Summer Wine
Nancy Sinatra
Intoxicating Allure: The Essence of 'Summer Wine'
The song 'Summer Wine' by Nancy Sinatra, featuring Lee Hazlewood, is a duet that tells a story of seduction and intoxication, both literal and metaphorical. The lyrics paint a picture of a man, represented by Lee, who is lured by a woman, Nancy's character, with the promise of 'summer wine,' a concoction that seems to symbolize a heady, romantic experience. The 'strawberries, cherries, and an angel's kiss in spring' suggest a blend of sweetness and innocence with a hint of something more divine and intoxicating.
As the song progresses, the man becomes increasingly under the influence of this 'summer wine,' to the point where he loses his ability to speak and stand. This could be interpreted as a metaphor for falling under the spell of love or desire, losing oneself in the process. The woman's 'unfamiliar line' that reassures the man could represent the allure of the unknown and the excitement of new experiences. The morning after, the man finds himself alone, without his possessions, and with a longing for more of the intoxicating experience, indicating perhaps a sense of loss and the fleeting nature of the encounter.
The song's narrative is wrapped in a dreamy, almost surreal quality, enhanced by the haunting melody and the interplay of Nancy and Lee's voices. It captures the essence of a summer fling—intense, ephemeral, and leaving a lasting impression. The use of 'silver spurs' as a recurring motif could symbolize the man's pride or status, which he ultimately surrenders to the woman in exchange for the pleasure of 'summer wine.' The song's allure lies in its ability to evoke the bittersweet nature of such an encounter, where pleasure is intertwined with loss and desire with vulnerability.