Summertime
Embracing Life's Promise: Billie Holiday's "Summertime" Reflection
Lyrics
Summertime and the livin' is easy
Summertime is here, and life is relaxed and comfortable.
Fish are jumpin' and the cotton is high
Nature is vibrant and flourishing; fish are leaping, and the cotton plants are tall.
Oh your Daddy's rich and your ma is good lookin'
Addressing the listener's prosperous background, with a wealthy father and an attractive mother.
So hush little baby, don't you cry
Comforting the listener, suggesting that there's no need to worry or be upset.
One of these mornings
Looking forward to a positive future morning.
You're goin' to rise up singing
Anticipating the listener's joyous awakening with a song.
Then you'll spread your wings
Envisioning a time when the listener will achieve great things and soar like a bird.
And you'll take the sky
Describing the listener's future success, reaching for the sky.
But 'til that morning
Until that promising morning comes.
There's a nothin' can harm you
Assuring the listener that nothing can harm them in the meantime.
With daddy and mammy standin' by
Emphasizing the security and support from both parents.
One of these mornings
Reiterating the anticipation of a future morning filled with singing and rising joy.
You're goin' to rise up singing
Repeated expression of the listener's optimistic awakening with a song.
Then you'll spread your wings
Reiteration of the listener's future success and freedom.
And you'll take the sky
Reiterating the imagery of the listener soaring to the sky.
But 'til that morning
Repeated mention of the hopeful morning and the promise of a bright future.
There's a nothin' can harm you
Reassurance that, until that promising morning, nothing can pose a threat.
With daddy and mammy standin' by
Reaffirming the protective presence of both parents.
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