Summertime
Louis & Ella Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Fish are jumpin' and the cotton is high
Oh, your daddy's rich and your ma is good-lookin'
So hush, little baby, don't you cry
One of these mornings you're gonna rise up singing
And you'll spread your wings and you'll take to the sky
But till that morning, there ain't nothin' can harm you
One of these mornings you're gonna rise up singing
And you'll spread your wings and you'll take to the sky
But till that morning, there ain't nothin' can harm you
With daddy and mammy standin' by
Summertime, and the livin' is easy
Fish are jumpin' and the cotton is high
Oh, your daddy's rich and your ma is good-lookin'
So hush, little baby, don't you cry
The song “Summertime” by George Gershwin is a classic jazz standard that has been covered by countless artists over the years. The lyrics paint a picture of summertime in the South, where the living is easy and the cotton is high. The opening lines of the song set the scene of the lazy, hazy days of summer, with fish jumping in the water and cotton fields rippling in the breeze. The song then turns to address a little baby, whose parents are wealthy and attractive, assuring them that everything will be all right with their family there to protect them.
The song is full of metaphors and imagery that evoke a sense of warmth and comfort. The lyrics “One of these mornings you're gonna rise up singing, And you'll spread your wings and you'll take to the sky” can be interpreted as a message of hope and encouragement, a call to embrace life and pursue one’s dreams. The repetition of this verse at the end of the song reinforces this message and adds a sense of optimistic energy to the song. Overall, “Summertime” is a soulful and evocative portrait of one of America’s most beloved seasons, capturing the essence of the joy and freedom that comes with summertime.
Line by Line Meaning
Summertime, and the livin' is easy
The summer season brings a temporary sense of relaxation and ease.
Fish are jumpin' and the cotton is high
Nature is vibrant and alive - fish are actively swimming and cotton fields are flourishing.
Oh, your daddy's rich and your ma is good-lookin'
You come from a privileged and attractive family.
So hush, little baby, don't you cry
There's nothing to worry about, rest easy.
One of these mornings you're gonna rise up singing
A day will come when you'll be uplifted and joyful.
And you'll spread your wings and you'll take to the sky
You'll feel liberated and empowered and be able to achieve great things.
But till that morning, there ain't nothin' can harm you
Until that day, there's nothing to be afraid of.
With daddy and mammy standin' by
Your parents will be there to support and protect you along the way.
Summertime, and the livin' is easy
The chorus repeats the original statement to emphasize the sentiment.
Fish are jumpin' and the cotton is high
The chorus repeats the original statement to emphasize the vibrancy of nature.
Oh, your daddy's rich and your ma is good-lookin'
The chorus repeats the original statement to emphasize the privilege and attractiveness of your family.
So hush, little baby, don't you cry
The chorus repeats the original statement to reassure and comfort you.
Lyrics © IMAGEM U.S. LLC , Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DOROTHY HEYWARD, DU BOSE HEYWARD, GEORGE GERSHWIN, IRA GERSHWIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
TammyH SM
Ella:
Summertime and the livin' is easy
Fish are jumpin' and the cotton is high
Your daddy's rich and your ma is good lookin'
So hush, little baby, don't you cry
Louis:
One of these mornin's, you're gonna rise up singin'
You're gonna spread your wings and you'll take to the sky
But 'til that mornin', there is nothin' can harm you
With Daddy and Mummy, standing by
Don't you, don't you cry
Ella & Louis:
Summertime and the livin' is easy
Fish are jumpin' and the cotton is high
Your daddy's rich and your ma is good lookin'
So hush, little baby, don't you crying
AstuteCitizen
Thrillingly perfect interpretation of Gershwin's iconic "Summertime" by two masters of musical artistry, the great Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong, what a powerhouse duo & duet ... Sublime!
Simmo's Adventures
I feel so honoured to have heard this. The struggles they faced for being black I cannot imagine and yet or is it because of those struggles that they gifted us with this masterpiece and many more. Thank you.
P. Jane Ayers
@Simmo's Adventures If you have not ever seen it, the documentary series called “Jazz”, by Ken Burns, overflows with the stories of these two and a lot of other genius musicians, mostly Black
Ann Corsaro
Two of my favorites. Two unbelievably talented people that went through unbelievable hardship. Both born into abject poverty and racism and both rose above each. Amazing rendition of a classic❤️👍❤️👍
Lina P
Astute Citizen.... My thoughts exactly...
Norman Long
@Ann Corsaro perfect!
Simona Simona
Это божественно! Это не имеет границ! Дар бога 🙏☀️❤️ На все времена
Fabienne Nay
Magnifique duo , un chef d'œuvre, on est transportés par la magie de leurs deux voix , intemporel.
Donald Maxie
Ella Fitzgerald, the greatest female vocalist of our time. Incredible range and clairity.
Victoria Aguayo
Q voces maravillosas, no entiendo como a alguien no les pueden gustar, alguien me podría decir de q trata la canción, aunque creo q la buena música como esta no necesita traducción solo sentirla.