Summer (The First Time)

Bobby Goldsboro

About Summer (The First Time)

"Summer (The First Time)" is a song by American singer Bobby Goldsboro, recorded for his album of the same name and released as a single in June 1973. It was written by Bobby Goldsboro, Ashley Abram and Timmy Tappan, and produced by Goldsboro and Bob Montgomery. The song was Goldsboro's second UK hit recorded on United Artists Records UP35558 and peaked at number nine in the UK Singles Chart, spending 10 weeks in the UK Top 50 singles chart. It reached number seven in the Australia, and became a Top 40 Pop and Adult Contemporary hit in both the U. S. and Canada. The song is a 1973 reminiscence about a 17-year-old boy's first romantic experience with a 31-year-old woman. Using a repeating piano riff, 12-string guitar, and an orchestral string arrangement, the song was suggestive enough to spark some controversy at the time. The sound of seagulls combined with the string arrangement at the start of the record, which last 57 seconds until the vocals come in, creates the impression of being on a beach in mid-summer. It is believed the song was inspired by the film Summer of '42, a coming-of-age comedy-drama released in 1971. 


Year:
2005
59 
#1

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It was a hot afternoon
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 thirty one and I was seventeen
I knew nothing about love, she knew everything
When I sat down beside her on the front porch swing
And wondered what the coming night would bring

The sun closed her eyes
As it climbed in the sky
And it started to swelter
The sweat trickled down the front of her gown
I thought it would melt her

She threw back her hair
Like I wasn't there
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 the 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 got back in my mind
To the very first time
And feel the touch of her fingers

It was a hot afternoon
Last day of June
And the sun was a demon
The clouds were afraid
One ten in the shade
And the pavement was steaming

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Bobby Goldsboro

Bobby Goldsboro (born January 18, 1941) is an American country and pop singer-songwriter. He had a string of pop and country hits in the 1960s and 1970s, including his signature No. 1 hit "Honey," which sold over one million copies in the United States. more »

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Written by: BOBBY GOLDSBORO

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


13 facts about this song

Year of Release
"Summer (The First Time)" by Bobby Goldsboro was released in the year 1973.
Chart Performance
The song was a major hit and reached number 21 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States.
Genre Classification
It's classified under the pop and folk-pop genre, showing a lyrical and melodic alignment with these music styles.
Autobiographical Nature
Despite its autobiographical tone, the song doesn't actually reflect Goldsboro's personal experiences. It's about a teen boy's sexual initiation with a slightly older woman.
Unique Song Concept
The song is poignant and stands out for its narrative style and unique concept as an introspective look back on a summer love.
U.K. Success
Apart from US success, "Summer (The First Time)" landed #9 on the U.K. Singles Chart, making it Goldsboro's biggest hit in Britain.
Remake Versions
The song has been covered by several other artists over time, including a remake in 1995 by British singer Maxi Priest.
Song Composer
Bobby Goldsboro, apart from lending his vocals, has also composed the song, demonstrating his multifaceted talent in the music industry.
Radio-Friendly
Despite the song’s explicit narrative, it still received considerable airplay on Pop Music Radio in the United States.
Track Timing
"Summer (The First Time)" runs a total of 4 minutes and 38 seconds in length.
Album Identity
The song was included in his album titled "Summer (The First Time)".
Positive Reception
Many consider the song as one of Goldsboro's best, and it enjoyed a favorable reception due to its mature theme and lyrical depth.
Film Connection
The song was used in the soundtrack of the movie "Resurrection" in 1980.

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    Summer (The First Time)

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1973

    Billboard #21


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