The Summer Side Of Life
Gordon Lightfoot · Other Songs - Gordon Lightfoot
On the summer side of life, his love was ripe
There were no illusions on the summer side of life
Only tenderness
And if you saw him now, you'd wonder why he would cry
The whole day long
There were young girls everywhere
On the summer side of life, they talked all night
To the young men that they knew on the summer side of life
Goin' off to fight
And if you saw them now, you'd wonder why they would cry
The whole day long
He came down through fields of green
On the summer side of life, he prayed all night
Then he walked into a house
Where love had been misplaced his chance to waste
And if you saw him now, you'd wonder why he would cry
The whole day long
And if you saw him now, you'd wonder why
And if you saw him now, you'd wonder why
And if you saw him now, you'd wonder why....
The Summer Side Of Life
Gordon Lightfoot's "The Summer Side Of Life" stands as a quintessential example of his mid-career acoustic balladry, blending folk storytelling with a distinct Canadian sensibility. Recorded during a period where Lightfoot refined his signature style, the track captures the fleeting nature of youth and the bittersweet passage of time through simple, evocative imagery. The song's melody and lyrical focus on seasonal transitions reflect a broader theme in his discography, often exploring the contrast between vibrant memories and the inevitable drift into adulthood. As a standalone recording, it showcases his ability to craft intimate narratives that resonate with listeners seeking reflection on personal growth and the changing seasons of life.