Doc & Merle Watson — Summertime
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Length: 3:23
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Summertime and the livin' is easy
Fish are jumpin' and the cotton is high
Yo' daddy's rich and yo' mama's good lookin'
So hush little baby, don't you cry
One of these mornin's you gonna rise up singin'
You gonna spread your little wings and you'll take to the sky
But 'till that mornin' there ain't nothin' gonna harm you
With yo mama and daddy standin' bye
Now it's summertime and the livin' is easy
Them fish are jumpin' and the cotton's 'bout waist high
Yo' daddy's rich and, ya know yo' mama's good lookin'
Now hush little baby, don't you cry
Summertime
Ah, said it's summertime
Fish are jumpin' and the cotton is high
Yo' daddy's rich and yo' mama's good lookin'
So hush little baby, don't you cry
One of these mornin's you gonna rise up singin'
You gonna spread your little wings and you'll take to the sky
But 'till that mornin' there ain't nothin' gonna harm you
With yo mama and daddy standin' bye
Now it's summertime and the livin' is easy
Them fish are jumpin' and the cotton's 'bout waist high
Yo' daddy's rich and, ya know yo' mama's good lookin'
Now hush little baby, don't you cry
Summertime
Ah, said it's summertime
Comments (61)add comment
The lyrics is all wrong though
sm11 wrote:
best sublime cover, ever
I am upgrading my previous comment from GREAT!!! to SUPERB!!! Thanx RP!! 
Grebbel wrote:
I have been a huge Doc fan for most of my life and did quit, well, trying to play along with him on my Marin Guitar. But I never heard this interview. Thank you for that!
"In October of 1985 tragedy struck the Watson family when Merle was
killed in a tractor accident at the age of 36. Doc Watson not only lost
his son and partner, he lost, as Doc says, "the best friend I ever had
in this world." After Merle's passing, Doc found it difficult to go
back out and play music, however, in an interview conducted by Acoustic
Musician magazine (August 1997), Doc tells the following story, "The
night before the funeral I had decided to quit, just give up playing.
Well that night I had this dream. Now, usually I do have some light
perception, but in this dream it was so dark I could hardly stand it.
It was like I was in quicksand up to my waist and I felt I wasn't gonna
make it out alive. Then suddenly this big old strong hand reached back
and grabbed me by the hand and I heard this voice saying, 'Come on dad,
you can make it. Keep going.' Then I woke up. I think the good Lord
was telling me it was all right to continue with my music. It's been a
struggle, but I still have the love for the music."
Then... after Doc Watson song, RP plays 'HURT' from Johnny Cash.
I have been a huge Doc fan for most of my life and did quit, well, trying to play along with him on my Marin Guitar. But I never heard this interview. Thank you for that!
Grebbel wrote:
Billy Joe Shaver lost his son, Eddy, to an overdose in 2000. He stopped performing for some time, but told a similar story when he did start up again - his performances got more intense, if that's possible.
c.
"In October of 1985 tragedy struck the Watson family when Merle was
killed in a tractor accident at the age of 36. Doc Watson not only lost
his son and partner, he lost, as Doc says, "the best friend I ever had
in this world." After Merle's passing, Doc found it difficult to go
back out and play music, however, in an interview conducted by Acoustic
Musician magazine (August 1997), Doc tells the following story, "The
night before the funeral I had decided to quit, just give up playing.
Well that night I had this dream. Now, usually I do have some light
perception, but in this dream it was so dark I could hardly stand it.
It was like I was in quicksand up to my waist and I felt I wasn't gonna
make it out alive. Then suddenly this big old strong hand reached back
and grabbed me by the hand and I heard this voice saying, 'Come on dad,
you can make it. Keep going.' Then I woke up. I think the good Lord
was telling me it was all right to continue with my music. It's been a
struggle, but I still have the love for the music."
Then... after Doc Watson song, RP plays 'HURT' from Johnny Cash.
Billy Joe Shaver lost his son, Eddy, to an overdose in 2000. He stopped performing for some time, but told a similar story when he did start up again - his performances got more intense, if that's possible.
c.
GREAT!!!
So many versions of this song out there but this is just superb in its own right. Beautiful clean guitar and vocals and this song just brings back those hot summer days. Solid 10 from me.
"In October of 1985 tragedy struck the Watson family when Merle was
killed in a tractor accident at the age of 36. Doc Watson not only lost
his son and partner, he lost, as Doc says, "the best friend I ever had
in this world." After Merle's passing, Doc found it difficult to go
back out and play music, however, in an interview conducted by Acoustic
Musician magazine (August 1997), Doc tells the following story, "The
night before the funeral I had decided to quit, just give up playing.
Well that night I had this dream. Now, usually I do have some light
perception, but in this dream it was so dark I could hardly stand it.
It was like I was in quicksand up to my waist and I felt I wasn't gonna
make it out alive. Then suddenly this big old strong hand reached back
and grabbed me by the hand and I heard this voice saying, 'Come on dad,
you can make it. Keep going.' Then I woke up. I think the good Lord
was telling me it was all right to continue with my music. It's been a
struggle, but I still have the love for the music."
Then... after Doc Watson song, RP plays 'HURT' from Johnny Cash.
killed in a tractor accident at the age of 36. Doc Watson not only lost
his son and partner, he lost, as Doc says, "the best friend I ever had
in this world." After Merle's passing, Doc found it difficult to go
back out and play music, however, in an interview conducted by Acoustic
Musician magazine (August 1997), Doc tells the following story, "The
night before the funeral I had decided to quit, just give up playing.
Well that night I had this dream. Now, usually I do have some light
perception, but in this dream it was so dark I could hardly stand it.
It was like I was in quicksand up to my waist and I felt I wasn't gonna
make it out alive. Then suddenly this big old strong hand reached back
and grabbed me by the hand and I heard this voice saying, 'Come on dad,
you can make it. Keep going.' Then I woke up. I think the good Lord
was telling me it was all right to continue with my music. It's been a
struggle, but I still have the love for the music."
Then... after Doc Watson song, RP plays 'HURT' from Johnny Cash.
folkrocker wrote:
My mother sand this song to me as she rocked me to sleep when I was a little bitty baby down in Memphis. I sang it to my 3 kids when they were little, too. There's a third verse I'm trying to remember...
I sang this song to my mother as she was taking her last breaths.
My mother sand this song to me as she rocked me to sleep when I was a little bitty baby down in Memphis. I sang it to my 3 kids when they were little, too. There's a third verse I'm trying to remember...
My favourite song for many years. The only one I would sing in front of an audience. -
There's a reason why Gershwin's music is considered Standard.
Yup, I'm old:
sometime in the mid-70's, before I baled from my birthplace in the environs of LA; I saw Doc and Merle play in the basement of McCabe's Guitar Shop in Santa Monica, California. Great show!
Even then, I was amazed that such wonderful (and famous) musical talents would play for so small a group of grateful fans.
I'm gratified to know that McCabe's is still going strong; and still hosting wonderful live music.
RIP, Doc. Thanks for all of the sweet music.
sometime in the mid-70's, before I baled from my birthplace in the environs of LA; I saw Doc and Merle play in the basement of McCabe's Guitar Shop in Santa Monica, California. Great show!
Even then, I was amazed that such wonderful (and famous) musical talents would play for so small a group of grateful fans.
I'm gratified to know that McCabe's is still going strong; and still hosting wonderful live music.
RIP, Doc. Thanks for all of the sweet music.
sm11 wrote:
As many times as this song has been covered, this version is right up there among the top three or four.
But it's not Sublime...
I think somebody's already made that (bad) joke.
c.
best sublime cover, ever
As many times as this song has been covered, this version is right up there among the top three or four.
But it's not Sublime...
I think somebody's already made that (bad) joke.
c.
best sublime cover, ever
vicvic wrote:
Seriously? WTFC?
the lyrics are not quite accurate.
Seriously? WTFC?
More_Cowbell wrote:
Really? You don't think his guitar playing is better than hers?
Comparing apples and axe handles.
not as good as the Billie Holiday version
Really? You don't think his guitar playing is better than hers?
Comparing apples and axe handles.
not as good as the Billie Holiday version
the lyrics are not quite accurate.
Ah second time today hearing a version of this fine old song here on RP. Never gets old for me.
AndyJ wrote:
In the opera is is twice sung as a lullaby, but it's such a powerful song that it is always open to many interpretations.
I guess it really is a lullaby...
I have always thought of it as a feeling/song of freedom... Love it when a singer lets the song loose from deep inside....
Lullaby just seems slow and off tempo to me... Still a good acoustic version and worth playing to change directions...
Thanks for the intro to something new to expand the "liddle grey cells"..
I have always thought of it as a feeling/song of freedom... Love it when a singer lets the song loose from deep inside....
Lullaby just seems slow and off tempo to me... Still a good acoustic version and worth playing to change directions...
Thanks for the intro to something new to expand the "liddle grey cells"..
In the opera is is twice sung as a lullaby, but it's such a powerful song that it is always open to many interpretations.
folkrocker wrote:
Awwww......not a bad way to leave this plane of existence. Not a bad way to go at all. You done good in singing this to her....may someone be equally considerate for you when it's your time to shed this mortal coil.
Highlow
American Net'Zen
I sang this song to my mother as she was taking her last breaths.
Awwww......not a bad way to leave this plane of existence. Not a bad way to go at all. You done good in singing this to her....may someone be equally considerate for you when it's your time to shed this mortal coil.
Highlow
American Net'Zen
From Wiki:
"Summertime" is an aria composed in 1934 by George Gershwin for the 1935 opera Porgy and Bess. The lyrics are by DuBose Heyward, the author of the novel Porgy on which the opera was based, although the song is also co-credited to Ira Gershwin by ASCAP.
The song soon became a popular and much recorded jazz standard, described as "without doubt ... one of the finest songs the composer ever wrote ... Gershwin's highly evocative writing brilliantly mixes elements of jazz and the song styles of blacks in the southeast United States from the early twentieth century".
"Summertime" is an aria composed in 1934 by George Gershwin for the 1935 opera Porgy and Bess. The lyrics are by DuBose Heyward, the author of the novel Porgy on which the opera was based, although the song is also co-credited to Ira Gershwin by ASCAP.
The song soon became a popular and much recorded jazz standard, described as "without doubt ... one of the finest songs the composer ever wrote ... Gershwin's highly evocative writing brilliantly mixes elements of jazz and the song styles of blacks in the southeast United States from the early twentieth century".
Of all the Summertime versions this one appears to be the most popular one among RP-listeners.
It's a pity that my favourite is not there.
That's Billy Stewart's
Prrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrapppchapchapchap
It's a pity that my favourite is not there.
That's Billy Stewart's
Prrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrapppchapchapchap
greiffenstein wrote:
now I know that it is nice there.
I've lived in the American South most of my life. Honestly, no other song so perfectly brings up the feeling of a hot summer day in the South. Those of you who have never been here, you can count yourselves a virtual traveler if you just set and listen to this song. Yes, the word is "set." You "sit" elsewhere in the country, in the South on a summer day, one "sets." As in "Set a while and listen to this song." Cheers, from New Orleans. P
now I know that it is nice there.I've lived in the American South most of my life. Honestly, no other song so perfectly brings up the feeling of a hot summer day in the South. Those of you who have never been here, you can count yourselves a virtual traveler if you just set and listen to this song. Yes, the word is "set." You "sit" elsewhere in the country, in the South on a summer day, one "sets." As in "Set a while and listen to this song." Cheers, from New Orleans. P
folkrocker wrote:
Need a LIKE button
I sang this song to my mother as she was taking her last breaths.
Need a LIKE button
I sang this song to my mother as she was taking her last breaths.
There was a band in Montreal in the 1970's called Second Nature. Susan Nadeau used to sing this song. The best I had ever heard until today.
casey1024 wrote:
My Dad always played guitar and sang this song when I was small. Can just conjure him in my head, sittin' and playin'. How he is missed.
This is a good example of how music can be subliminal. My toe started tapping before I even realized what was playing!
AndyJ wrote:
Sweet advice, Thank You AndyJ : )
Best cover of all is -your own voice- at various stages of your life. Just open your soul, your chest, let your belly relaxand let the song flow free. Nothing beats the human voice when it is not pretending, trying to please, or impress.
"Amazing Grace" is another song that tells your tale differently at different ages. Listen to you being pure and honest. You are beautiful, human, truthful to you in ways only you can understand.
Sing for yourself. Be alone, in groups, shower, walking, with others, (a capella) or just for the pure fun of it. Old Man River will be there. He just keeps rolling along . "wink"
"Amazing Grace" is another song that tells your tale differently at different ages. Listen to you being pure and honest. You are beautiful, human, truthful to you in ways only you can understand.
Sing for yourself. Be alone, in groups, shower, walking, with others, (a capella) or just for the pure fun of it. Old Man River will be there. He just keeps rolling along . "wink"
Sweet advice, Thank You AndyJ : )
My Dad always played guitar and sang this song when I was small. Can just conjure him in my head, sittin' and playin'. How he is missed.
Ulises wrote:
Sublime! Thank you, markybx.
Speaking of Sublime, Bradley N did do a "version" of this tune too! Would like to hear some Sublime here once in awhile. ....
Also, I wonder what BillG has 'Cookeing' : I'd LOVE some good ole Sam Cooke
Long live RP!
Sublime! Thank you, markybx.
Speaking of Sublime, Bradley N did do a "version" of this tune too! Would like to hear some Sublime here once in awhile. ....
Also, I wonder what BillG has 'Cookeing' : I'd LOVE some good ole Sam Cooke
Long live RP!
markybx wrote:
Sublime! Thank you, markybx.
Yeah, quite nice.
Now try this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIDOEsQL7lA
Now try this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIDOEsQL7lA
Sublime! Thank you, markybx.
Yeah, quite nice.
Now try this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIDOEsQL7lA
Now try this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIDOEsQL7lA
ThirdRail_33 wrote:
I'm with you - just did the same
Had to stop what I was doing just to listen to this lovely piece. Simply one of the best works by the flat-picker against whom all others are measured. Just terrific.
I'm with you - just did the same
Had to stop what I was doing just to listen to this lovely piece. Simply one of the best works by the flat-picker against whom all others are measured. Just terrific.
Sniff!
I miss my sailboat.
I miss my sailboat.
Now that's a segue worthy of notice.
My goodness this is great. Lunch is complete.
Best cover of all is -your own voice- at various stages of your life. Just open your soul, your chest, let your belly relaxand let the song flow free. Nothing beats the human voice when it is not pretending, trying to please, or impress.
"Amazing Grace" is another song that tells your tale differently at different ages. Listen to you being pure and honest. You are beautiful, human, truthful to you in ways only you can understand.
Sing for yourself. Be alone, in groups, shower, walking, with others, (a capella) or just for the pure fun of it. Old Man River will be there. He just keeps rolling along . "wink"
"Amazing Grace" is another song that tells your tale differently at different ages. Listen to you being pure and honest. You are beautiful, human, truthful to you in ways only you can understand.
Sing for yourself. Be alone, in groups, shower, walking, with others, (a capella) or just for the pure fun of it. Old Man River will be there. He just keeps rolling along . "wink"
hempmandan wrote:
I'll go ahead and tell you that you are wrong.
Janis just took this song and made it her own. Hard to hear any other version....
I'll go ahead and tell you that you are wrong.
From the opera 'Porgy and Bess'
Nice.
Nice.
oldsaxon wrote:
A musical, perhaps.
No, an opera.
A musical, perhaps.
No, an opera.
I like this version quite a bit but my all time favorite is by Doc Watson and David Grisman. It is on an album called Doc and Dawg.
hempmandan wrote:
Hard to hear for those hard of hearing
Janis just took this song and made it her own. Hard to hear any other version....
Hard to hear for those hard of hearing
Janis just took this song and made it her own. Hard to hear any other version....
mom and dad standing by... little baby, don't u cry. ~~~> wish it were true. I love you Radio Paradise. You make me remember, and help me to forget.
123K
123K
Dutch_girl wrote:
A musical, perhaps.
I heard that Gershwin was a bit pissed off that he was being regarded as a composer of 'light' music. People didn't really take him seriously, so he decided to write an opera. Not just any simple tune, but a proper opera: Porgy and Bess. This song is from that opera. To add some extra grandeur to the affair, he explictly stated that the singers had to be people of colour. A daring choice, in that time.
A musical, perhaps.
You have to work pretty hard to screw up this song. Doc and Merle do it right.
I heard that Gershwin was a bit pissed off that he was being regarded as a composer of 'light' music. People didn't really take him seriously, so he decided to write an opera. Not just any simple tune, but a proper opera: Porgy and Bess. This song is from that opera. To add some extra grandeur to the affair, he explictly stated that the singers had to be people of colour. A daring choice, in that time.
I guess it really is a lullaby...
I have always thought of it as a feeling/song of freedom... Love it when a singer lets the song loose from deep inside....
Lullaby just seems slow and off tempo to me... Still a good acoustic version and worth playing to change directions...
Thanks for the intro to something new to expand the "liddle grey cells"..
I wasn't listening to RP, but when I saw this on the playlist, I changed the channel to listen to it. Great songs will do that to a person.
Talk about purity! It doesn't get any better.
Always liked Doc. I agree that just about any version of this song is good. Sign of a great tune. Gershwin was definitely a genius.
Yes.
Such a great song...every time I hear a version, I smile.
somewhere, at the same time, though separated by thousands of kilometers, two persons have the same word to speak about a fabulous song.
my video for this. turn the audio down and stick with the doc.
https://youtu.be/_iIvc7F5X9w
https://youtu.be/_iIvc7F5X9w
Sublime.
The lyrics is all wrong though
You're correct. Who would write lyrics about jumping catfish?
It's them carp that can really jump.
And both fish share the same waters...rivers and lakes.
To not acknowledge jumping carp is a travesty. And a misjustice.