Summer of '70 by Velvet Skies

Summer of '70 by Velvet Skies is a nostalgic journey through youth, freedom, and the raw spirit of the 1970s, brought to life through evocative lyrics written by Samuel E. Burns. The song captures the essence of a summer that, while fleeting, left an indelible mark on its narrator.

The opening lines set the stage for an adventurous, carefree summer—out of school, in the sweltering heat, and eager to experience life. The decision to attend a "Pop Fest" encapsulates that era’s thirst for music and rebellion, making the song feel authentic to the 1970s counterculture. The vivid imagery of "the house that Rheingold built" and "Peach trees blurring in the sun" conjures the feeling of southern roads and the raw landscape, enhancing the sense of time and place.

The road trip itself is painted with vibrant, sometimes surreal details—a stranger's U-Haul, a bizarre moment with a girl and a dog, and the chaotic energy of a young generation finding their way. These elements feel like snapshots of a time when the world was full of possibility and unpredictability. The casual tone with which the narrator recounts the moments—like the encounter with the sheriff or the impromptu concert by Almond Joy—brings an air of rebelliousness and youthfulness, emphasizing the feeling of living in the moment, untethered.

The musical experience at the festival, specifically hearing the Allman Brothers' iconic "Whipping Post," adds a layer of nostalgia for the music of the time, grounding the song in its era. It's a subtle, yet powerful way to remind listeners that music was an integral part of the summer’s story, binding it all together.

The closing lines—particularly the mention of Jimi Hendrix playing "The Star-Spangled Banner"—serve as a poetic reminder of how music could reflect the nation’s turbulent yet hopeful mood. The song’s parting gift, a sheriff's billy club, feels like an abrupt end to an otherwise carefree experience, representing the tensions of the time but also reinforcing the spirit of rebellion.

Summer of '70 is a beautiful blend of memory and longing, encapsulating the wild energy and rebellious spirit of youth in the 1970s. It’s a song about moments too precious to fully grasp at the time, but that remain etched in memory, echoing through the years. The lyrics are rich in imagery, relatable to anyone who has felt the magic of a summer that marked their life forever. The narrative quality of the song pulls listeners into the past, making them feel as though they, too, lived that unforgettable summer.