Summertime Blues
The Black Keys- Lyrics
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I'm-a gonna raise a holler
'Bout a-workin' all summer just-a tryin'a earn a dollar
Told my congressman and he said "Well
I'd like to help ya son
But you're too young to vote"
Sometimes I wonder
For there ain't no cure for the summertime blues
One two three four
I'm-a gonna raise a fuss
I'm-a gonna raise a holler
'Bout a-workin' all summer just-a tryin'a earn a dollar
Now I told my congressman and he said "Well
I'd like to help ya son
But (something)"
Sometimes I wonder
What I'm-a gonna do
(something)
The Black Keys' version of the classic Eddie Cochran song, Summertime Blues, talks about the frustration and despair of a young person stuck in a summer job, trying to make ends meet. The lyrics express the desire to make a change and be heard by those in power, but the realization that they are too young to have a say in politics. The repetition of the lines "I'm-a gonna raise a fuss, I'm-a gonna raise a holler" emphasizes the singer's determination and frustration, while the use of the word "wonder" reflects their uncertainty about the future.
The lyrics also touch on the theme of the generation gap, specifically in the line "My mom and poppa told me, son you gotta make some money." The older generation is pressuring the younger one to work hard and be financially responsible, yet at the same time, the system is stacked against them. The song's message is clear: the summertime blues are a real struggle, and there is no easy solution to it.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm-a gonna raise a fuss
I am going to complain loudly and publicly
I'm-a gonna raise a holler
I am going to yell and shout my frustrations
'Bout a-workin' all summer just-a tryin'a earn a dollar
I am going to express my anger and dissatisfaction about working hard all summer just to make a little bit of money
Told my congressman and he said "Well
I went to my elected representative to ask for help
I'd like to help ya son
He said he wants to assist me
But you're too young to vote"
But unfortunately I am not old enough to participate in the democratic process
Sometimes I wonder
I often contemplate
What I'm-a gonna do
What actions I should take to improve my situation
For there ain't no cure for the summertime blues
Unfortunately, there is no solution to the negative emotions and stress caused by the difficulties of summer
One two three four
Counting off to start the next verse or section of the song
Now I told my congressman and he said "Well
Continuing the story of my attempt to seek assistance from a government official
But (something)"
The congressman came up with an excuse or reason why he could not help me
Sometimes I wonder
Repeating the earlier line to express ongoing feelings of anxiety and uncertainty
What I'm-a gonna do
Repeating the earlier line to emphasize my lack of options and frustration
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: EDDIE COCHRAN, JERRY NEAL CAPEHART
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
theredbonefury
This song is timeless, and I feel as if I can relate to it now that I'm working.
Michael Vokes
Where do you work
D'Amico.J
I keep finding Black Keys singles and cover songs that I never heard before. It's just magical.
psco4963
I've honestly lost track of how many good covers of this song I've heard, such a classic!
Bruce Shaakhal
I started listenin' for them years ago and I stll love their music... long live Black Keys !
Wade Crum
I just love the return of the 60's sound. So raw and unprocessed. I'll take some Black Keys any day and all day.
Demonapps
Great sound!
jamrockification
music like this gives us hope
Kenny Torres
Rocked this classic!
Dan Koetter
wow I can't believe I never knew about this...the Blue Cheer cover is awesome too.