About the song
“Summer (The First Time)” is a memorable and evocative song by American singer Bobby Goldsboro, released as a single in June 1973. Featured on the album of the same name, this track stands out as one of Goldsboro’s most poignant and controversial works. Written by Goldsboro himself, along with Ashley Abram and Timmy Tappan, the song delves into the delicate theme of first love and the bittersweet memories associated with it.
The lyrics tell the story of a 17-year-old boy’s first romantic experience with a 31-year-old woman during a summer long ago. Goldsboro’s gentle, nostalgic delivery of the song captures the essence of youthful innocence and the inevitable passage of time. The song’s narrative is both personal and universal, resonating with listeners who recall their own formative experiences of love and loss. While the song’s theme stirred some controversy at the time, it is this very candidness that has made “Summer (The First Time)” a lasting classic.
Musically, the song is beautifully crafted, with a repeating piano riff that gives the track a distinct and memorable melody. This piano riff, along with the use of a 12-string guitar and an orchestral string arrangement engineered by Ernie Winfrey, creates a lush, immersive soundscape. The song begins with the sound of ocean waves and seagulls, transporting listeners to a serene beach setting, evoking the warmth and nostalgia of summer. Interestingly, these sound effects were initially questioned by the record label, which wanted to shorten the song by removing them. However, Goldsboro insisted they remain, believing they were integral to the song’s atmosphere—and he was right. The sounds of the ocean and seagulls play a crucial role in setting the tone, making the song’s setting vivid and relatable.
“Summer (The First Time)” was not only a hit in the United States, where it became a Top 40 Pop and Adult Contemporary success, but it also made a significant impact internationally. In the United Kingdom, the song peaked at number nine on the UK Singles Chart and remained there for 10 weeks, solidifying Goldsboro’s popularity across the Atlantic. It also reached number seven in Australia, further proving its wide appeal.
Bobby Goldsboro’s ability to weave a narrative that is both personal and universally relatable, combined with the song’s rich musical arrangement, has ensured that “Summer (The First Time)” remains a cherished piece of his musical legacy. Its evocative imagery and heartfelt lyrics continue to resonate with listeners, making it a timeless classic that captures the fleeting beauty of first love and the enduring power of memory.
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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