Summertime Blues
Puhdys Lyrics


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I'm a gonna raise a fuss I'm a-gonna raise a holler
About a-workin' all summer just a-trying to earn a dollar
Every time I call my baby, try to get a date
The boss says "No dice son you gotta work a-late"
Sometimes I wonder what I'm a gonna do
But there ain't no cure for the Summertime Blues

Well my Mom and Pappa told me "Son you gotta earn some money
If you wanna use the car to go a riding next Sunday"
Well I didn't got to work told the boss I was sick
"Now you can't use the car cause you didn't work a lick"
Sometimes I wonder what I'm a gonna do
But there ain't no cure for the Summertime Blues

It's gonna take two weeks for I have my vacation
I'm gonna take my problem to the United Nations
Well I told my congress man and he said, quote:
"I'd like to help you son but you're too young to vote"




Sometimes I wonder what I'm a gonna do
But there ain't no cure for the Summertime Blues

Overall Meaning

The Puhdys' song "Summertime Blues" talks about the frustration of a young man who works all summer just to earn a few dollars. He is unable to take his girl out because he is working late, and he doesn't even have the option to borrow his parents' car to take her out because he didn't work enough. The lyrics depict the current situation of the singer - feeling trapped in his job and burdened with responsibilities. He feels helpless and turns to his elected representatives for help, only to find out that he is too young to vote.


The lyrics portray the common teenage struggle of feeling trapped and helpless, where they have limited control over their lives. The song illustrates the conflict between the desire for freedom and the burden of responsibility. The singer is unable to break free from his routine and follow his dreams, and the unfairness of the system only exacerbates his frustration. This song is relatable to many people who have experienced similar frustrations with feeling trapped in their jobs.


Line by Line Meaning

I'm a gonna raise a fuss I'm a-gonna raise a holler
I am going to make a loud noise about my grievances


About a-workin' all summer just a-trying to earn a dollar
I have been working hard all summer just to make ends meet


Every time I call my baby, try to get a date
Whenever I ask my girlfriend out on a date


The boss says "No dice son you gotta work a-late"
My boss tells me that I have to work late and can't go on a date


Sometimes I wonder what I'm a gonna do
I am confused and uncertain about my situation


But there ain't no cure for the Summertime Blues
However, there is no solution to the difficulties I am facing due to the season


Well my Mom and Pappa told me "Son you gotta earn some money
My parents advised me to work and make money


If you wanna use the car to go a riding next Sunday"
So that I can use the car to go for a ride next Sunday


Well I didn't got to work told the boss I was sick
One day I called in sick and didn't go to work


"Now you can't use the car cause you didn't work a lick"
But my boss used this as an excuse to not let me use the car


It's gonna take two weeks for I have my vacation
It will be two weeks before I can take a break from work


I'm gonna take my problem to the United Nations
I am going to escalate my issue to the highest authority


Well I told my congress man and he said, quote:
I even spoke to a congressperson about it


"I'd like to help you son but you're too young to vote"
But he couldn't help me because I am not of voting age


Sometimes I wonder what I'm a gonna do
I am still uncertain about how to solve my problem


But there ain't no cure for the Summertime Blues
Unfortunately, there is no solution to the challenges I am facing due to the season




Contributed by Abigail B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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