The great arranger/conductor Billy May wrote the charts in Ellington style and while several of the cuts are a cut-below Sinatra's standards, 'Indian Summer' is so good that uber-arranger Nelson Riddle names it as THE arrangement he wished he'd written.
Sinatra's vocal is just beautiful and sax solo by Johnny Hodges is the best there is. One day, maybe sax man Matt Wallace will take a shot at this, but until then, this Indian Summer will live forever...
Indian Summer
Frank Sinatra Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You're the tear that comes after June time's laughter
You see so many dreams that don't come true
Dreams we fashioned when Summertime was new
You are here to watch over
Some heart that is broken
By a word that somebody left unspoken
You're the ghost of a romance in June going astray
"Farewell to you Indian Summer"
Frank Sinatra's song "Indian Summer" is a nostalgic reflection on the passing of summer and the fleeting nature of love. The use of the metaphor of an Indian Summer reflects the transience of this period, which marks the end of the growing season and the onset of winter. The song explores the theme of lost love, as the singer laments the passing of a romance that seemed to hold promise but quickly faded away. The lyric "You see so many dreams that don't come true, dreams we fashioned when Summertime was new" highlights the hope and optimism that come with new beginnings, but also the disappointment that can follow when things don't work out as planned.
The second verse of the song suggests that Indian Summer is a sympathetic figure, one who watches over those who have been hurt by love. The metaphor of Indian Summer as the "ghost of a romance" reflects the sense of loss and longing that can come with a failed relationship. The line "Fading too soon, that's why I say farewell to you" suggests that the singer is resigned to the passing of summer and the end of a romance that was never meant to last.
Overall, "Indian Summer" is a poignant reflection on the impermanence of life and the inevitability of change. The metaphor of Indian Summer as a symbol of fleeting beauty and lost love is a powerful one, and underscores the emotional depth and maturity of Sinatra's artistry.
Line by Line Meaning
Summer, you old Indian Summer
Addressing the season of summer as a person, expressing nostalgia for its past.
You're the tear that comes after June time's laughter
Like a tear follows happiness, summer is followed by autumn and the end of warm weather.
You see so many dreams that don't come true
Summer represents hope and dreams, but many don't come to fruition.
Dreams we fashioned when Summertime was new
Referring to the hopes and dreams of youth when summer first begins, when everything seems fresh and new.
You are here to watch over
Personifying summer as a watchful protector over nature and human experiences.
Some heart that is broken
With summer's end, some people will inevitably experience heartbreak or disappointment.
By a word that somebody left unspoken
Suggesting that unresolved conflicts or unspoken feelings can lead to sadness or regret as summer fades away.
You're the ghost of a romance in June going astray
Summer love can feel intense and infatuating, but often fades away too quickly, leaving behind a ghostly memory of what might have been.
Fading too soon, that's why I say
Summer always ends too soon, creating a sense of longing and loss.
"Farewell to you Indian Summer"
Expressing goodbye and thankfulness for another fleeting yet meaningful summer season.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Peermusic Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Al Dubin, Victor Herbert
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
knarfartanis
Sinatra makes every song so special, the way he sings a lyric,,nobody comes close.
u47tube
Nice as it is, it gives only a clue to Billy May's genius. One of my all-time favorite pieces of music is his arrangement for Ray Anthony of "Skylark." I'm a little biased here, as this is from the LP GOLDEN HORN, which was the first LPs dad ever brought home. Listen to Billy's re harmonization, how logical and smoothly it flows. A work of arranging perfection.
Steve Silverman
Johnny Hodges was one of several great tenor players in the Ellington Orchestra. He was called upon to deliver the solo here, and boy, did he ever. Sinatra almost came in late he was so transfixed by Johnny's playing.
Mark Blackburn
@Steve Silverman Isn't communication a wonderful thing! Thanks for sharing. Posted a note of my own this day 9/23/2020 where it's Indian Summer (76 F) here in the world's coldest major city. That would be Winnipeg Canada
Steve Silverman
Yes, I meant alto. I can be a little thick at times. I thought you were questioning who the soloist actually was, not the horn he was playing. Yes, it's an alto and I'm an idiot on this one, but with an excuse, I'm a dopey guitar player!
Ruben Greenberg
@Steve Silverman It's Johnny alright! Who else could it be?
Steve Silverman
@Ruben Greenberg I said what I'd read. I just now checked it again from a couple of sources and it was confirmed by both - Johnny Hodges. Maybe I'm reiterating the mistakes of others but it's nonetheless an absolutely stunning solo whoever it is.
Toppercat
+Steve Silverman The solo is magic!
Madhvi R.
beautiful! I read somewhere that Sinatra was so impressed by the saxophone solo by Johnny Hodges he was a half second too late at 2:58 just wonderful!
Isidro Bellón
It was the most famous melody at 70s in Spain due to a radio's magazine. It's a pretty and wonder song really!