Monroe sang with some of the "Big Bands" of the '40s era, but his music transcended that style to become a popular radio and television personality - like Perry Como, Dean Martin, etc.
The Things We Did Last Summer
Vaughn Monroe Lyrics
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(Doddy dumb dum) (dah-dah-dah-dah-dumb-dum)
The boat rides we would take
The moonlight on the lake
The way we danced (do the twist) and hummed our favorite song
(Loco-motion, do the loco-motion)
The things we did last summer
The midways and the fun
The Kewpie dolls we won
The bell you rang (at Palisades Park) to prove that you were strong
(The bell you rang to prove you were strong)
The things we did last summer
I'll remember (I'll remember) all winter long
The early morning hike
The rented tandem bike
The lunches that we used to pack
We never could explain
That sudden summer rain
The looks we got when we got back
The leaves began to fade
Like promises we made
How could a love that seemed so right go wrong?
(How could a love go so wrong?)
The things we did last summer
I'll remember (I'll remember, oh yes) all winter long
(Doddy dumb dum) (dah-dah-dah-dah-dum) [Repeat x 4]
Vaughn Monroe’s "The Things We Did Last Summer" is a sentimental song that reminisces about the joys of a summer romance. The song outlines various summer activities like boat rides, moonlit nights, dancing, and winning Kewpie dolls at the fair. The chorus, “The things we did last summer, I'll remember all winter long,” highlights the lasting impact of summer moments that evoke pleasant memories and warm feelings even in the cold winter season. The song ends on a bittersweet note, suggesting that the summer romance faded like the leaves on the trees, leaving behind only memories of the past.
The song's lyrics capture a sense of nostalgia that listeners can relate to, as many of us have fond memories of summer vacations, trips to the beach, or time spent with friends and loved ones during summer months. The steady rhythm of the song, with its catchy vocal melody and simple instrumentation, reinforces the nostalgic atmosphere and emotional tone of the lyrics. Although the song was written back in 1946, its themes of summer love and memories continue to resonate with audiences today.
Line by Line Meaning
The boat rides we would take
Recalling the memories of taking boat rides with someone.
The moonlight on the lake
Memorizing the aura of moonlight on the lake holding someone special.
The way we danced (do the twist) and hummed our favorite song
Dancing and humming favorite songs together to spend quality time and create happy memories.
(Loco-motion, do the loco-motion)
Enjoying the happy moments by dancing and singing along with the popular songs of their time.
The things we did last summer
Reminiscing about the things they did together in summer and cherishing them forever.
I'll remember (I'll remember) all winter long
The memories of the past summer are cherished and remembered throughout the winter season.
The midways and the fun
Enjoying the fair with someone special and creating memories to cherish forever.
The Kewpie dolls we won
Winning Kewpie dolls at the fair and cherishing them as a reminder of their happy time together.
The bell you rang (at Palisades Park) to prove that you were strong
Recalling the memories of ringing the bell at Palisades Park with someone, as a sign of strength and happiness.
(The bell you rang to prove you were strong)
Memorizing the strength and happiness they felt when ringing the bell at Palisades Park, proving their love and bond.
The early morning hike
Going for an early morning hike with someone to enjoy the beauty of nature and creating memories.
The rented tandem bike
Creating memories of fun and togetherness by renting a tandem bike and spending time outdoors.
The lunches that we used to pack
Recalling the memories of packing lunches for each other and cherishing those moments of love and care.
We never could explain
They cannot explain the feelings they had for each other and the happiness they share.
That sudden summer rain
Overcoming the sudden summer rain and enjoying the moments of togetherness under the rain.
The looks we got when we got back
Recalling the curious and amusing looks they got from others when they came back from their summer adventures.
The leaves began to fade
Realizing that just like the leaves on the trees, the promises they made to each other also started fading away.
Like promises we made
The promises they made to each other seemed to be fading away just like the autumn leaves.
How could a love that seemed so right go wrong?
Expressing the pain of how their love which was once so right, went so wrong.
(How could a love go so wrong?)
Struggling to understand how their perfect love went so wrong, and the pain of the loss they experienced.
I'll remember (I'll remember, oh yes) all winter long
Despite the pain and heartache, they will always remember the beautiful memories of the past summer, even during the cold winter season.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Downtown Music Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JULE STYNE, SAMMY CAHN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind