Summer Wine
Virgil Warner Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
My summer wine is really made from all these things
I walked in town on silver spurs that jingled to
A song that I had only sang to just a few
She saw my silver spurs and said lets pass some time
And I will give to you summer wine
Ohh-oh-oh summer wine
Strawberries cherries and an angel's kiss in spring
My summer wine is really made from all these things
Take off your silver spurs and help me pass the time
And I will give to you summer wine
Ohhh-oh summer wine
My eyes grew heavy and my lips they could not speak
I tried to get up but I couldn't find my feet
She reassured me with an unfamiliar line
And then she gave to me more summer wine
Ohh-oh-oh summer wine
Strawberries cherries and an angel's kiss in spring
My summer wine is really made from all these things
Take off your silver spurs and help me pass the time
And I will give to you summer wine
Mmm-mm summer wine
When I woke up the sun was shining in my eyes
My silver spurs were gone my head felt twice its size
She took my silver spurs a dollar and a dime
And left me cravin' for more summer wine
Ohh-oh-oh summer wine
Strawberries cherries and an angel's kiss in spring
My summer wine is really made from all these things
Take off your silver spurs and help me pass the time
And I will give to you summer wine
Mmm-mm summer wine
The song "Summer Wine" by Lee Hazlewood, as performed by Virgil Warner and Suzi Jane Hokom, is a duet about a man who meets a woman in town and they spend time together drinking "summer wine." The wine is really made from "strawberries, cherries, and an angel's kiss in spring," suggesting that it is a romantic and intoxicating mix. The man wears silver spurs, which catch the woman's eye, and she invites him to spend time together. As they drink the wine, the man becomes intoxicated and cannot stand up, while the woman seems experienced and reassuring. When he wakes up, he realizes that she has taken his spurs and some money, leaving him wanting more of the summer wine.
The song has a dreamlike quality to it, with the lyrics evoking pastoral imagery and a sense of nostalgia for a simpler time. The use of fruits and an angel's kiss suggests innocence and purity, while the wine represents the intoxicating allure of romance and the loss of control that can come with it. The woman is portrayed as confident and well-versed in the ways of love, while the man is a bit naive and easily taken in by her charm. The repeated chorus of "take off your silver spurs and help me pass the time" highlights the idea that the wine is a way to escape from reality and indulge in the pleasures of the moment.
Line by Line Meaning
Strawberries cherries and an angel's kiss in spring
The sweet memories of springtime are embodied in the flavors of strawberries and cherries, and the beauty of nature is represented by the symbol of an angel's kiss.
My summer wine is really made from all these things
The essence of my summer experience is captured and distilled into a delicious wine that is more than the sum of its parts.
Take off your silver spurs and help me pass the time
Surrender your symbols of status and wealth and join me in enjoying the simple pleasures of life, so that we may while away the hours in each other's company.
And I will give to you summer wine
If you share this experience with me, I promise to give you something that will transport you to another realm of pleasure and bliss.
My eyes grew heavy and my lips they could not speak
As the intoxicating effects of the wine take hold, my body becomes heavy and my ability to communicate verbally is impaired.
She reassured me with an unfamiliar line
Even though I cannot understand the exact words she is saying, her tone and touch communicate a reassuring message that puts me at ease.
And then she gave to me more summer wine
As I drift into a state of relaxation and pleasure, she keeps pouring more of this magical elixir that seems to enhance every sensation.
When I woke up the sun was shining in my eyes
As the night comes to an end and I return to sobriety, I am momentarily disoriented by the brightness of the morning sun.
She took my silver spurs a dollar and a dime
As a reminder of the ephemeral nature of material possessions, she confiscates my silver spurs and leaves me a small payment for my time.
And left me cravin' for more summer wine
Even though the experience is over and I am left to wander alone, I cannot help but yearn for another taste of that sweet, sweet nectar.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: LEE HAZLEWOOD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@gsire4348
I met him too in 1994 . I miss Arizona , the desert , the pine trees , the peroxide blondes , the Gun Club
@0mik3mik3
This is my favourite version of the song. They both sound better to my ears than Nancy & Lee. Virgil Warner's voice is warm and fitting. I love the verse variation that they sing at 2:33. I Also, I'm pretty sure that this version inspired Lana & Barrie for their cover.
@gilveber2929
you are so wrong, my version is way better https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GTa8KI4T7Hw ( no wait, this version with virgil and Suzy is 1000 better sorry lol)
@FazeTempOG
I know Virgil. He is in Prescott, AZ currently. You can see him and his band playing at the Moose Lodge in Prescott, AZ.
@mcnyregrus
I sometimes see the record on Ebay. You can click "save this search" on Ebay, and Ebay will e-mail you when a copy is listed. The record was only ever released as a vinyl lp to the best of my knowledge. If you missed it, be sure to check out the duo's version of "Lady bird". The link is posted in the info box at the top right of this page.
@durgan5668
I like this version, as the two singers seem to have found a very good rapport.
@carolgebert7833
Wow !!
@weerawattepayayone4136
Now, are Virgil & Suzi still alive? Who knows? I love this version so much.
@allisonstark7197
hi! suzi is my great aunt, yes she’s still around hahah
@mcnyregrus
@@allisonstark7197 Say hi to her for me, please. Finding this record was the very first Lee Hazlewood material I ever came across (I'm the one who uploaded the video), and I find her voice on these recordings to be some of the best vocals I've ever heard, and I still find her and Virgil's versions of "Lady Bird" and "Summer Wine" to the very best ones.
Someone who knows Virgil also posted a comment here on the video.