1/4/2024 0 Comments The who summertime bluesProto-metal band Blue Cheer released their version in 1968, which became a hit single and replaces Cochran’s pseudo-rockabilly riffs with fluid psychedelic runs.Ĭountry neo-traditionalist Alan Jackson released his unlikely version in 1994. The Who abandon any teenage playfulness in exchange for sheer unapologetic force. The song was a staple in The Who’s live set for years, most notably captured on their 1970 Live at Leeds album, as well as in the Woodstock film from the previous year. “I’d like to help you son but you’re too young to vote”Ĭochran’s 1958 original is the gold standard, but “Summertime Blues” has been covered countless times. Well I called my congressman and he said quote: I’m gonna take my problem to the United Nations I’m gonna take two weeks, gonna have a fun vacation “Now you can’t use the car ’cause you didn’t work a lick” Well I didn’t go to work told the boss I was sick If you want to use the car to go a-ridin’ next Sunday Well my mom and pop told me son you gotta make some money My boss says, “No dice son, you gotta work late”īut there ain’t no cure for the summertime blues I’m a-gonna raise a fuss, I’m a-gonna raise a hollerĪbout a-workin’ all summer just to try to earn a dollarĮvery time I call my baby and try to get a date The earnestness for triviality in Cochran’s lyric is worthy of Jerry Leiber at his finest, and could have made one hell of a Coasters record. Its success is found not just in the irresistible groove and Cochran’s patented half-step bass riff, but also in the playful humor of the lyric. (Hank Cochran would go on to write countless country standards such as “ A Little Bitty Tear” for Burl Ives, “ It’s Not Love (But It’s Not Bad)” for Merle Haggard, and “ She’s Got You” and “ I Fall To Pieces” – co-written with the legendary Harlan Howard – for Patsy Cline.)ĭespite an astonishing amount of classic recordings from such a brief career, “Summertime Blues” is unquestionably Eddie Cochran’s signature song. His first musical success came as one half of a duo with Hank Cochran (no relation), billed as The Cochran Brothers, as well as extensive session work as a guitar player, mostly among the thriving country music recording scene in 1950’s Southern California. Dead at the age of 21, he left a monumental legacy that influenced countless musicians from The Beatles to Brian Setzer, Sid Vicious to Jack White. Even appeals to the United Nations or congressional representatives prove fruitless – “I’d like to help you son but you’re too young to vote.”Įddie Cochran was a musical genius and guitar prodigy whose infectious anthems of teenage frustration made him a star before his tragic death made him immortal. ![]() What’s there to be blue about? Ah, of course: those pesky summer jobs. Rock ‘n’ roll in the 1950’s was teenage music and, for teenagers, summertime is that magic time of year when school is out, the weather is nice, the livin’ is easy, and your mama’s good looking. The title to Eddie Cochran’s 1958 masterpiece is intriguing, almost incongruous. ![]() We’re smack dab in the middle of those lazy-hazy-crazy days of summer, and with it an incurable affliction – the Summertime Blues.
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