About the song
Bobby Goldsboro’s “Summer (The First Time)” is a poignant and evocative ballad that captures the essence of young love and the indelible memories it leaves behind. Released in 1973, this timeless track quickly resonated with audiences and remains a beloved classic.
The song’s narrative revolves around a 17-year-old boy who experiences his first romantic encounter with a 31-year-old woman during the summer. Goldsboro’s heartfelt vocals, combined with the lush orchestral arrangement and the haunting piano riff, create a captivating and nostalgic atmosphere. The song’s suggestive undertones, coupled with the evocative imagery of the ocean and seagulls, transport listeners to a sun-drenched beach where love and longing intertwine.
While the song’s lyrics may seem straightforward, they delve deep into the complexities of youthful infatuation and the bittersweet nature of first love. The protagonist’s recollection of his summer romance is filled with both joy and melancholy, as he reflects on the fleeting nature of time and the enduring power of memory.
“Summer (The First Time)” is more than just a love song; it’s a timeless piece of music that evokes a sense of longing, nostalgia, and the bittersweet beauty of youth. Goldsboro’s masterful songwriting and the song’s enduring popularity have solidified its place in the annals of popular music history.
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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