the bend
Why must summer, ever end...

Oh, love to me, is like a summer's day
If it ends, the memories will stay
Still, and warm, and peaceful




Now the days are getting long
I can sing, my summer song

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Dave Brubeck's "Summer Song" convey a sense of nostalgia and appreciation for the simple joys of summer. The comparison of love to a summer day implies that love, like a summer day, is bright, warm, and full of potential. The use of the word "silent" suggests that love is something that can be felt deeply without the need for words. The singer finds peace and contentment in the stillness of a summer day, even when clouds pass by.


The second verse emphasizes the singer's preference for summer over winter, which is described as casting a shadow. The mention of "Swanee season" is a reference to the song "Swanee River," which was written in the 1850s and became a popular song during the 20th century. This choice of words adds to the nostalgic mood of the song, as it conjures images of simpler times. The singer loves a summer day for its carefree spirit and the memories it creates.


The final verse repeats the imagery of the first verse, with the addition of the line "now the days are getting long." This line implies that even though summer may come to an end, the memories and feelings associated with it will last. The repeated refrain of "I hear laughter, from the swimmin' hole / Kids out fishin', with the willow pole / Boats come driftin', round the bend / Why must summer, ever end..." reinforces the idea that the simple pleasures of summer are what make it so special.


Line by Line Meaning

Love, to me, is like a summer day
Love is like a warm, peaceful and relaxing summer day.


Silent 'cause, there's just too much to say
The feeling of love is so overwhelming that words cannot express it.


Still, and warm, and peaceful,
The atmosphere of summer and the feeling of love are calm and serene.


Even clouds that may drift by
No external factors can spoil the peace and tranquility of love and a summer day.


Can't disturb our summer sky
Nothing can disrupt the happy and carefree nature of love and a summer day.


I'll take summer, that's my time of year
Summer is the preferred season as it represents happiness and carefree living to the singer.


Winter's shadow, seems to disappear
The singer feels that winter, a time of hibernation and less sunshine, represents a less happy period that is not as enjoyable.


Gay is swanee season,
The summer season is a happy and joyous time for the artist.


That's the reason I can say
This is why summer is the artist's favorite season.


I love a summer day
The artist loves the atmosphere of summer, full of happiness and carefree living.


I hear laughter, from the swimming hole
The happy sounds of laughter carry through the summer air.


Kids out fishin', with the willow pole
Children enjoy the simple pleasures of fishing in the warm summer months.


Boats come driftin', round the bend
Boats leisurely float down the river, adding to the peaceful summer atmosphere.


Why must summer, ever end...
The singer wishes that summer could last forever as it represents a time of happiness and joy.


If it ends, the memories will stay
Even when summer ends, the happy memories it brings will remain.


Now the days are getting long
As summer moves on, the days grow longer and happier.


I can sing my summer song
The artist can enjoy the happy memories of summer and sing songs that remind them of this time of year.




Contributed by Ethan H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@robertatuck1533

Hey, Mike Stewart!
Your response, I feel,
was a 'Work of Art' in itself!
So true what you wrote, and, you made me.. think 'n rethink! I am a Music Lover, and I have discovered, thru genuine listening that, each decade or now, every 5yrs.. New Sounds, New Rhythms, New Beats, New Lyrics(tho some hmm , awkward, emerge! Its.. Amazing really! JUST when I had thought.. 'hey ive heard everthin now, no more new songs can be invented, no more new rhythms/sounds etc, its all been done & dusted, its just repeat 'n twisted'... THEN, Wow! New Stuff comes along.. this happens now more frequently. I guess technology plays a part!
Its all Amazing! Its also New Poetry in Motion!
So, Thanks Mike Stewart!
from: rober.. bobbs.. bobbie.. eh.. bouncie..
um.. Ok, just.. Roberta🎶
🎶🎨🎶🎨🎶🎨👏



All comments from YouTube:

@israellopez9204

I didn't know who Dave Brubeck was. I found this masterpiece of a musician through a tone. When I heard this tone, it was on a scene of Constantine. I researched this man's music since then. Thank you Mr. Brubeck! Your music is one of my favorites, and introduce me to Jazz. A genuine Maestro you are!

@pameladefina169

The first time I performed at the Royal Poinciana Playhouse in Palm Beach was to Take Five and Three to get Ready, A most precious memory in my life. I love his music. Thank you so much for your marvelous music. With Love, Pamela De Fina

@janeough45

bave brubecks eye lashes are stunning ,his jazz is with us until eternity ,,what pure genius talent this bloke had x

@noblenotes27

WE must slow down and enjoy more of this music.

@cbar0x

Heaven will have a beautiful soundtrack now. Goodbye Mr. Brubeck

@emilyringstrom

Thank you Mr Brubeck, for everything of beauty you left us with. <3

@hopperkrane12

Wow! How beautiful! Thank you Dave! RIP.

@jamesdolimpio5313

I have played his original version for maybe 45 years..my oldest son's favorite of his.Dave's music and humanity is deep within so many he touched.Me included.

@rebeccafrench2925

Just had the great pleasure of being at a workshop with Chris and Dan Brubeck, Dave's sons. WOW!!! I miss Dave, I know his music lives on, and I am so thrilled to meet his musically, magical sons - the genius of your music is in my heart and head!

@MadonnaSunSoul

I miss you Dave Brubeck.....My Daddy introduced me to your music, and then I got to see you with the love of my life...and I Love You.

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