Summer
Ohios Lyrics
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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 'til that morning, there ain't nothin' can harm you
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
One of these mornings you're gonna rise up singing
And you'll spread your wings and you'll take to the sky
But 'til that morning, there ain't nothin can harm you
With Daddy and Mammy standin' by
The lyrics to Ohio's song "Summer in 2-3" are actually an adaptation of the classic song "Summertime" from the opera "Porgy and Bess." The lyrics evoke a feeling of idyllic summer days, with the fish jumping and the cotton high. The singer addresses a baby, assuring them that they are safe in their parents' care. Despite the challenges that the future may bring, the singer believes that the baby will rise up and take flight one day.
However, the lyrics may also be read as a commentary on race and class. The original version of "Summertime" was written by George Gershwin, a Jewish composer, and DuBose Heyward, a white Southern novelist. The song was meant to capture the spirit and struggles of the black community in Charleston, South Carolina. The lyrics in Ohio's adaptation may be seen as an attempt to capture the struggles and aspirations of black youth growing up in the 1980s.
The reference to the baby's "Daddy and Mammy" may be read as a nod to the African American roots of the original song. Mammy was a stereotype of African American maid or nanny, while Daddy was a term often used to refer to slave owners. By using these terms in the song, Ohio may be commenting on the legacy of slavery and the ongoing struggles of African Americans.
Line by Line Meaning
Summertime, and the livin' is easy
It's summertime and life is laid back and uncomplicated.
Fish are jumpin' and the cotton is high
The weather is warm and the wildlife is thriving.
Oh, your daddy's rich and your ma is good-lookin'
You come from a well-off and attractive family background.
So hush little baby, Don't you cry
Don't worry about a thing, everything is going to be alright.
One of these mornings you're gonna rise up singing
One day you'll wake up feeling joyful and optimistic.
And you'll spread your wings and you'll take to the sky
You'll feel free and unencumbered like a bird in flight.
But 'til that morning, there ain't nothin' can harm you
Until that happy day, nothing can hurt you as long as your parents are with you.
With Daddy and Mammy standin' by
As long as your parents support you, you can face any challenge.
Lyrics Š SONGS MUSIC PUBLISHING, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: DOROTHY HEYWARD, DU BOSE HEYWARD, GEORGE GERSHWIN, IRA GERSHWIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind