Admit it, men, have you ever missed money or valuables in the morning after a stormy night spent with a stranger? Something similar happened with the character of the song Summer Wine by the famous American singer, author and producer Lee Hazlewood (1929-2007).
The dapper poor fellow walked along the city street, demonstratively jingling his silver spurs. He was invited to her place by a woman whom he accidentally (or not by chance) met along the way. With her, he, let’s say, drank “summer wine” and was left without an expensive accessory and cash that he had with him.
The story of creation and the meaning of the song Summer Wine
There is no point in launching into lengthy discussions about the subtext of Summer Wine. It doesn’t matter if it was real wine or if it was a metaphor for intimate relationships. And the main character, apparently, does not really regret the loss, judging by the last line of the final verse.
In general, from this banal story, Hazlewood was able to create a very beautiful lyrical song with a simple and catchy melody. He originally performed it with Susie Jane Hock, but “Summer Wine” became truly popular after Lee sang it with Nancy Sinatra, daughter of the legendary Frank Sinatra, in 1967.
From time to time different musicians remember Summer Wine and release their covers. At the same time, sometimes cool versions are obtained from artists who usually perform, to put it mildly, in a different genre. For example, Scooter.
Interesting Facts
- Summer Wine was performed in different languages: French (“Vin de l’été”), Dutch (“Toverdrank”), Slovak (“Letné víno”) and others.
Summer Wine lyrics
I walked in town on silver spurs that jingled to
and sang a song that I had sang just for a few
She saw my silver spurs and said let’s pass some time
And I will give to you…summer wine
Ohhhh…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
Ohhhh….summer wine…
My eyes grew heavy and my lips they could not speak
I tried to stand up but I could not find my feet
she reassured me with an unfamiliar line
And then she gave to me…more summer wine
Ohhhh….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
Ohhhh….summer wine…
When we woke up, the sun was shining in our eyes
The silver spurs were gone, my head felt twice its size
She took my silver spurs, a dollar and a dime
And left us craving for…..more summer wine
Ohhh..summer wine…
Lyrics of Summer Wine Alternate
I entered the city with silver spurs jingling
And sang a song that I sang to few people
She saw the silver spurs and said keep me company
And I’ll treat you to… summer wine
Ooooh… summer wine
Strawberries, cherries and an angel’s kiss in spring…
My summer wine is really made from all of this.
Take off your silver spurs and help me pass the time
And I’ll treat you to… summer wine
Ooooh… summer wine
My eyelids got heavy and my tongue didn’t obey
I tried to get up but I couldn’t
She comforted me again in an unusual way,
And then she gave me… more summer wine
Ooooh… summer wine
Strawberries, cherries and an angel’s kiss in spring…
My summer wine is really made from all of this.
Take off your silver spurs and help me pass the time
And I’ll treat you to… summer wine
Ooooh… summer wine
When we woke up, the sun shone in our eyes,
Silver spurs were gone and my head was splitting
She took silver spurs, a dollar and a dime
And she left, leaving us longing for … more summer wine
Ooooh… summer wine
