Doc Watson & David Grisman — Summertime
Album: Doc & DawgAvg rating:
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Length: 4:17
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Summertime and the livin' is easy
Fish are jumpin' and the cotton is high
Oh, your daddy's rich and your ma is good-lookin'
So hush, little baby; don't you cry
One of these mornings you're gonna rise up singing
And you'll spread your wings and you'll take to the sky
But till that morning, there ain't nothin' can harm you
With daddy and mammy standin' by
One of these mornings you're gonna rise up singing
And you'll spread your wings and you'll take to the sky
But till that morning, there ain't nothin' can harm you
With daddy and mammy standin' by
Fish are jumpin' and the cotton is high
Oh, your daddy's rich and your ma is good-lookin'
So hush, little baby; don't you cry
One of these mornings you're gonna rise up singing
And you'll spread your wings and you'll take to the sky
But till that morning, there ain't nothin' can harm you
With daddy and mammy standin' by
One of these mornings you're gonna rise up singing
And you'll spread your wings and you'll take to the sky
But till that morning, there ain't nothin' can harm you
With daddy and mammy standin' by
Comments (132)add comment
Not sure how one would quantify this with an actual number, but damn if this isn't one of the most covered songs ever!! I'm still partial to the Sam Cooke version and esp. like Janis Joplin's take. I also like the re-worked version done by Sublime back in the day. Great tune!! Long Live RP!!
Too bad there's no TWELVE rating
If this isn't reason enough to listen to RP, then I have no answer..
Doc and Mr. G. 
love the Mandolin Twang.
love the Mandolin Twang.
jberko wrote:
I agree, one of the best (IMO) versions of this song I have heard. The acoustic work was beautiful...
How can you not rate this a ten?
I agree, one of the best (IMO) versions of this song I have heard. The acoustic work was beautiful...
jhorton wrote:
I hear you. There are much better versions out there..play Fricking Ella and Louie's version ,Sam Cooke or Miles or..jeez anyone's other than this butchery...
This is like, the hundredth best version of this song.
I hear you. There are much better versions out there..play Fricking Ella and Louie's version ,Sam Cooke or Miles or..jeez anyone's other than this butchery...
What a great duo... doesn't get much better. I am a huge fan of the Garcia and Grisman work (and Jerry Garcia in general), but Doc can do wonders on that flat-top. Good thing I don't have to choose one or the other 
Very nice.
This is like, the hundredth best version of this song.
How can you not rate this a ten?
Doc rocked..but please don't play this into the ground..been getting A LOT of plays lately...how about some of his other tunes?
The mandolin is wonderful! Great song. Doc will be missed.
RIP, Doc. plaid wrote:
agreed, Ella and Louie it ain't
Well, that was pasty and white bread
agreed, Ella and Louie it ain't
Thar Grissman! He has such a sweet unique mandolin !
Well, that was pasty and white bread
What a wonderful version of this classic!
forge wrote:
I like Leon Redbone, but his act is just that: an act. Mssrs. Watson and Grisman are the real deal through and through.
Heard the first chords and thought it was gonna be Leon Redbone. This is nice too however!
I like Leon Redbone, but his act is just that: an act. Mssrs. Watson and Grisman are the real deal through and through.
Started out sounding like the Mills Bros.
Very nice song.
Very nice song.
Thank god its not Redbone. This is just well done. My office mate would be ripping the skin off his death metal face though if he heard it.
Vocals: can't complain at all
Instrumentals: Quite enjoyable
Heard the first chords and thought it was gonna be Leon Redbone. This is nice too however!
Doc and Richard Watson singing Summertime.
"how many things a man can do in the first position of a folk guitar... and how is it magic the fact that everything he sings bocomes a country ballad... this is pure 1°class! " johnjtheoriginal
nice version. nice recording! love doc watson!
saw these two perform together..maybe it was a tour to promote this album? it was a looong time ago...and an AMAZING show.
Doc Watson: Almost as hawt as Feynman.
mmMMMMMmmmmmmmmm...YumYo !! Hiagree..
Woo hoo! More Doc!
Doc Watson is still going strong at age 87, he is touring right now I believe. Get yourself out there and see a living legend!
Doc Watson is still going strong at age 87, he is touring right now I believe. Get yourself out there and see a living legend!
gatorade wrote:
Love it!
I'm in heaven. Doc was fantastic. Grisman is fantastic. Together they are righteous. Such a pleasure to hear you play this.
Love it!
Doc and Rosalee Watson by ~Kissfan8198
©2008-2010 ~Kissfan8198
Spontaneous portrait taken of Doc, and wife, Rosalee Watson at MerleFest 2008.
Published in The Cougar Cry, student newwspaper; Spring 2008 edition.
.
————————————————————————————————————————————-
Doc & The Dawg — 1998.
Stefen wrote:
My thoughts exactly, must own 7 or 8 different versions, this is a first for me!
I've never heard a version of this song I didn't like.
My thoughts exactly, must own 7 or 8 different versions, this is a first for me!
I've never heard a version of this song I didn't like.
I'm in heaven. Doc was fantastic. Grisman is fantastic. Together they are righteous. Such a pleasure to hear you play this.
nate917 wrote:
Clearly that comment belays your intelligent's
So blindness is the reason for that look on his face on the album cover? My money was on constipation.
Clearly that comment belays your intelligent's
Ag3nt0rang3 wrote:
I agree very much with you Ag3. But I find this version very good also. I try to remember that the slaves who created the music in which or for which Summertime was written, were themselves under the influence of another music (amongst others like gospel or African music) who grounded what you call folk music in America, isn't it? And folk as well conveys melancholy. It's called the blues. It's where jazz meets folks
Aural_not_Oral wrote:
I respect fredriley's opinion a lot (maybe more than anyone else on RP) but it was clear that he didn't put this song in it's appropriate cultural context (being British and all), and he's said as much. These guys to a pretty good job of capturing the appropriate mood, in my opinion. Maybe not as good as the original, but playing this song as an uptempo, happy tune would be to spit in the face of thousands of slaves. Even Gershwin himself got grief from critics and commentators for trivializing the African American experience.
Agree with fredriley , I'd rather hear the original, or probably any other version of this song.
Love Doc Watson guitar, but this is just a dull cover.
Have you heard the original? It's a song out of an opera, so it's in orchestral form, but it's not exactly enthusiastic. You can check out an orchestral version here. SummertimeLove Doc Watson guitar, but this is just a dull cover.
David Grisman always hits me as being akin to watching golf on Sunday.
'Good to have on while napping', as it is quiet and laid back, but not for active listening or participation.
I respect fredriley's opinion a lot (maybe more than anyone else on RP) but it was clear that he didn't put this song in it's appropriate cultural context (being British and all), and he's said as much. These guys to a pretty good job of capturing the appropriate mood, in my opinion. Maybe not as good as the original, but playing this song as an uptempo, happy tune would be to spit in the face of thousands of slaves. Even Gershwin himself got grief from critics and commentators for trivializing the African American experience.
I agree very much with you Ag3. But I find this version very good also. I try to remember that the slaves who created the music in which or for which Summertime was written, were themselves under the influence of another music (amongst others like gospel or African music) who grounded what you call folk music in America, isn't it? And folk as well conveys melancholy. It's called the blues. It's where jazz meets folks
This is a great song to hear on a rainy day and dream about summer. Thanks, Bill. 
Make it stop.... It's going to ruin my snow and I still have skiing to do this winter.... :-)
That was great.
fredriley wrote:
Ah right, thanks for the context - I've never seen the opera so have only ever heard the song on its own, and misinterpreted the lyrics. I sit corrected :(
Fred-
In the states we call that a "facial".
Shit happens....you didn't know.
Ah right, thanks for the context - I've never seen the opera so have only ever heard the song on its own, and misinterpreted the lyrics. I sit corrected :(
Fred-
In the states we call that a "facial".
Shit happens....you didn't know.
So blindness is the reason for that look on his face on the album cover? My money was on constipation.
Pretty good for a blind guy, huh?
j/k. Doc Watson is the real deal, love all of his stuff. That other guy's okay too...
Would love to hear Doc's take on 'Columbus Stockade Blues' here sometime...
j/k. Doc Watson is the real deal, love all of his stuff. That other guy's okay too...
Would love to hear Doc's take on 'Columbus Stockade Blues' here sometime...
Aural_not_Oral wrote:
I respect fredriley's opinion a lot (maybe more than anyone else on RP) but it was clear that he didn't put this song in it's appropriate cultural context (being British and all), and he's said as much. These guys to a pretty good job of capturing the appropriate mood, in my opinion. Maybe not as good as the original, but playing this song as an uptempo, happy tune would be to spit in the face of thousands of slaves. Even Gershwin himself got grief from critics and commentators for trivializing the African American experience.
Agree with fredriley , I'd rather hear the original, or probably any other version of this song.
Love Doc Watson guitar, but this is just a dull cover.
Have you heard the original? It's a song out of an opera, so it's in orchestral form, but it's not exactly enthusiastic. You can check out an orchestral version here. SummertimeLove Doc Watson guitar, but this is just a dull cover.
David Grisman always hits me as being akin to watching golf on Sunday.
'Good to have on while napping', as it is quiet and laid back, but not for active listening or participation.
I respect fredriley's opinion a lot (maybe more than anyone else on RP) but it was clear that he didn't put this song in it's appropriate cultural context (being British and all), and he's said as much. These guys to a pretty good job of capturing the appropriate mood, in my opinion. Maybe not as good as the original, but playing this song as an uptempo, happy tune would be to spit in the face of thousands of slaves. Even Gershwin himself got grief from critics and commentators for trivializing the African American experience.
Agree with fredriley , I'd rather hear the original, or probably any other version of this song.
Love Doc Watson guitar, but this is just a dull cover.
Love Doc Watson guitar, but this is just a dull cover.
David Grisman always hits me as being akin to watching golf on Sunday.
'Good to have on while napping', as it is quiet and laid back, but not for active listening or participation.
fredriley wrote:
Nope, way too laid back, twee, and unemotional. This should be an enthusiastic song full of joie de vivre, played with loud horns and sung with a rough loud voice. This has all the joie de vivre of a wet dishcloth. ...
Ag3nt0rang3 wrote:
I can't agree with you there. The narrator of the song is a black slave, singing a lullaby to the master's child. It should be melancholy and bitter, not enthusiastic.
Ah right, thanks for the context - I've never seen the opera so have only ever heard the song on its own, and misinterpreted the lyrics. I sit corrected :(
I can't agree with you there. The narrator of the song is a black slave, singing a lullaby to the master's child. It should be melancholy and bitter, not enthusiastic.
Ah right, thanks for the context - I've never seen the opera so have only ever heard the song on its own, and misinterpreted the lyrics. I sit corrected :(
fredriley wrote:
I can't agree with you there. The narrator of the song is a black slave, singing a lullaby to the master's child. It should be melancholy and bitter, not enthusiastic.
Nope, way too laid back, twee, and unemotional. This should be an enthusiastic song full of joie de vivre, played with loud horns and sung with a rough loud voice. This has all the joie de vivre of a wet dishcloth.
I can't agree with you there. The narrator of the song is a black slave, singing a lullaby to the master's child. It should be melancholy and bitter, not enthusiastic.
What a brilliant rendition by two of Americana's finest!
Nope, way too laid back, twee, and unemotional. This should be an enthusiastic song full of joie de vivre, played with loud horns and sung with a rough loud voice. This has all the joie de vivre of a wet dishcloth.
This brings back an awful memory. I was part of a school brass band when 15 or so, playing the trumpet, and volunteered to do this as a solo. The very first note is top F sharp, and needless to say I completely fluffed it, coming out with a painful croak, which rather set the tone for the rest of the recital. That was the last solo I ever did - teach me to pick something so hard :(
Thank you for sharing. I feel 'closure' now ;)
This brings back an awful memory. I was part of a school brass band when 15 or so, playing the trumpet, and volunteered to do this as a solo. The very first note is top F sharp, and needless to say I completely fluffed it, coming out with a painful croak, which rather set the tone for the rest of the recital. That was the last solo I ever did - teach me to pick something so hard :(
Thank you for sharing. I feel 'closure' now ;)
smehan55 wrote:
And again today....
Doc Watson & David Grisman - Summertime
Eagles - Journey Of The Sorcerer
Excellent transition ... great tunes. :-)
Eagles - Journey Of The Sorcerer
Excellent transition ... great tunes. :-)
And again today....
Danimal174 wrote:
Sure enough.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Summertime_(song)
Interesting take on this song. I like the music a lot, but something about an old white dude singing the line "Your pappy's rich" just doesn't quite work for me. Still, the music alone makes this a worthy cover.
Sure enough.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Summertime_(song)
Wow. I'm realizing how much great music I have missed in my life - combination of too closed a mind and lack of access I guess.
Thanks for playing.
Thanks for playing.
That's some guitar playing,,wow ! 
I hardly ever comment on songs but this is my favorite version of this song. I think it is incredible.
Haha this is amazing!!
saw these two guys perform together once.....awesome.....they did this song....goose bumps
Great song done by two national treasures, would have been nice to have Vassar Clements playin' a lil fiddle in there, he's sorely missed and the song was written by a white dude lol
Interesting take on this song. I like the music a lot, but something about an old white dude singing the line "Your pappy's rich" just doesn't quite work for me. Still, the music alone makes this a worthy cover.
Doc Watson & David Grisman - Summertime
Eagles - Journey Of The Sorcerer
Excellent transition ... great tunes. :-)
Eagles - Journey Of The Sorcerer
Excellent transition ... great tunes. :-)
A great, different take on a classic song. I could listen to Doc Watson or Chet Atkins playing anything.
nicolesuzanne wrote:
+1
Great rendition of this song!
+1
Great rendition of this song!
Good song, to be sure — also makes me wanna dig out and play Janis J's version, or — even better:
"Rodge is on the microphone, the Ross MG...
all people in the dance will agree that we're well qualified to represent the LBC..."
"Rodge is on the microphone, the Ross MG...
all people in the dance will agree that we're well qualified to represent the LBC..."
just plain bad
Heard those opening licks and knew it had to be Doc, and then to have Dawg there too.... what a great combination. More Doc... More Dawg.... Please!
More Acoustic Music, please.
Thanks for this one.
Thanks for this one.
one of my favorite tunes of all time, and hadn't heard this version from two dudes i love .... bliss
steve_san_carlos wrote:
Emotional perspective? ROFL at steve.
Horrible. Clearly not within the range of these dudes from an emotional perspective.
Emotional perspective? ROFL at steve.
mrrmt wrote:
He sounds like Burl Ives. Especially with the guitar twang that makes me think of Summer Magic.
That's what I thought, too. Good thing I checked the other comments before congratulating myself too much on my great observation!
Oh, and now Lovin'Spoonful--great segue! Bill is indeed The King of Seque !
steve_san_carlos wrote:
Horrible. Clearly not within the range of these dudes from an emotional perspective.
Dweeb! Haters fade away please!
One of the best songs ever written! We are lucky to have had the Gershwins.
steve_san_carlos wrote:
Horrible. Clearly not within the range of these dudes from an emotional perspective.
Do you mean the song is horrible? or this particular rendition?
I was digging it until the singing started. Not that the singing is bad, it just doesn't seem to fit the song.
Nice! 
What if I listened to this song in some deep, quiet starry summer night. Probably I would have no regrets.
Horrible. Clearly not within the range of these dudes from an emotional perspective.
this just makes working late on a saturday night a little bit less miserable.
wally42 wrote:
CRAP! missed it.......
DITTO
CRAP! missed it.......
I have never heard this version of this song before and it is absolutely amazing.
robco1 wrote:
Doc W. & David G- Summertime
The Kinks- Sunny Afternoon
Macaco- Chan Chan
Coldplay + Buena Vista Social Club- Clocks
Is Bill not king of the segue? Best DJ EVER!
I quite enjoyed that set too.
Early morning sun, coffee and this...
AAHHH... 
dixiedeb wrote:
Doc and Dave-two American treasures.
Agreed!!! Along with Jerry Garcia, American folk singers.
That song was great but so is Coffs Harbor
A great interpretation, though I do prefer Billie or Sarah on vocals.
Right before turning on RP I was listening to The Pizza Tapes and hearing Doc play with Grisman is kind of an eye-opener. Tony Rice is great guitar player, but he doesn't have the musicality that Doc does (or Garcia for that matter). I was not aware of this disk until now. Thanks Bill!
Doc and Dave-two American treasures.
Doc W. & David G- Summertime
The Kinks- Sunny Afternoon
Macaco- Chan Chan
Coldplay + Buena Vista Social Club- Clocks
Is Bill not king of the segue? Best DJ EVER!
handyrae wrote:
So true. This may be the only song that I can honestly say I've enjoyed every version of it I've ever heard. I feel the same way about Amazing Grace-- with one exception.
The Blind Boys don't do it for ya?
handyrae wrote:
So true. This may be the only song that I can honestly say I've enjoyed every version of it I've ever heard. I feel the same way about Amazing Grace-- with one exception.
Ooh ooh! Whose? Do tell!
hippiechick wrote:
A mark of a great song is one that can be interpreted in many different ways and still sound great. This is one of those songs.
So true. This may be the only song that I can honestly say I've enjoyed every version of it I've ever heard. I feel the same way about Amazing Grace-- with one exception.
davem wrote:
Quite the list, but I can't believe you omitted The Modern Jazz Quartet. Their version of the entire opera is something to behold. Could be a tad mellow for RP's listeners, though. Ahh, I age myself here.
... and let's not overlook the late Billy Stewart...
Quite the list, but I can't believe you omitted The Modern Jazz Quartet. Their version of the entire opera is something to behold. Could be a tad mellow for RP's listeners, though. Ahh, I age myself here.
slartibart_O wrote:
summertime is a great song to cover and lends itself to many interpretations, that is it's strength. by dismissing them all except for "the original" (what does that mean anyways, the original broadway soundtrack to porgie and bess? ) you're missing out on hearing lots of great performers stretching their wings like:
Tori Amos
Peter Gabriel
Stereophonics
Janis Joplin
Wayne Hancock
Sam Cooke
Nick Drake
Me First and the Gimme Gimmes
Chet Atkins
Al Green
Al Jarreau
Billie Holiday
Booker T. & The MG's
The Doors
Asylum Street Spankers
Bill Evans
Chet Baker
Miles Davis and Quincy Jones
Sarah Vaughan
Herbie Hancock
(from a really cool website "the covers project")
yea, none of these guys are worth a damn.
jah_blessed wrote:
As I found out from the "Sublime" 10th anniversary edition liner notes, the actual lyric is "Doin' time and the livin's easy". They overdubbed the vocals with "Summertime..." (sung by some other guy, as Bradley Nowell had died of a heroin OD before the album's final sequencing) to get clearance for the song. The version of "Doin' Time" on the special edition restores the original line.
Anyway, this version is also good.
details....details....
Some of us love 'em....
I sensed David Grisman here before I looked at the title on RP.
I like it. A lot.
the dawg is gawd 
mikedill wrote:
summertime... and the living's easy.
might have to follow this one up with a little sublime.
As I found out from the "Sublime" 10th anniversary edition liner notes, the actual lyric is "Doin' time and the livin's easy". They overdubbed the vocals with "Summertime..." (sung by some other guy, as Bradley Nowell had died of a heroin OD before the album's final sequencing) to get clearance for the song. The version of "Doin' Time" on the special edition restores the original line.
Anyway, this version is also good.
Snowed in and working from home. . . looking out the window at 4 inches of snow that will be 6 by the end of the day. . .
Summertime is looking pretty good right now. . .
Summertime is looking pretty good right now. . .
BlueHeronDruid wrote:
That's how I like to sing around the house regular songs in a dramatic operatic voice - try it, it's great fun!
I heard Leontyne Price sing this once.
But this? I like.
I think I've heard that version too!
But this? I like. That's how I like to sing around the house regular songs in a dramatic operatic voice - try it, it's great fun!
mikedill wrote: Uploaded "Doin' Time" some time ago. It did well on the LRC, but was ultimately rejected.
One more thing: Miles' version rules!
summertime... and the living's easy.
might have to follow this one up with a little sublime.
Uploaded "Doin' Time" some time ago. It did well on the LRC, but was ultimately rejected.
One more thing: Miles' version rules!
He sounds like Burl Ives. Especially with the guitar twang that makes me think of Summer Magic.
Lots of versions of this song, and this one's nowhere near the top of the list.
Dude, you're mellowing my harsh. 
hippiechick wrote:
A mark of a great song is one that can be interpreted in many different ways and still sound great. This is one of those songs.
Dave Grisman is a true American singer. His songs, along with those recorded by others, are real American music.
hippie-chick! ...you got it right again!
A decent song, but what a tempo crasher, and it is "not" Summertime.
Leslie wrote:
I didn't know Grisman did an album with Doc. I have all the ones he made with Jerry though. I will have to add this to my collection.
Me too!
A mark of a great song is one that can be interpreted in many different ways and still sound great. This is one of those songs.
Dave Grisman is a true American singer. His songs, along with those recorded by others, are real American music.
Aud wrote:
except when there are so many other versions so much better than this one
None that I've heard. Still a 9.
I heard Leontyne Price sing this once.
But this? I like.
But this? I like.guitar_man_101 wrote:
A pretty good song, but incredible guitar work!
I concur.
If you've got a guitar laying around, it's a must try.
slartibart_O wrote:
summertime is a great song to cover and lends itself to many interpretations, that is it's strength....
OK But this version is about the weakest I've heard. Perhaps you could up load some of these better ones, please?
nick_valensi wrote:
I like the original simple Gershwin version better. Everytime they cover this song they try to fill it with arrangements and feats... The beauty of this theme lies in it's simplicity. Miles Davis is the only one who brought Summertime to a whole new different level.
summertime is a great song to cover and lends itself to many interpretations, that is it's strength. by dismissing them all except for "the original" (what does that mean anyways, the original broadway soundtrack to porgie and bess? ) you're missing out on hearing lots of great performers stretching their wings like:
Tori Amos
Peter Gabriel
Stereophonics
Janis Joplin
Wayne Hancock
Sam Cooke
Nick Drake
Me First and the Gimme Gimmes
Chet Atkins
Al Green
Al Jarreau
Billie Holiday
Booker T. & The MG's
The Doors
Asylum Street Spankers
Bill Evans
Chet Baker
Miles Davis and Quincy Jones
Sarah Vaughan
Herbie Hancock
(from a really cool website "the covers project")
yea, none of these guys are worth a damn.
summertime... and the living's easy.
might have to follow this one up with a little sublime.
I didn't know Grisman did an album with Doc. I have all the ones he made with Jerry though. I will have to add this to my collection.
Timeless....
Whoo-weee, I haven't heard Dave Grisman in years. A lovely trip down memory lane.
I like this version of the old Gershwin classic too.
Thanks Bill!
Doc is surely a national treasure...miss Merle...that Grisman guy's pretty good too..
Not sure how one would quantify this with an actual number, but damn if this isn't one of the most covered songs ever!! I'm still partial to the Sam Cooke version and esp. like Janis Joplin's take. I also like the re-worked version done by Sublime back in the day. Great tune!! Long Live RP!!
9-->10
c.