About the song
“In the Summertime” is more than just a catchy song – it’s a cultural phenomenon. Released in 1970 by the British rock band Mungo Jerry, this debut single rocketed to the top of charts worldwide, becoming one of the best-selling singles of all time with a staggering 30 million copies sold. But what is it about this song that has resonated with audiences for over five decades?
The answer lies in its infectious energy and celebration of summer’s carefree spirit. Penned by Mungo Jerry’s frontman Ray Dorset in a mere 10 minutes, the song’s breezy lyrics capture the essence of long, sun-drenched days and warm summer nights. Dorset’s inspiration struck while working a regular job at a Timex lab, proving that even amidst routine, creativity can flourish.
The recording itself is a testament to ingenuity. Initially clocking in at just two minutes, producer Barry Murray stretched the track by cleverly doubling its length. He achieved this by playing the recording twice, subtly remixing the second half, and adding the now-iconic sound of a motorcycle roaring through the middle. A fun fact: that motorcycle sound wasn’t from a recording! Unable to find one, the resourceful engineer, Howard Barrow, simply revved his Triumph sports car outside the studio while the microphone captured the stereo effect.
“In the Summertime” wasn’t just groundbreaking for its sound; its release format was unique as well. Unlike standard 45rpm singles, it debuted on Dawn Records, a new label under Pye, as a maxi single spinning at 33 1/3 rpm. The release boasted additional value with an extra song by Dorset on the A-side and a much longer track on the B-side. Packaged in a picture sleeve, a rarity at the time, the single offered exceptional value for money.
The song’s legacy extends beyond topping charts. “In the Summertime” continues to be a beloved classic, appearing in countless movies, television shows, and commercials, forever linked to the carefree joy of summer. From its humble origins in a lab to its enduring popularity, Mungo Jerry’s “In the Summertime” stands as a testament to the power of music to capture a feeling and transport us to a sun-drenched paradise, no matter the time of year.
Video
Lyrics
In the summertime, when the weather is high
You can stretch right up and touch the sky
When the weather’s fine
You got women, you got women on your mind
Have a drink, have a drive
Go out and see what you can find
If her daddy’s rich, take her out for a meal
If her daddy’s poor, just do what you feel
Speed along the lane, do a ton or a ton and twenty-five
When the sun goes down
You can make it, make it good in a lay-by
We’re not grey people, we’re not dirty, we’re not mean
We love everybody, but we do as we please
When the weather’s fine, we go fishing or go swimming in the sea
We’re always happy, life’s for living
Yeah, that’s our philosophy
Sing along with us
Dee-dee-dee, dee-dee
Da-da-da, da-da
Yeah, we’re hap-happy
Da da-da
Dee-da-da, dee-da-da, da-da-da
Yeah, da-da, da-da-da
Da-da-da, do-da-da (alright, alright, alright)
Alright
When the winter’s here, yeah it’s party time
Bring your bottle, wear your bright clothes
It’ll soon be summertime
And we’ll sing again, we’ll go driving
Or maybe we’ll settle down
If she’s rich, if she’s nice, bring your friends
And we’ll all go into town
In the summertime, when the weather is high
You can stretch right up and touch the sky
When the weather’s fine
You got women, you got women on your mind
Have a drink, have a drive, go out and see what you can find
If her daddy’s rich, take her out for a meal
If her daddy’s poor, just do what you feel
Speed along the lane, do a ton or a ton and 25
When the sun goes down, you can make it
Make it good in a lay-by
We’re not grey people, we’re not dirty, we’re not mean
We love everybody, but we do as we please
When the weather’s fine, we go fishing or go swimming in the sea
We’re always happy, life’s for living
Yeah, that’s our philosophy
Sing along with us
Dee-dee-dee, dee-dee
Da-da-da, da-da
Yeah, we’re hap-happy
Da da-da
Dee-da-da, dee-da-da, da-da-da
Yeah da-da, da-da-da