Introduction:
Ah yes, Alan Jackson’s “Summertime Blues”, a tune that injects a healthy dose of down-home twang into the classic blues motif. Released in 1994 on Jackson’s landmark album Who I Am, the song stands as a testament to his ability to weave relatable themes into his country music tapestry.
Jackson, a native Georgian with a voice seasoned by Southern charm, carved his niche in the early 90s with a brand of country that resonated with a yearning for authenticity. Unlike the more polished pop-country sounds gaining traction, Jackson embraced the storytelling tradition, his lyrics drawing heavily on the everyday struggles and triumphs of rural America.
Who I Am itself was a critical and commercial darling, selling over 4 million copies and solidifying Jackson’s place as a country music heavyweight. The album boasted several hit singles, but “Summertime Blues” stands out for its clever reimagining of a familiar theme.
The original “Summertime Blues,” penned by Eddie Cochran in the late 50s, embodied the rebellious spirit of rock and roll. Cochran’s lyrics spoke of a teenager yearning for escape from the drudgery of summer and the constraints of adult expectations.
Jackson, however, takes the concept and filters it through a country lens. His “Summertime Blues” isn’t about teenage angst, but rather the frustrations faced by a working-class man stuck in a dead-end job during the sweltering summer months. The oppressive heat becomes a metaphor for the monotony of his situation, mirroring the sentiment of the original song but with a distinctly country flavor.
The production on the track is pure Nashville magic. Renowned producer Keith Stegall, known for his work with artists like Alanis Morissette and Tim McGraw, helms the ship here. Stegall understands how to craft a soundscape that complements Jackson’s voice without overpowering it. Expect a bed of twangy guitars, a steady backbeat from the drums, and perhaps a touch of melancholic fiddle for good measure.
“Summertime Blues” may not have been the flashiest track on Who I Am, but it perfectly encapsulates what made Alan Jackson such a compelling artist. His ability to take a familiar theme, inject it with his own brand of country wit, and deliver it in a voice that resonates with authenticity is what continues to endear him to fans today. So, sit back, pour yourself a glass of sweet tea, and prepare to be transported to a sweltering summer day with a man just yearning for a little escape from the “Summertime Blues”.
Video:
Lyrics:
“Summertime Blues”
About a-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 ‘n’ papa told me, “Son, you gotta make some money”
“If you wanna 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
[key change]
I’m gonna take two weeks, gonna have a vacation
I’m gonna take my problem to the United Nations
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 blues
Well I’m a-gonna raise a fuss, I’m a-gonna raise a holler
About workin’ all summer just to try an’ earn a dollar
Sometimes I wonder what I’m a-gonna do
Cause there ain’t no cure for the summertime blues
Yeah, 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