'In the Good Old Summertime'

by David Grand
June21, 2006

Today marks the start of summer. And in recognition of its arrival, which season acclaimed author John Rechy described as "dropping from the sky like a blanket of steam," I decided to recite stanzas of that lighthearted song written in 1902 by George Evans.

I had considered using the "Summertime" song, composed by George Gershwin in 1935 for the opera "Porgy and Bess," which vies with the Beatles' "Yesterday" as one of the most endearing songs in popular music, with an estimated 2,500 different versions recorded.

But chose not to because of its opening line referring to summertime as when "the living is easy...." For it's anything but easy in the country today, particularly for those living on the Gulf Coast, who are bracing for yet another pounding by hurricanes.

So, now gather around the piano, the organ, or whatever musical instrument you have in the house (even an harmonic would do), and join me in casting away our worldly cares and singing that song with gusto. And if your unable to carry a tune, you can at least hum it.

Ready? Ah 1-Ah 2-Ah 3:

IN THE GOOD OLD SUMMERTIME, IN THE GOOD OLD SUMMERTIME, STROLLING THRO' THE SHADY LANES, WITH MY BABY MINE; YOU HOLD HER HAND AND SHE HOLDS YOURS AND THAT'S A VERY GOOD SIGN THAT SHE'S YOUR TOOTSEY WOOTSEY IN THE GOOD OLD SUMMERTIME.

TO SWIM IN THE POOL YOU'D PLAY "HOOKEY" FROM SCHOOL IN THE GOOD OLD SUMMERTIME

YOU'D PLAY "RING-A-ROSIE" WITH JIM, KATE AND JOSIE IN THE GOOD OLD SUMMERTIME.

THOSE DAYS FULL OF PLEASURE WE NOW FONDLY TREASURE, WHEN WE NEVER THOUGHT IT A CRIME, TO GO STEALING CHEERIES, WITH FACES BROWN AS BERRIES, IN THE GOOD OLD SUMMERTIME

(REPEAT FIRST STANZA.).