Summertime Blues
Ritchie Valens Lyrics
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And I'm gonna raise a holler
About workin' all summer
Just tryin' to earn a dollar
Well, I went to my boss
Who governs me
He said, "No, dice, bud
Sometime I wonder
What I'm 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"
Sometime I wonder
What I'm 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"
Sometime I wonder
What I'm 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
Ritchie Valens’ version of the song “Summertime Blues” is a rockabilly classic. The lyrics depict the struggles of a young man trying to juggle the demands of work and his desire for a summer full of fun. His frustration is evident as he encounters obstacles while attempting to make the most of his break from school. The lyrics are relatable, as many people can recall a time when they were in the same position – working hard to make ends meet while longing for much-needed rest and relaxation.
The singer in the song is introduced as someone who is extremely unhappy with his current situation. He has been working all summer, with little to show for it. He feels like he is in a rut and decides that he must vocalize his feelings. Even when he goes to his boss, hoping to cut his shifts, he is told that he still has to work late. He feels helpless and trapped, with no way out.
Although the lyrics can be seen as just a fun and catchy tune, they offer insight into the struggles of everyday life for many people. The pressure to work and provide for oneself can make it difficult to have the freedom to enjoy life. In essence, the song serves as a reminder that even the simple pleasures of a summer season should not be taken for granted.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, I'm gonna raise a fuss
I am going to complain loudly
And I'm gonna raise a holler
I am going to shout and protest
About workin' all summer
I am unhappy about having to work during the summer months
Just tryin' to earn a dollar
I am working hard to make money
Well, I went to my boss
I spoke to my supervisor
Who governs me
The person in charge of my job
He said, "No, dice, bud
He declined my request
You gotta work late"
I am required to work longer hours
Sometime I wonder
Sometimes I find myself questioning
What I'm gonna do
What actions I should take
There ain't no cure
There is no remedy
For the summertime blues
For my feelings of discontent during the summer
Well, my mom and papa told me
My parents advised me
Now you better earn some money
I should work to make some cash
If one of you is gonna go
If I plan to participate
Ridin' next Sunday
In a ride next Sunday
Well, I didn't go to work
I did not show up for work
I told my boss I was sick
I informed my supervisor that I was ill
He said, "You can't use the car
He denied my request to use the car
'Cause you didn't work a lick"
Because I haven't worked at all
Gonna save two weeks
I am planning to save two weeks
Gonna have a fine vacation
I intend to have a great holiday
Gonna take my problem
I will take my issue
To the United Nations
To the international governing body
Well, I went to my congressman
I approached my political representative
He sent me back a note
He responded with a message
It said, "I''d like to help you, hon
The message expressed a willingness to assist me
But you're too young to vote"
However, I am not yet old enough to vote
Now there ain't no cure
There is absolutely no remedy
For the summertime blues
For my feelings of discontent during the summer
Now there ain't no cure
There is no remedy
For the summertime blues
For my feelings of discontent during the summer
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Eddie Cochran, Jerry Neal Capehart
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind