About the song
Summer Wine, a sultry ballad penned by the enigmatic Lee Hazlewood, has captivated audiences for decades with its intoxicating blend of mystery, desire, and a hint of melancholy. Originally recorded with Suzi Jane Hokom, the song truly found its wings when paired with the sultry vocals of Nancy Sinatra in 1967. This iconic duet, with its distinctive harmonies and Hazlewood’s evocative storytelling, became a timeless classic that continues to resonate with listeners today.
The song paints a vivid picture of a fateful encounter between a man, voiced by Hazlewood, and a mysterious woman, portrayed by Sinatra. The man, drawn to the woman’s allure, accepts her invitation to share a glass of wine. As the night deepens and the alcohol flows, the lines between reality and fantasy blur. The man awakens the next morning, hungover and robbed of his spurs and money, leaving him to grapple with the consequences of his impulsive actions.
Despite the betrayal, the man finds himself longing for more of the woman’s “wine,” a metaphor for the intoxicating allure and danger she represents. This bittersweet longing adds a layer of complexity to the song, making it more than just a tale of cautionary love.
The Nancy & Lee version of “Summer Wine” was a commercial success, reaching No. 49 on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart in 1967. Its enduring popularity can be attributed to the chemistry between Sinatra and Hazlewood, as well as the song’s timeless themes of temptation, regret, and the allure of the unknown.
In recent years, “Summer Wine” has experienced a resurgence in popularity, thanks in part to its inclusion in the H&M “The Summer Shop 2017” ad campaign. This renewed interest has introduced a new generation of listeners to the song’s timeless appeal.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering it for the first time, “Summer Wine” offers a captivating and evocative listening experience. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the power of great songwriting and the enduring allure of a timeless tale of temptation and regret.
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Lyrics
Strawberries, cherries and an angel’s kiss in spring
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 let’s pass some time
And I will give to you summer wine
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
Oh, 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
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
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 my summer wine