Summertime
John Coltrane Lyrics

John Coltrane's rendition of "Summertime" takes the classic lullaby and turns it into a soulful and reflective jazz piece. The lyrics speak to the carefree nature of summer, with the opening lines painting a picture of leisurely days and nature thriving. The following line, "Oh your Daddy's rich and your ma is good looking'" speaks to the idea of privilege and the comfort and security that comes with it. The final line, "So hush little baby, don't you cry," is a reassurance to the listener, a message of comfort and protection.

In the second stanza, the lyrics shift to a more hopeful message of personal growth and discovery. The repeated line of "One of these mornings/ You're gonna rise up singing" speaks to the idea of self-realization and the potential for great things to come. The line "Then you'll spread your wings/ And you'll take the sky" is a metaphor for breaking free and achieving personal success. The final line of the stanza, "But till that morning/ There's nothing can harm you/ With Daddy and Mammy standing by" serves as a reminder that even in the face of uncertainty and fear, there is comfort and support to be found in loved ones.

Overall, Coltrane's version of "Summertime" takes a classic lullaby and transforms it into a message of hope and comfort, conveying the idea that no matter the challenges we face, we always have the potential to rise up and achieve great things, with the support of those who love us.