About the song
“Summer (The First Time)” by Bobby Goldsboro is a nostalgic ballad that captures the essence of a poignant summer romance, released in June 1973 as part of his album of the same name. Penned by Goldsboro himself along with Ashley Abram and Timmy Tappan, the song remains a timeless reflection on youthful love and fleeting moments.
The inspiration behind “Summer (The First Time)” stemmed from Goldsboro’s personal experiences, albeit with a twist from reality. He loosely based the song on an encounter he had as a young man, though he clarified that it was not as romantic as depicted in the lyrics. Despite this, the song resonates with authenticity, drawing listeners into a narrative that evokes the innocence and intensity of first love.
Musically, the song is distinguished by its evocative arrangement. The composition opens with the sounds of ocean waves and seagulls, setting a vivid backdrop reminiscent of a summer day at the beach. This atmospheric introduction, lasting nearly a minute before Goldsboro’s vocals begin, establishes a mood that is both wistful and serene. The piano riff, crafted by Timmy Tappan, becomes a recurring motif throughout the song, complemented by the gentle strumming of a 12-string guitar and lush orchestral strings arranged by Ernie Winfrey.
Upon its release, “Summer (The First Time)” sparked some controversy due to its themes and suggestive undertones, yet it resonated deeply with audiences across different continents. In the United Kingdom, the song peaked at number nine on the Singles Chart, marking a significant achievement for Goldsboro on the international stage. It also found success in Australia, where it reached number seven, and garnered attention in the United States and Canada as a Top 40 hit on both Pop and Adult Contemporary charts.
Beyond its chart success, the song’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to transport listeners to a specific moment in time—a summer of youth, love, and introspection. Bobby Goldsboro’s melodic storytelling and the song’s rich instrumentation combine to create a lasting impression, making “Summer (The First Time)” not just a hit song of its era, but a cherished classic that continues to resonate with new generations of listeners, capturing the universal experience of first love and the nostalgia of summers past.
Video
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