Summertime Blues
Joan Jett Lyrics


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Well, I'm gonna raise a fuss and
I'm gonna raise a holler
About workin' all summer just tryin'
To earn a dollar
Well, I went to my boss that governs me
He said "No, dice, bud
You gotta work late"
Sometimes I wonder what I'm ever gonna do
There ain't no cure for the summertime blues

Well, my mom and papa told me
"Now you better earn some money"
If one of you is gonna go ridin' next Sunday
Well, I didn't go to work
I told my boss I was sick he said
"You can't use the car 'cause
You didn't work a lick"
Sometimes I wonder what I'm ever gonna do
There ain't no cure for the summertime blues

Gonna save two weeks
Gonna have a fine vacation
Gonna take my problem to the United Nations
Well, I went to my Congressman
He sent me back a note
It said, "I'd like to help you, hon
But you're too young to vote"
Sometimes I wonder what I'm ever gonna do
There ain't no cure for the summertime blues

Now there ain't no cure
For the summertime blues




Now there ain't no cure
For the summertime blues

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Joan Jett/Blackhearts' song "Summertime Blues" depict the frustration and discontentment of the singer during the summer months. The song begins with the singer expressing their dissatisfaction with working all summer to earn a dollar. They approach their boss for a change or relief, but are denied and told to work late. The singer laments their situation, wondering what they will do, indicating that there seems to be no solution or cure for the "summertime blues."


The second verse portrays the singer's parents advising them to earn money, highlighting the importance of financial independence. The singer decides to skip work and informs their boss that they are sick. However, their boss refuses to lend them the car since they haven't worked enough. This further contributes to the singer's frustration, intensifying their sense of helplessness.


In the final verse, the singer tries to find a solution on a larger scale. They plan to save money for two weeks and then take their problem to the United Nations, symbolizing their desire for global attention and intervention. In a last attempt, they contact their Congressman, only to be informed that as a young person, they are ineligible to vote. This reinforces the idea that there is no easy resolution to the struggles faced during the summertime.


Overall, "Summertime Blues" captures the perception of many individuals who feel trapped by the demands of work, financial constraints, and societal limitations during the summertime. It symbolizes the frustration and lack of control that can arise during this season, and how difficult it can be to find a remedy.


Line by Line Meaning

Well, I'm gonna raise a fuss and
I am going to create a commotion and


I'm gonna raise a holler
I will express my dissatisfaction loudly


About workin' all summer just tryin'
Regarding the effort I put in throughout the whole summer


To earn a dollar
In order to make some money


Well, I went to my boss that governs me
I approached my supervisor, the one in charge of me


He said 'No, dice, bud
He replied 'No, not happening, buddy


You gotta work late'
You have to work overtime'


Sometimes I wonder what I'm ever gonna do
Occasionally I ponder about what actions I can take


There ain't no cure for the summertime blues
There is no remedy for the dissatisfaction caused by the summer period


Well, my mom and papa told me
My parents advised me


'Now you better earn some money'
'You should start making some cash'


If one of you is gonna go ridin' next Sunday
If one of you wants to go for a ride next Sunday


Well, I didn't go to work
However, I didn't go to my workplace


I told my boss I was sick he said
I informed my boss that I was unwell and he responded


'You can't use the car 'cause
'You are not allowed to use the car because


You didn't work a lick'
You didn't work at all'


Sometimes I wonder what I'm ever gonna do
Occasionally I wonder about what actions I can take


There ain't no cure for the summertime blues
There is no remedy for the dissatisfaction caused by the summer period


Gonna save two weeks
I am planning to set aside two weeks' worth of savings


Gonna have a fine vacation
I will enjoy a wonderful holiday


Gonna take my problem to the United Nations
I will bring my issue to the attention of the United Nations


Well, I went to my Congressman
So, I approached my representative in Congress


He sent me back a note
He responded by sending me a written message


It said, 'I'd like to help you, hon
The message stated, 'I would be willing to assist you, dear


But you're too young to vote'
However, you are not old enough to vote'


Sometimes I wonder what I'm ever gonna do
Occasionally I wonder about what actions I can take


There ain't no cure for the summertime blues
There is no remedy for the dissatisfaction caused by the summer period


Now there ain't no cure
Currently, there exists no solution


For the summertime blues
To alleviate the dissatisfaction caused by the summer period


Now there ain't no cure
Currently, there exists no solution


For the summertime blues
To alleviate the dissatisfaction caused by the summer period




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