About the song
Now that’s a song that transports you straight to a sun-drenched day, isn’t it? Released in 1970, it became an instant sensation, topping charts around the world and establishing itself as the quintessential summer anthem. But what is it about this seemingly simple song that has resonated for over five decades?
Let’s delve a little deeper. Mungo Jerry themselves were a British blues rock band fronted by the charismatic Ray Dorset. The band’s name, a playful twist on T.S. Eliot’s “Macavity: The Mystery Cat” from “Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats,” hinted at their lighthearted and whimsical approach to music. In the Summertime perfectly encapsulates this spirit.
The song opens with a now-iconic riff – a chugging, bluesy progression on the harmonica that instantly sets the mood. Dorset’s vocals are equally unpretentious, delivered with a relaxed charm that feels like a friend sharing a story over a cold beer. The lyrics themselves are refreshingly straightforward. There’s no complex narrative, no hidden metaphors. It’s a celebration of the carefree spirit of summer – the long, lazy days, the warmth on your skin, and the feeling that anything is possible.
In the Summertime doesn’t shy away from acknowledging the realities of life, however. Lines like “Have a drink, have a job, go ahead and see what you can find” remind us that summer’s freedom doesn’t exist in a vacuum. But the overall tone is one of optimism. The song encourages us to embrace the season, to find joy in the simple things, and to let loose a little.
This simple yet infectious formula is what made the song such a global phenomenon. It transcended cultural barriers and resonated with people of all ages. In the Summertime became a staple at barbecues, pool parties, and summer road trips. It was featured in countless movies and commercials, further solidifying its place in popular culture.
Mungo Jerry may not have achieved the same level of sustained success, but their legacy is secure. In the Summertime remains a timeless classic, a reminder that the best things in life can often be the most uncomplicated. It’s a song that continues to evoke a sense of nostalgia and joy, transporting us back to those carefree summer days, whenever we hear it.
Video
Lyrics
“In The Summertime”
You can stretch right up and touch the sky
When the weather’s fine
You got women, you got women on your mind
Have a drink, have a drive
Go out and see what you can find
If her daddy’s rich, take her out for a meal
If her daddy’s poor, just do what you feel
Speed along the lane
Do a ton or a ton and twenty-five
When the sun goes down
You can make it, make it good and really fine
We’re no threat people
We’re not dirty, we’re not mean
We love everybody, but we do as we please
When the weather’s fine
We go fishing or go swimming in the sea
We’re always happy
Life’s for living, yeah, that’s our philosophy
Sing along with us, dee-dee dee-dee dee
Da doo da-da da, yeah, we’re hap-pap-py
Da da da, dee da doo dee da doo da doo da
Da doo da-da da, dee da da dee da da
When the winter’s here, yeah, it’s party time
Bring your bottle, wear your bright clothes
‘Cause it will soon be summertime
And we’ll sing again
We’ll go driving or maybe we’ll settle down
If she’s rich, if she’s nice
Bring your friends and we’ll all go into town
In the summertime when the weather is hot
You can stretch right up and touch the sky
When the weather’s fine
You got women, you got women on your mind
Have a drink, have a drive
Go out and see what you can find
If her daddy’s rich, take her out for a meal
If her daddy’s poor, just do what you feel
Speed along the lane
Do a ton or a ton and twenty-five
When the sun goes down
You can make it, make it good and really fine
We’re no threat people
We’re not dirty, we’re not mean
We love everybody, but we do as we please
When the weather’s fine
We go fishing or go swimming in the sea
We’re always happy
Life’s for living, yeah, that’s our philosophy
Sing along with us, dee-dee dee-dee dee
Da doo da-da da, yeah, we’re hap-pap-py
Da da da, dee da doo dee da doo da doo da
Da doo da-da da, dee da da dee da da