Summertime Blues
Ritchie Valens Lyrics


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Well, I'm gonna raise a fuss
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
You gotta work late"

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

Overall Meaning

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
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