Introduction
That Summer is a country song by Garth Brooks, released in 1993. The song is a nostalgic tale of a young boy’s coming of age during a summer romance with an older woman. The song became a massive hit, reaching number one on the country charts and peaking at number 25 on the Billboard Hot 100. In this article, we will go over the lyrics to That Summer and explore the story that Garth Brooks tells through his music.
Verse 1
I went to work for her that summer
A teenage kid so far from home
She was a lonely widow woman
Hell-bent to make it on her own
We were a thousand miles from nowhere
Wheat fields as far as I could see
Both needing something from each other
Not knowing yet what that might be
The first verse of That Summer sets the scene for the story. We learn that the narrator is a teenage boy who is working for a lonely widow woman during the summer. They are both far from home and searching for something. The lyrics paint a picture of a vast, empty landscape, with wheat fields stretching as far as the eye can see. There is a sense of loneliness and isolation in these lines, which sets the tone for the rest of the song.
Chorus
And we could tear the world apart
As we shared all the secrets of our souls
Two rebel angels who’ve been cast out of heaven
And only God knows where we go
But we were young and wild
We were a restless breed
We were the kids of the baby boom
All looking for something
We were the generation that got on its knees
The chorus of That Summer is a powerful declaration of youth and rebellion. The narrator and his summer love are like two rebel angels who have been cast out of heaven. They are young and wild, searching for something that they can’t quite name. The lyrics suggest a sense of restlessness and a desire for something more. The line “we were the generation that got on its knees” is particularly striking, suggesting a generation that is searching for meaning and purpose in a rapidly changing world.
Verse 2
She said, “Where you come from?”
I said, “Nowhere in particular”
“Oh, you must be a runaway
I said, “Nah, that ain’t fair”
“She said, “Well, then, are you a poet?”
I said, “Nah, I’m just a kid”
“Came to ask a few questions”
She said, “Sir, I hope it’s for her sake you did”
The second verse of That Summer is a dialogue between the narrator and the older woman he is working for. She asks him where he comes from, and he tells her “nowhere in particular.” She assumes he is a runaway, but he denies it. She then asks if he is a poet, to which he responds that he is just a kid. The lyrics suggest a sense of innocence and naivete on the part of the narrator, who is still trying to figure out who he is and what he wants from life.
Chorus
And we could tear the world apart
As we shared all the secrets of our souls
Two rebel angels who’ve been cast out of heaven
And only God knows where we go
But we were young and wild
We were a restless breed
We were the kids of the baby boom
All looking for something
We were the generation that got on its knees
Verse 3
She said, “I’m far from lonely”
I said, “That’s the least I’ve known”
She said, “You’re much too young
Not to let it show”
So I laughed at the world
As it spun around
Never knew love could take me down
To where I’d never been
But I have been there with you
Everyday is a new day to begin
The third verse of That Summer is a conversation between the narrator and the older woman. She tells him that she is not lonely, but he senses that there is more to the story. She encourages him to let his emotions show, and he responds by laughing at the world. The lyrics suggest a sense of recklessness and abandon, as the narrator becomes more and more caught up in his summer romance. He admits that he never knew love could take him to such depths, but he is grateful for the experience.
Chorus
And we could tear the world apart
As we shared all the secrets of our souls
Two rebel angels who’ve been cast out of heaven
And only God knows where we go
But we were young and wild
We were a restless breed
We were the kids of the baby boom
All looking for something
We were the generation that got on its knees
Verse 4
She said, “Go taste the summer
And reach for every golden star
And hitch a ride on a rainbow
And kiss a goodbye to this world
And never fear the darkness
For that’s when stars shine brightest
And I’ll be there watching
From the darkness to the lightest”
The final verse of That Summer is a conversation between the narrator and the older woman. She encourages him to embrace life and take risks, telling him to “go taste the summer and reach for every golden star.” She tells him not to fear the darkness, as that is when the stars shine brightest. The lyrics suggest a sense of hope and optimism, as the narrator looks forward to a future that is full of possibilities.
Conclusion
That Summer is a powerful song that captures the spirit of youth and rebellion. The lyrics tell the story of a young boy’s coming of age during a summer romance with an older woman. The song is full of vivid imagery and powerful emotions, and it has become one of Garth Brooks’ most beloved hits. Whether you are a fan of country music or not, the lyrics to That Summer are sure to resonate with anyone who has ever been young and in love.
