About the song
“Summertime Blues” is a classic rock song co-written and recorded by American artist Eddie Cochran. Released in August 1958 as a B-side single, it quickly gained popularity, reaching number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 on September 29, 1958, and number 18 on the UK Singles Chart. This track has earned its place in rock history with various notable covers, including a number-one hit version by country artist Alan Jackson, and versions by Blue Cheer, The Who, and Brian Setzer. Setzer’s rendition was notably featured in the 1987 film *La Bamba*, where he portrayed Cochran.
The song captures the frustration of a teenager facing typical summer challenges. The lyrics narrate the struggles between the young protagonist and his parents, boss, and even a congressman. The teenager is upset about having to work a job to make pocket money and is further frustrated when his boss schedules him to work late, preventing him from spending time with his girlfriend. His attempts to avoid work by feigning illness are thwarted when his parents refuse to let him use their car, and his complaint to his congressman is dismissed due to his lack of voting rights.
Eddie Cochran recorded “Summertime Blues” on March 28, 1958, at Gold Star Recording Studios in Hollywood. Cochran took on multiple roles in the recording, providing both vocals and guitar parts, along with hand clapping that added a distinctive touch to the song. Connie ‘Guybo’ Smith played the electric bass, and Earl Palmer contributed on drums.
The impact of “Summertime Blues” is profound and enduring. In 1999, it was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, and Rolling Stone ranked it number 73 in their list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. Q magazine also recognized its significance, placing it at number 77 on its list of the 100 Greatest Guitar Tracks in 2005. Additionally, the song is listed in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum’s “The Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll.” Its influence extends beyond music into popular culture, appearing in films such as *Caddyshack* and *This Boy’s Life*, as well as TV shows like *Beverly Hills, 90210*.
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Lyrics
Well, I’m a gonna raise a fuss, I’m gonna raise a hollerAbout workin’ all summer just to try an’ earn a dollarEverytime I call my baby, to try to get a dateMy boss says, no dice, son, you gotta work lateSometimes 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 moneyIf you want to use the car to go ridin’ next sundayWell I didn’t go to work, told the boss I was sickNow you can’t use the car ’cause you didn’t work a lickSometimes I wonder what I’m gonna do‘Cause there ain’t no cure for the summertime bluesOwI’m gonna take two weeks, gonna have a vacationI’m gonna take my problem to the United NationWell 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 hollerAbout workin’ all summer just to try an’ earn a dollarSometimes 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 bluesNo, there ain’t no cure for the summertime blues