Born and raised in Glasgow with his signature falsetto singing style, he happens to also be a left-wing human rights activist.
He went solo when the Communards split up in 1988.
HeatWave
Jimmy Somerville Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Boys we're headin' for a summer heatwave
Summer he-e-e-e-e-eat wave yeah
Summer he-e-e-e-e-eat wave yeah
Tattoos and muscle passion and sweat
Summer he-e-e-e-e-eat wave
Yeah yeah
Dee dab dee ra dee dab dee dab doo yeah
Dee dab dee ra dee dab dee dab doo yeah
Dee dab dee ra dee dab dee dab doo yeah
Dee dab dee ra dee dab dee dab doo yeah
Summer heat save
Summer heat save
Summer heat save
Summer heat save
De ha ra doo yeah
The song "Heatwave" by Jimmy Somerville is a catchy summer anthem that captures the excitement and energy of the season. The lyrics emphasize the idea of a heatwave, in which the temperature rises drastically and causes intensity and passion in those who experience it. The repetition of "Summer he-e-e-e-e-eat wave yeah" throughout the song builds on this idea and highlights the anticipation the singer and their friends have for this sudden change.
The lyrics also focus on physical attributes such as tattoos, muscles, passion, and sweat, which further emphasize the intensity of the heatwave. These descriptions suggest a sense of sexuality and empowerment, highlighting how the heatwave can bring out our primal desires and make us feel alive. The series of "Dee dab dee ra dee dab dee dab doo yeah" in the song accentuates this feeling of excitement and anticipation.
Overall, "Heatwave" is a song that captures the thrill and intensity of summer, specifically the sudden changes and excitement that a heatwave can bring.
Line by Line Meaning
Hey we're headin' for a summer heatwave
We're anticipating a period of time during the summer where the weather will be extremely hot.
Boys we're headin' for a summer heatwave
We, the boys, are looking forward to and excited for the upcoming summer heatwave.
Summer he-e-e-e-e-eat wave yeah
The prolonged period of hot weather that is expected to occur during the summer is being referred to as a heatwave.
Summer he-e-e-e-e-eat wave yeah
The same meaning as the previous line: a hot summer is coming and it's going to be referred to as a heatwave.
Tattoos and muscle passion and sweat
This could be interpreted as a reference to the typical appearance of beach-goers during the summer with tattoos, muscles, and sweating.
Summer he-e-e-e-e-eat wave
Once again, the upcoming period of hot weather during the summer is being referred to as a heatwave.
Yeah yeah
An exclamation of excitement or enthusiasm.
Dee dab dee ra dee dab dee dab doo yeah
These are nonsensical lyrics and do not have an actual meaning.
Dee dab dee ra dee dab dee dab doo yeah
The repeated pattern of nonsensical syllables serves as a sort of refrain or chorus for the song.
Dee dab dee ra dee dab dee dab doo yeah
The same meaning as the previous line: the lyrics are simply a repetitive refrain.
Summer heat save
A playful modification of the phrase 'summer heatwave,' with the word 'save' replacing 'wave.'
Summer heat save
Reiteration of the previous line for emphasis and to further establish the modified phrase.
Summer heat save
Once again, repeating the modified phrase to establish it in the mind of the listener.
De ha ra doo yeah
Another nonsensical phrase used as a refrain to conclude the song.
Writer(s): James William Somerville, Steve Bronski, Lawrence Cole
Contributed by Jordan B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.