About the song
Bobby Goldsboro’s timeless ballad, “Summer (The First Time),” transports listeners to a sun-drenched beach, where youthful romance blossoms amidst the gentle lapping of waves. Released in 1973, this sentimental tune captures the essence of a first love, a memory that lingers long after the summer days fade.
Goldsboro, a seasoned songwriter and vocalist, draws inspiration from a personal experience, crafting a tale that resonates with audiences of all ages. With its evocative lyrics and lush orchestration, “Summer (The First Time)” paints a vivid picture of a 17-year-old boy’s unforgettable encounter with a 31-year-old woman.
The song’s opening, featuring the sounds of crashing waves and seagulls, immediately sets the scene, immersing listeners in a coastal paradise. The repeating piano riff, combined with the 12-string guitar and orchestral strings, creates a captivating and memorable melody. Goldsboro’s soulful vocals convey the depth of emotion and longing experienced by the protagonist.
While the suggestive undertones of “Summer (The First Time)” may have caused a stir at the time of its release, the song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal. The track’s nostalgic quality and evocative imagery continue to resonate with listeners who long for the carefree days of youth and the thrill of first love.
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Lyrics
It was a hot afternoon
The last day of June
And the sun was a demon
The clouds were afraid
One-ten in the shade
And the pavement was steaming
I told Billy Ray
In his red Chevrolet
I needed time for some thinking
I was just walking by
When I looked in her eye
And I swore, it was winking
She was 31 and I was 17
I knew nothing ’bout love
She knew everything
But I sat down beside her
On a front porch swing
And wondered what the
Coming night would bring
The sun closed her eyes
As it climbed in the skies
And it started to swelter
The sweat trickled down
The front of her gown
And I thought it would melt her
She threw back her hair
Like I wasn’t there
And she sipped on a julep
Her shoulders were bare
And I tried not to stare
When I looked at her two lips
And when she looked at me
I heard her softly say
“I know you’re young
You don’t know what to do or say
But stay with me until
The sun has gone away
And I will chase the boy in you away”
And then she smiled
Then we talked for a while
Then we walked for a mile to the sea
We sat on the sand
And a boy took her hand
But I saw the sun rise as a man
Ten years have gone by
Since I looked in her eye
But the memory lingers
I go back in my mind
To the very first time
And feel the touch of her fingers
It was a hot afternoon
The last day of June
And the sun was a demon
The clouds were afraid
One-ten in the shade
And the pavement was steaming