For more of Gershwin's "Summertime" tracks on lastfm there is a dedicated tag radio Summertime fm !
Summertime
George Gershwin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And the livin' is easy
Fish are jumpin'
And the cotton is high
Your daddy's rich
And your mamma's good lookin'
So hush little baby
One of these mornings
You're going to rise up singing
Then you'll spread your wings
And you'll take to the sky
But till that morning
There's a'nothing can harm you
With daddy and mamma standing by
George Gershwin's "Summertime" is a famous lullaby which has been covered by numerous artists in different styles and genres since its inception in 1935. The song was originally crafted to be a duet between Clara and Jake, characters in the opera "Porgy and Bess". The song begins with a magical description of summer and how everything seems to be in harmony. The word "easy" is repeated several times in the opening line to emphasize the relaxed and laid-back nature of summer. The second line refers to the fish that are seen jumping around in the water and the cotton which is at its peak, symbolically representing the abundance and prosperity that one enjoys during summertime.
The next verse talks about the singer's family and how they have everything they need. The father is rich and the mother is beautiful, conveying a sense of security and comfort to the listener. The singer then tells the baby to stop crying and assures them that nothing can harm them, as their parents will always be there to protect them. The final verse brings in the theme of hope, telling the baby that someday they will fly like a bird and soar high into the sky. This hints at the idea that anyone can overcome their difficulties and achieve their dreams if they are resilient and have the right support and environment.
Line by Line Meaning
Summertime,
It is currently summertime,
And the livin' is easy
Life is easy and carefree during the summer season,
Fish are jumpin'
The fish in the water are leaping and active,
And the cotton is high
The cotton crops have grown tall and are ready for harvest,
Your daddy's rich
Your father is wealthy,
And your mamma's good lookin'
Your mother is attractive,
So hush little baby
Quiet down, little one,
Don't you cry
Do not shed tears,
One of these mornings
At some point in the future,
You're going to rise up singing
You will awaken and joyfully express yourself through song,
Then you'll spread your wings
You will branch out and explore new horizons,
And you'll take to the sky
You will metaphorically soar through the air,
But till that morning
However, until that point in time,
There's a'nothing can harm you
You are safe and protected from harm,
With daddy and mamma standing by
Your parents are present and will support you through thick and thin,
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, ACUM Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Dorothy Heyward, Du Bose Heyward, George Gershwin, Ira Gershwin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@LenHummelChannel
Surely one of the most melancholy and beautiful melodies & lyrics of all time.
@luvmusic818
This song is sweet, short, and flies by quickly... Just like summer.
@stephen4623
This beautiful song will be listened to and loved for ever. One of the greats. Thank you George Gershwin. If only you had lived another 40 years, what beautiful music we could have had.
@broadwayerin9603
Beautiful. George Gershwin is my all time favorite composer.
@giuseppepagano265
ciao... volevo solo ringraziarti.. per questo video.. dona leggerezza e profondità al tempo stesso.. ci sono momenti nella vita che fai fatica a stare in equilibrio...
@constancelena
lovely version, yes like lying on a chaise in a grass hut on a mild early summer afternoon with the ocean breeze bringing in the scents of the sea...ah...bliss
@violetambrose6037
I had to listen to this for a school project. Its really beautiful and I bought it on my phone
@scipionest
Gershwin è semplicemente magnifico!
@charitobasa
absolutely, my favourite for the season.... i hope it's always SUMMERTIME!
@naitomea_st
there is definitely a fine line between ordinary and extra ordinary, great song!!!