About The Song
“Summertime Blues” is a classic rock and roll song by American musician Eddie Cochran, released in 1958. It became one of his most well-known and enduring hits, showcasing his distinctive voice and guitar skills. Here are five facts about the song:
- Written by Cochran and Capehart: “Summertime Blues” was written by Eddie Cochran and his manager, Jerry Capehart. The song’s lyrics reflect the frustrations of a teenager facing various societal restrictions during the summer months, such as having to work and not being able to borrow the family car.
- Guitar Riff and Solos: The song is notable for its catchy guitar riff and energetic solos played by Eddie Cochran himself. The raw and dynamic guitar work contributed to the song’s appeal and made it influential in the development of rock and roll and rockabilly music.
- Chart Success: “Summertime Blues” achieved significant commercial success, reaching No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. It also performed well internationally, becoming a chart-topping hit in the United Kingdom.
- Cover Versions: The song has been covered by numerous artists across various genres over the years, including The Who, Blue Cheer, and Alan Jackson. The covers often pay homage to Cochran’s original while adding their own interpretations and stylistic elements.
- Legacy and Influence: “Summertime Blues” remains one of Eddie Cochran’s most enduring and influential songs. Its impact on rock music is evident in its continued popularity, as well as its inclusion in various compilations and lists of essential rock and roll tracks. The rebellious spirit captured in the song resonated with the youth culture of the late 1950s and continues to do so today.
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Lyrics
Well, I’m a gonna raise a fuss, I’m gonna raise a holler
About workin’ all summer just to try an’ earn a dollar
Everytime I call my baby, to try to get a date
My boss says, no dice, son, you gotta work late
Sometimes I wonder what I’m gonna do
‘Cause there ain’t no cure for the summertime bluesWell, my mom an papa told me, son, you gotta make some money
If you want to use the car to go ridin’ next sunday
Well I didn’t go to work, told the boss I was sick
Now you can’t use the car ’cause you didn’t work a lick
Sometimes I wonder what I’m gonna do
‘Cause there ain’t no cure for the summertime blues
OwI’m gonna take two weeks, gonna have a vacation
I’m gonna take my problem to the United Nation
Well I called my congressman and he said quote
“I’d like to help you son, but you’re too young to vote”
Sometimes I wonder what I’m gonna do
‘Cause there ain’t no cure for the summertime bluesWell, I’m a gonna raise a fuss, I’m gonna raise a holler
About workin’ all summer just to try an’ earn a dollar
Sometimes I wonder what I’m gonna do
‘Cause there ain’t no cure for the summertime bluesYeah, sometimes I wonder what I’m gonna do
‘Cause there ain’t no cure for the summertime blues
No, there ain’t no cure for the summertime blues