Summertime Blues
The Beach Boys Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
About a workin' all summer just to try to earn a dollar
Every time I call my baby, and ask 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"
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
But there ain't no cure for the summertime blues
I'm gonna take the weeks, gonna have a fine 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
The Beach Boys’ rendition of “Summertime Blues” is a cover of Eddie Cochran’s hit single from 1958. The song’s protagonist is a working-class individual who laments the boredom and frustration of his summer job. His inability to go out and have fun with his girlfriend is compounded by the fact that his parents won’t let him use their car if he doesn’t have a steady income. The singer’s sense of helplessness is further underscored by his failed attempts at getting his boss to give him time off, and by his unsuccessful plea to his congressman to advocate for his rights.
The song’s lyrics convey the disillusionment felt by many young people in postwar America, who were expected to adopt the values of their parents and work hard to achieve the “American Dream”. The catchy melody, the high-energy performance, and the teenage angst of the lyrics give the song its irreverent, rebellious edge. The Beach Boys’ version, recorded in 1962, features the group’s trademark vocal harmonies, and showcases their surf-rock sound.
Overall, “Summertime Blues” stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of rock music as a form of social critique and cultural commentary.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm gonna raise a fuss, I'm gonna raise a holler
Expressing discontent and frustration at working during summer to earn money.
About a workin' all summer just to try to earn a dollar
Working long hours throughout the entire summer to save enough money for the future.
Every time I call my baby, and ask to get a date
Trying to secure a date with the singer's significant other amidst their busy schedules.
My boss says, "no dice son, you gotta work late"
The boss denying the artist's request for time off and/or asking them to work overtime and/or late hours.
Sometimes I wonder what I'm a gonna do
Expressing feelings of hopelessness and uncertainty about the future.
But there ain't no cure for the summertime blues
Acknowledging the difficulties of working through summer, but accepting that it's an inevitable part of life.
Well my mom and pop told me, "son you gotta make some money"
Recounting the parental advice given to the singer about the importance of earning money to support themselves and their future.
If you want to use the car to go ridin' next Sunday
Connecting the ability to use a car with having earned enough money to support oneself and indulge in leisure activities.
Well I didn't go to work, told the boss I was sick
The artist calling in sick to work as an excuse to avoid working and instead enjoying their own leisure time.
"well you can't use the car 'cause you didn't work a lick"
The boss' reaction to the artist calling in sick, denying them access to a car because they did not work that day.
I'm gonna take the weeks, gonna have a fine vacation
Planning to take a break from working and go on vacation to enjoy the summer.
I'm gonna take my problem to the united nations
Using humor to express the severity of the artist's problem (working all summer) and the lack of options available to address it.
Well I called my congressman and he said "whoa!"
Reaching out to authority figures for help with their situation, and expressing shock at the lack of accountability or action.
"I'd like to help you son but you're too young to vote"
The congressman acknowledging the singer's issue but unable to offer tangible solutions due to the singer's age and lack of voting rights.
Sometimes I wonder what I'm a gonna do
Reiterating feelings of hopelessness and frustration in finding a solution for balancing work and leisure during summer.
But there ain't no cure for the summertime blues
Concluding that while the stress and difficulties of working during summer can be overwhelming, it's ultimately an unavoidable part of life.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave
Written by: Eddie Cochran, Jerry Neal Capehart
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
surfohio
Love the minimalist production value...really captures a carefree summer feeling.
trfesok
I put both this version and the original in my Beach Boys covers and covered playlist. Thanks for the upload!
chrisjaybecker
That's actually young David Marks on lead vocals, with Carl Wilson singing harmony.
PM's Far-Out Grooviness
i'd like to know if this was exactly the case
Jason Irelan
I purposely looked up The Beach Boys doing this one because I used to listen to a cassette that had this song, and I knew they recorded it.
amerocker
Thank you, I Can Hear Music! I was just reading about the song history on Wiki, and being a Who fan, knew their live versions. This was recorded on the Beach Boys' first record, as an Eddie Cochran tribute. : )
Wolf251982
Classic
Michael Sharp
Lead vocal on the track was jointly sung by Carl Wilson and David Mark's. Wilson was 15 yrs old .... Marks was 14!
Vicke
This cover is OK, but not more
Jack The Skunk
I am a Bsach Boys fan but this version pales in comparison to the original by Eddie Cochran.