Sydney Devine (born Cleland, Lanarkshire 1940 - 13th F… Read Full Bio ↴Sydney devine
Sydney Devine (born Cleland, Lanarkshire 1940 - 13th February 2021) was a Scot and' it's very own rhinestone cowboy, a singer whose career began with a television appearance in 1953 at the age of thirteen, developed during eight years touring with the White Heather Group. When visiting Hawaii with Andy Stewart's band, he heard the Hawaiian singer Don Ho perform Tiny Bubbles; this became Devine's signature tune and he went on to sell fifteen million albums. His record sales were revived in December 2005 when a frothy drink making machine was advertised on television using Don Ho's version of Tiny Bubbles. YUP
He is sometimes referred to as 'Steak and Kidney',
Summertime Blues
Sydney Devine Lyrics
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About a-workin' all summer just to try to get a dollar
Every time I call my baby, try to get a date
My boss says, ""no dice son, you gotta work late""
Sometimes I wonder what I'm a gonna do
But there ain't no cure for the summertime blues
Well my Mom and Pop told me, ""son, you gotta make some money""If you want to use the car to ridin' next Sunday
Well, I didn't go to work, told the boss I was sick
""Well, you can't use the car 'cause you didn't work a lick""
Sometimes I wonder what I'm a gonna do
Cause there ain't no cure for the summertime blues
I'm gonna take two weeks, gonna have a vacation
I'm gonna take my problem to the United Nations
Well, I called my Congressman and he said ""whoa!""
""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
....Repeat verse 1 again
The lyrics of Sydney Devine's song "Summertime Blues" reveal a sense of frustration and helplessness felt by the singer as he navigates through the challenges of working hard to earn a living during the summer months. The singer expresses his discontent by declaring his intention to "raise a fuss" and "raise a holler" about the demanding nature of his job and the struggle to make ends meet by working tirelessly for a mere dollar. This highlights a common struggle faced by many individuals who find themselves working long hours and sacrificing personal time to earn a living wage.
The singer's attempt to balance his work responsibilities with his personal life is further highlighted when he tries to make plans with his significant other, only to be thwarted by his boss's insistence that he work late instead of taking time off to spend with his loved one. This conflict underscores the challenges of prioritizing personal relationships and leisure activities in the face of work demands, leading the singer to lament his predicament and question his future course of action.
The theme of familial expectations and financial pressures is also apparent in the lyrics, as the singer recalls his parents advising him to earn money in order to use the family car for a leisure activity. When he feigns illness to get out of work and is subsequently denied access to the car, the singer is once again confronted with the harsh realities of the working world and the consequences of shirking his responsibilities. This serves as a reminder of the importance of diligence and hard work in earning privileges and maintaining financial stability.
The final verses of the song see the singer seeking solutions to his predicament by planning a vacation and reaching out to government officials for assistance, only to be met with further obstacles and limitations. The mention of approaching the United Nations and a Congressman for help highlights the singer's desperation and frustration at being unable to break free from the cycle of hardships and limitations imposed upon him. Despite his efforts to find a cure for his "summertime blues," the singer is ultimately resigned to the harsh reality that there is no easy fix for his struggles, emphasizing the pervasive nature of challenges faced during the summer months and the enduring sense of helplessness in the face of adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
Well I'm gonna raise a fuss, I'm gonna raise a holler
I’m determined to make my frustrations known and to express my dissatisfaction loudly.
About a-workin' all summer just to try to get a dollar
I'm complaining about laboring throughout the summer months solely for the purpose of earning a little bit of money.
Every time I call my baby, try to get a date
Whenever I reach out to my sweetheart in hopes of spending time together,
My boss says, 'no dice son, you gotta work late'
My employer repeatedly denies my requests, insisting that I must stay late instead of going out.
Sometimes I wonder what I'm a gonna do
Occasionally, I find myself contemplating my options and feeling lost regarding my situation.
But there ain't no cure for the summertime blues
However, I realize there is no remedy for this feeling of discontent during the summer season.
Well my Mom and Pop told me, 'son, you gotta make some money'
My parents advised me that making money is essential for my financial independence and enjoyment.
If you want to use the car to ridin' next Sunday
They conditioned my use of the car for leisure activities on my ability to earn some cash.
Well, I didn't go to work, told the boss I was sick
I chose to skip work, falsely claiming illness to justify my absence.
Well, you can't use the car 'cause you didn't work a lick
In response, my boss reminds me that my lack of work means I'm not eligible to use the car.
Sometimes I wonder what I'm a gonna do
I occasionally find myself questioning what actions I can take to improve my predicament.
Cause there ain't no cure for the summertime blues
Because, ultimately, I recognize that there is no solution for this summer-induced frustration.
I'm gonna take two weeks, gonna have a vacation
I plan to take a break for two weeks to refresh and relieve myself from my troubles.
I'm gonna take my problem to the United Nations
I intend to bring my grievances to an authoritative body, humorously suggesting a grand solution.
Well, I called my Congressman and he said 'whoa!'
I reached out to my elected representative only to be met with surprise at my situation.
'I'd like to help you son but you're too young to vote'
He expressed a desire to assist me, but notes that my youth disqualifies me from participating in democracy.
Sometimes I wonder what I'm a gonna do
Once again, I find myself pondering the next steps I can take in my circumstances.
But there ain't no cure for the summertime blues
Yet again, I face the realization that no matter what I do, these summertime frustrations remain.
....Repeat verse 1 again
This reflective cycle of complaining and expressing dissatisfaction recurs as a reminder of my ongoing struggle.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave
Written by: Eddie Cochran, Jerry Neal Capehart
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind