The group took off after being signed to Capitol Records in 1952 at the insistence of high profile fan, Stan Kenton. They remained popular throughout the 50s and early 60s, releasing a wide array of successful albums, movie and television appearances and performing countless sold-out concerts. The band eventually lost mainstream attention with the emergence of the British pop bands of the 1960s, even though they managed to stay together even after the retirement of final original member Bob Flanigan in 1992.
As of 2001, the Freshmen have been composed of Bob Ferreira, Brian Eichenberger, Curtis Calderon, and Vince Johnson. Although the new lineup of the Four Freshmen have continued the legendary vocal tradition of the original band and perform many of the same standards, the current sound has more of a lounge sound rather than focusing primarily upon harmonies. This modernized sound has proven quite successful, as the group won Down Beat magazine's reader's poll award for Vocal Group of the Year in 2000, proving the quartet's prominence in the jazz world today.
Indian Summer
The Four Freshmen Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You're the tear that comes after June-time's laughter
You see so many dreams that don't come true
Dreams we fashioned when Summertime was new
You are here to watch over
Some heart that is broken by a word that somebody left unspoken
You're the ghost of a romance in June going astray
"Farewell to you, Indian Summer"
You are here to watch over
A heart that is broken by a word that somebody left unspoken
You're the ghost of a romance in June going astray
Fading too soon, that's why I say
"Farewell to you, Indian Summer"
You old Indian Summer
The Four Freshmen's song "Indian Summer" is a beautiful and emotional tribute to the end of summer and the memories that come with it. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the waning days of summertime and the bittersweet feelings that come with it. The first verse speaks to the dreams we have in the beginning of summer, how we imagine what the season will bring us and how those dreams often don't come true. Indian Summer watches over these dreams and the heartbreaks that often accompany them.
The second verse is even more poignant, as it talks about Indian Summer as a ghost of a romance that went astray in June. This metaphor could refer to a lost love or even the end of the season itself, as summer inevitably fades away all too quickly. The line "fading too soon, that's why I say farewell to you, Indian Summer" is particularly heartbreaking, as it signifies a longing for things to last, even when we know they cannot.
This song is a classic example of The Four Freshmen's beautiful and intricate harmonies, as well as their ability to evoke deep feelings through their music. It's a song that speaks to the fleeting nature of time and the way we hold onto memories of moments that have passed.
Line by Line Meaning
Summer, you old Indian Summer
Referring to Summer, the time of year that is nearly over, like an old Indigenous American summer - filled with sadness as it ends.
You're the tear that comes after June-time's laughter
Summer is often filled with joy and excitement but eventually transforms into sadness, much like the feeling of shedding tears after experiencing happiness.
You see so many dreams that don't come true
Many dreams and aspirations are set during the summertime, but not all of them come to fruition due to the fleeting nature of Summer itself.
Dreams we fashioned when Summertime was new
In the beginning of Summer, people have a tendency to create many new and exciting dreams and aspirations, much like the creation of something new.
You're the ghost of a romance in June going astray
The thought of a past summer romance that went wrong haunts and lingers, much like the ghost of something that has been lost.
Fading too soon, that's why I say
Summer and its dreams, hopes and aspirations never last as long as we may hope, it fades away quickly.
"Farewell to you, Indian Summer"
As summer comes to a close, we must bid farewell to this time that was filled with happiness and promise, much like bidding farewell to a friend who has passed on.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: VICTOR HERBERT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind