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Bruce Springsteen — Girls in Their Summer Clothes
Album: Magic
Avg rating:
7

Your rating:
Total ratings: 412









Released: 2007
Length: 4:08
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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Well the street lights shine
Down on Blessing Avenue
Lovers they walk by
Holdin' hands two by two

A breeze crosses the porch
Bicycle spokes spin 'round
Jacket's on, I'm out the door
Tonight I'm gonna burn this town down

And the girls in their summer clothes
In the cool of the evening light
The girls in their summer clothes
Pass me by

Kid's rubber ball smacks
Off the gutter 'neath the lamp light
Big bank clock chimes
Off go the sleepy front porch lights

Downtown the store's alive
As the evening's underway
Things been a little tight
But I know they're gonna turn my way

And the girls in their summer clothes
In the cool of the evening light
The girls in their summer clothes
Pass me by

Frankie's Diner's
Over on the edge of town
Neon sign spinnin' round
Like a cross over the lost and found

Fluorescent lights
Flicker above Bob's Grill
Shaniqua brings a coffee and asks "fill?"
And says "penny for your thoughts now my boy Bill"

She went away
She cut me like a knife
Hello beautiful thing
Maybe you could save my life

In just a glance
Down here on Magic Street
Love's a fool's dance
I ain't got much sense but I still got my feet

And the girls in their summer clothes
In the cool of the evening light
The girls in their summer clothes
Pass me by

And the girls in their summer clothes
In the cool of the evening light
The girls in their summer clothes
Pass me by

La la la la, la la la la la la la
La la la la, la la la la la la la
La la la la, la la la la la la la
La la la la, la la la la la la la
[fades]
Comments (103)add comment
 TerryS wrote:

On top of Mount Baker this afternoon it was sunburning hot.........the end of the end of summer.
Although I, too could live without the  Spector Wall of Sound,


I haven’t been on top of Baker but I’ve been almost on top of Shuksan, and have been on top of Winchester and Larrabee!!
Posted 1 year ago by Stratocaster    [ Reply ]
Apparently the vocal track was slowed way down, hence the reason it doesn’t sound like Bruce.
Posted 3 years ago by Stratocaster    [ Reply ]
Bruce as creepy old dude in a trench coat on a park bench...
Posted 9 years ago by gregskrtic    [ Reply ]
On top of Mount Baker this afternoon it was sunburning hot.........the end of the end of summer.
Although I, too could live without the  Spector Wall of Sound,
Posted 9 years ago by TerryS    [ Reply ]
  evocative and hanging out for summer  in wintry Tasmania{#Whipit}  
Posted 9 years ago by Jannne    [ Reply ]
 idiot_wind wrote:
You should be playing this song once a week. 

Summer is slowing fading away.

Bummer.  

 

Oh YES!!

Hot & Humid here, but come September, it's long sleeves.... 
Posted 9 years ago by Aud    [ Reply ]
Doesn't sound like Bruce at all.

Kind of like Bob on Nashville Skyline in terms of being a completely different vocal style.

 
Posted 9 years ago by lemmoth    [ Reply ]
You should be playing this song once a week. 

Summer is slowing fading away.

Bummer.  
Posted 9 years ago by idiot_wind    [ Reply ]
I wish i could put my finger on what this reminds me of... like Pink Cadillac sounds like Hank Mizell, this sounds like... it's right on the top of my tongue. (Anyone know what song this sounds like?)
Posted 9 years ago by apd    [ Reply ]
 ick wrote:
I like it. It's certainly different for Bruce.

 
 

Yeah! Sounds like some obscure alt-rock band between the 80s and 90s. Like the Trashcan Sinatras....


Posted 9 years ago by Alexandra    [ Reply ]
Huh... and here I thought all he could do was yell.
Posted 9 years ago by jagdriver    [ Reply ]
Another quality tune from Bruce.
Posted 9 years ago by ppopp    [ Reply ]
I am nuts over Bruce.  And this song is great.  But too bad about the mix.
 
Posted 9 years ago by msymmes    [ Reply ]
stunning
Posted 9 years ago by Segue    [ Reply ]
If this album had been mixed properly it would rank up there with his best work. The songs are pretty excellent. I take it down a notch or two because of the murky mix.
Posted 9 years ago by SchoepTone    [ Reply ]
That's really Bruce singing?  Kind of like when we first heard Dylan singing on Nashville Skyline.  Is that really him?
Posted 9 years ago by Bat    [ Reply ]
I like it. It's certainly different for Bruce.
Posted 9 years ago by ick    [ Reply ]
chorus a bit pervy
Posted 9 years ago by max_p    [ Reply ]
 Cynaera wrote:
This is a much more mature voice for Springsteen - not so much yelling, and more attention to pitch and nuance.  I really love it - he's aging well, and so is his music. {#Sunny}

 

agree
Posted 11 years ago by Aud    [ Reply ]
Never heard this before now. What a pleasant surprise. Strikes a chord. Pushes a button.
Posted 13 years ago by dwlangham    [ Reply ]
I like a few Springsteen tunes, never a huge fan since his first album. . .but THIS?  LOVE IT! 

Yeah, I know, it's kind of pop-y, sort of overproduced, rose-colored, rear view mirror nostalgic, but man, does this push my buttons - brings back vivid memories of all the young cuties of yesteryear at the beach. . .ahhhhh. . . . .
Posted 13 years ago by bindi    [ Reply ]
I know Bill doesn't care for it, but I love the mix on this one.  
Posted 14 years ago by haljordan    [ Reply ]
 mandolin wrote:
...this sounds a lot like someone who sounds a lot like bruce springsteen...
 
... sounds a lot like someone who used to sing for Bauhaus.  And, it sounds like the only Bruce Springsteen song I like.

Posted 14 years ago by alanthecowboy    [ Reply ]
This is a much more mature voice for Springsteen - not so much yelling, and more attention to pitch and nuance.  I really love it - he's aging well, and so is his music. {#Sunny}
Posted 14 years ago by Cynaera    [ Reply ]
 mandolin wrote:
...this sounds a lot like someone who sounds a lot like bruce springsteen...
 
His voice is downright pretty here. I've always been a fan. {#Sunny}
Posted 14 years ago by fingerpin    [ Reply ]
This sounds nothing like what I expect Bruce to sound like, but I like it. His voice sounds pretty good, much better than I would ever have expected. Pretty great songwriting too.
Posted 14 years ago by cc_rider    [ Reply ]
Watch the video, he includes girls/women of all ages down at the Jersey shore.  Nothing icky at all, seems more like a celebration of women. 

Don't usually see videos, but they play this one at my gym constantly.  Hearing the song gives me a pavlovian urge to run faster. 



Tana wrote:
But there's something off about a guy his age singing about girls in their summer clothes. At his age, you can look but it's a little unseemly to talk about it.
 


Posted 14 years ago by davedog    [ Reply ]
Fine song and I'm 85 next birthday {#Group-hug}{#Whipit}
Posted 14 years ago by arserocket    [ Reply ]
 Tana wrote:
But there's something off about a guy his age singing about girls in their summer clothes. At his age, you can look but it's a little unseemly to talk about it.
 
There is definitely something unseemly about this kind of clueless ageist commentary.  Grow up.

Posted 14 years ago by h8rhater    [ Reply ]
 Tana wrote:
But there's something off about a guy his age singing about girls in their summer clothes. At his age, you can look but it's a little unseemly to talk about it.
 
It's a goddam song; the PC is really out of control! {#Doh}

Posted 14 years ago by fingerpin    [ Reply ]
...this sounds a lot like someone who sounds a lot like bruce springsteen...
Posted 14 years ago by mandolin    [ Reply ]
I see a red door and I want it painted black
No colors anymore I want them to turn black
I see the girls walk by dressed in their summer clothes
I have to turn my head until my darkness goes

Posted 14 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
Great tune, marred by the ridiculously awful production on this album. 
Posted 14 years ago by JGM    [ Reply ]
 calypsus_1 wrote:


Bruce "The Boss" Springsteen at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium.

I've never seen so many middle aged men in tight blue jeans shouting like 12 year old girls at a Girls Aloud concert.

 
actually, the girls where shouting like men at a Bruce concert.

Posted 14 years ago by apd    [ Reply ]
Never a huge fan but this is pure folk/rock poetry...outstanding!
Posted 14 years ago by Foot    [ Reply ]

The Boss by `contains-mild-peril
©2008-2010 `contains-mild-peril

Bruce "The Boss" Springsteen at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium.

I've never seen so many middle aged men in tight blue jeans shouting like 12 year old girls at a Girls Aloud concert.



Posted 14 years ago by calypsus_1    [ Reply ]
 RedGuitar wrote:
They must have slowed the recording or something - it sounds like his voice is lower.  Maybe just my ears/speakers.
 
Nah - he is older now of course!
Posted 14 years ago by jools    [ Reply ]
They must have slowed the recording or something - it sounds like his voice is lower.  Maybe just my ears/speakers.
Posted 14 years ago by RedGuitar    [ Reply ]
...very nice after the sensual world...
Posted 14 years ago by mandolin    [ Reply ]

yes!, great and emblematic!

Posted 14 years ago by calypsus_1    [ Reply ]
i think you have really missed the point......
 Tana wrote:
But there's something off about a guy his age singing about girls in their summer clothes. At his age, you can look but it's a little unseemly to talk about it.
 


Posted 14 years ago by mnold    [ Reply ]
Dear Mr. Springsteen:

Please note that this review only applies to this song.

This song sucks. Please try to do better next time.

Thanks for your attention to this matter.

Yours truly,

Flying_Donut
Posted 15 years ago by Flying_Donut    [ Reply ]
 Tana wrote:
But there's something off about a guy his age singing about girls in their summer clothes. At his age, you can look but it's a little unseemly to talk about it.
 
I think if you read the lyrics, you'll find that they are less than prurient. The larger metaphor seems to be about being left behind - by a  woman, by his youth, and also socially, economically, etc. With Bruce, culture critique is never far behind. :)

Posted 15 years ago by lmic    [ Reply ]
Why does he sound like Brian Wilson?
Posted 15 years ago by zenisgood    [ Reply ]
But there's something off about a guy his age singing about girls in their summer clothes. At his age, you can look but it's a little unseemly to talk about it.
Posted 15 years ago by Tana    [ Reply ]
Delicious. Just delicious.

Bruce can write a pop hit, as much as he can move us to passion and tears.

When I play this for friends, they can never tell who it is. Were it not for the hetero theme, it could almost pass for a Magnetic Fields tune. 
Posted 15 years ago by rocklandlove    [ Reply ]
 spotcheckbilly wrote:
The poster boy for a performer that decided to go for popularity over quality. The old 70's and 80's songs had originality and passion. This stuff is elevator music imho.
  Pretty much where I'm at, too. Shocked to see who this was when I checked the site.


Posted 15 years ago by michaelgmitchell    [ Reply ]
Interesting, I've already rated this song, though I don't recall when I heard it on here before.
Posted 15 years ago by newwavegurly    [ Reply ]
 ROSSinDETROIT wrote:
I'm not much of a Bruce fan but I like this a great deal.  Great arrangement.
 
{#High-five}   {#Yes}


Posted 15 years ago by Pyro    [ Reply ]
 chirpie wrote:

Sinatra? Where's the huh smiley...

{#Confused} 
 

The poster boy for a performer that decided to go for popularity over quality. The old 70's and 80's songs had originality and passion. This stuff is elevator music imho.
Posted 15 years ago by spotcheckbilly    [ Reply ]
Mmmmm bring on Summer. {#Whistle}
Posted 15 years ago by peter_james_bond    [ Reply ]
 kaybee wrote:
There's just no accounting for taste.  I really enjoy Springsteen's work mid-70's to mid-80's and find a lot of his more recent work somehow lacking.  To me, this song sounds like tired Sinatra.
 
Sinatra? Where's the huh smiley...

{#Confused} 
Posted 15 years ago by chirpie    [ Reply ]
Okay, like the song, but that transition from XTC was maybe a bit harsh . . . {#Eek}
Posted 15 years ago by robco1    [ Reply ]
kindof a new sound for Bruce - I like!
Posted 15 years ago by bindi    [ Reply ]
 alanthecowboy wrote:

Right on!  I won't say this is the only Bruce song I've ever liked, but it's my favorite so far.  Add me to your 'majority', nonetheless.

Speaking of majorities, if you're not in Canada, tune in.  Canadian politics are finally getting somewhat interesting, as much as is possible for Canadian politics.

  There's just no accounting for taste.  I really enjoy Springsteen's work mid-70's to mid-80's and find a lot of his more recent work somehow lacking.  To me, this song sounds like tired Sinatra.


Posted 16 years ago by kaybee    [ Reply ]
 BAD wrote:
I have to agree with the majority of posts here, and say that this is the only Springsteen song I've ever liked.  Pay attention Bruce,  you finally got it right...
 
Right on!  I won't say this is the only Bruce song I've ever liked, but it's my favorite so far.  Add me to your 'majority', nonetheless.

Speaking of majorities, if you're not in Canada, tune in.  Canadian politics are finally getting somewhat interesting, as much as is possible for Canadian politics.

Posted 16 years ago by alanthecowboy    [ Reply ]
1:14 PM: Nancy Sinatra - Summer Wine
1:18 PM: XTC - Summer's Cauldron
1:21 PM: Bruce Springsteen - Girls in Their Summer Clothes

I think Bill wishes it wasn't November 30 today.  Up next, I'm guessing... Don Henley - Boys of Summer?
Posted 16 years ago by aaronm    [ Reply ]
I'm not much of a Bruce fan but I like this a great deal.  Great arrangement.
Posted 16 years ago by ROSSinDETROIT    [ Reply ]
Really like this - better than the grandstanding stuff. Thought of Heartache Avenue by The Maisonettes.
Posted 16 years ago by arserocket    [ Reply ]

 

Nov 07, 2008 - 08:45 Bruce Springsteen - It's Hard To Be a Saint in the City;

Nov 07, 2008 - 14:05 more Bruce Springsteen - Growin' Up;

Nov 07, 2008 - 20:08 Bruce Springsteen - Girls in Their Summer Clothes

valley later of what never!......in any way it is late.


Posted 16 years ago by calypsus_1    [ Reply ]
I've been listening to Bruce since 1978, and I still can't believe this is him.  I missed this last tour, but given the choice between hearing this song performed or Darkness on the Edge of Town, I'll still take the latter.   Not a bad song, though.
Posted 16 years ago by wild_mercury    [ Reply ]
 chyk5 wrote:


I looked through the postings and can't find a majority of people saying that this is the only Bruce song they've ever liked. I'm sure Bruce has been waiting his entire career for you to tell him to pay attention and is much gratified with your approval. I'm astonished he didn't write a post himself to thank you.

 
No need to be unkind.  I think most of us understood the implied meaning.

Posted 16 years ago by Pyro    [ Reply ]
There was a comment earlier that I'm going to echo:

Before I knew this was Springsteen, I though, "Wow, this is really good. Sounds like Springsteen, but better."

Not a big Bruce fan, but he has his moments and this one shines like a supernova.
Posted 16 years ago by metrophage    [ Reply ]
After hearing this for the first time on the 11th, I borrowed the CD from a friend.  It's strong work.  Very different from the usual Bruce, which (in MY book) isn't a bad thing.  Thumbs up!  That said, I wouldn't go out and buy the CD, but I would purchase this song from I-tunes.


Posted 16 years ago by Pyro    [ Reply ]
 BAD wrote:
I have to agree with the majority of posts here, and say that this is the only Springsteen song I've ever liked.  Pay attention Bruce,  you finally got it right...
 

I looked through the postings and can't find a majority of people saying that this is the only Bruce song they've ever liked. I'm sure Bruce has been waiting his entire career for you to tell him to pay attention and is much gratified with your approval. I'm astonished he didn't write a post himself to thank you.

Posted 16 years ago by chyk5    [ Reply ]
 BAD wrote:
I have to agree with the majority of posts here, and say that this is the only Springsteen song I've ever liked.  Pay attention Bruce,  you finally got it right...
 
{#Yes}

Posted 16 years ago by Pyro    [ Reply ]
This is a great song!
Posted 16 years ago by gregmc15    [ Reply ]
what the — ? I can't believe I'm hearing a Boss tune with actual singing in a melodic voice. YEAH, this is refreshing and unexpected from such a great artist. {#Roflol}
Posted 16 years ago by tugandbuster    [ Reply ]
The words are great. Imagery like that in an Edward Hopper painting - songs like this are his best. He's maturing like a good wine.
Posted 16 years ago by firefly6    [ Reply ]
Great to hear the Boss with a great hooky, pop song. Best tune of his in years.
Posted 16 years ago by MCKY    [ Reply ]
A wonderful summer pop song that doesn't overachieve.  Great melody and hook.  This is a winner.
Posted 16 years ago by ROSSinDETROIT    [ Reply ]
BAD wrote:
I have to agree with the majority of posts here, and say that this is the only Springsteen song I've ever liked. Pay attention Bruce, you finally got it right...

Amen to that.

A few of his old tunes are bearable in a nostalgic sort of way, if I don't hear them too often. But that's about the best I can say for 'ol Bruce. Til this song came along.


Posted 16 years ago by jeepstir    [ Reply ]
It doesn't even sound like a Boss tune.  Did he write?

Posted 16 years ago by earthbased    [ Reply ]
I have to agree with the majority of posts here, and say that this is the only Springsteen song I've ever liked.  Pay attention Bruce,  you finally got it right...
Posted 16 years ago by BAD    [ Reply ]
Wow. Never would have recognized this as Springsteen if I hadn't checked the play list. Is it me, or does his voice sound very different from usual?
Posted 16 years ago by suddenchad    [ Reply ]
vandal wrote:

At the risk of angering some, sounding like a hypocrite, and generally being a deconstructionist, this has a very "Kids Are Alright" sound to it. . .



crap. . . already wrote this once. . .


Posted 16 years ago by vandal    [ Reply ]
 silverghost57 wrote:

It must be a east coast thing, still like him after all these years. What can I say I from the Jersey shore. you either Like or dislike him. Looking forward to seeing him agian real soon. last time was 76  at Stone Pony


 

I was never a fan of Bruce's "Born to Run" or "Born in the USA" stuff, but this is quite good. He is the rare artist that I actually like his recent stuff better.
Posted 16 years ago by jsn65    [ Reply ]

It must be a east coast thing, still like him after all these years. What can I say I from the Jersey shore. you either Like or dislike him. Looking forward to seeing him agian real soon. last time was 76  at Stone Pony




Posted 16 years ago by silverghost57    [ Reply ]
Holy crap! I like a Bruce Springsteen song?  Seriously?!!  My world has officially been messed with today.
Posted 16 years ago by not-a-fish    [ Reply ]
Laptopdog wrote:
No kidding!
My jaw bounced off my keyboard when I checked to see who was singing.
Sounds nothing like Bruce. Or the E Street Band, for that matter.


Dunno - seems like a return to his Orbison-inspired roots, to me.

Posted 16 years ago by lmic    [ Reply ]
maybe he has been taking voice lessions. He really sounds good!

{#Smile}
Posted 16 years ago by Aud    [ Reply ]
Yes! My rating of 9 just moved the needle on this up from a 7.3 to a 7.4!
Posted 16 years ago by rrmusicguy    [ Reply ]
 Johray63 wrote:
When I first heard this song on the radio, without knowing it was Springsteen, I wondered whether it was someone who was highly influenced by him and thought it was a pity that a song, as wonderful as this, obviously didn't appear on Magic, according to the overall kinda negative reviews that album got!

One of my favorite Springsteen songs, already. Very moving and truly magical.

 

I agree with everything said here.  Everything.  I listened to Magic after hearing this cut and thought the CD would have to be near perfect if this cut was any indication.  I was disappointed.  But this song, this one, is magic.
Posted 16 years ago by dolfan    [ Reply ]
 tclodes wrote:
Yeah, this song rocks.
I can hear The Magnetic Fields in there somewhere...

 
YES!!!!  I'm so shocked it's Bruce!  I completely thought it was Stephen Merritt!!!! It sounds SO Mag Fields...  I love this!  (yes, everyone... I'm WAY behind on this album...)

Posted 16 years ago by annanyc    [ Reply ]
Yeah, this song rocks. I can hear The Magnetic Fields in there somewhere...
Posted 16 years ago by tclodes    [ Reply ]
Wow indeed!
Posted 16 years ago by mrcookieface    [ Reply ]
wow, really? i would never have guessed.
Posted 16 years ago by rah    [ Reply ]
Wow!!!
Posted 16 years ago by snowcat    [ Reply ]
Laptopdog wrote:
No kidding! My jaw bounced off my keyboard when I checked to see who was singing. Sounds nothing like Bruce. Or the E Street Band, for that matter.
I think that's why I stopped what I was doing to see who was playing. I really LIKE it, unlike most of Bruce's stuff.
Posted 16 years ago by Pyro    [ Reply ]
I like this song. Nice mood and feel to it, but.... The lyrics are amazingly cliched. One wishes there was someone close to Bruce who had enough guts to point that out to him. I doubt there is.
Posted 16 years ago by rasta_tiger    [ Reply ]
Mugro wrote:
This is Bruce?
No kidding! My jaw bounced off my keyboard when I checked to see who was singing. Sounds nothing like Bruce. Or the E Street Band, for that matter.
Posted 16 years ago by Laptopdog    [ Reply ]
Bruce has evolved quite nicely.
Posted 16 years ago by 1wolfy    [ Reply ]
Wow... I've never heard a Springsteen song that I really enjoyed before. Nice!
Posted 16 years ago by TobyRush    [ Reply ]
Shaniqua?
Posted 16 years ago by revsully    [ Reply ]
annersjen wrote:
You can just feel the Sixties sunshine on your face...
And smell the baby oil. Not bad.
Posted 16 years ago by RadioDoc    [ Reply ]
At the risk of angering some, sounding like a hypocrite, and generally being a deconstructionist, this has a very "Kids Are Alright" sound to it. . .
Posted 16 years ago by vandal    [ Reply ]
This is Bruce? Normally I would give post-Born In the Usa Bruce a single (except for the Streets of Philiadelphia), but this is a definite
Posted 16 years ago by Mugro    [ Reply ]
I like smooooth brooooce
Posted 16 years ago by squidish    [ Reply ]
oufason wrote:
This song just has a great feel to it. It is one of the bright spots off the new CD. Caught the new tour a few weeks back, and the show was really good. Far better than the last E Street tour. Too bad Clarence is getting rather old and can barely walk himself off stage, but isnt it true for most of us.
I saw them in Charlotte, NC a few months ago and pretty much agree. Coming back through here in August (Charleston) and I'm looking foward to that as well. There are several other bright spots on this CD, though...
Posted 16 years ago by Darlington    [ Reply ]
This song just has a great feel to it. It is one of the bright spots off the new CD. Caught the new tour a few weeks back, and the show was really good. Far better than the last E Street tour. Too bad Clarence is getting rather old and can barely walk himself off stage, but isnt it true for most of us.
Posted 16 years ago by oufason    [ Reply ]
Very interesting. I like it, I do.
Posted 16 years ago by siandbeth    [ Reply ]
I haven't been a Bruce fan since the glory days (excuse that) of his first 3 albums, but this song is pretty great. You can just feel the Sixties sunshine on your face...
Posted 16 years ago by annersjen    [ Reply ]
When I first heard this song on the radio, without knowing it was Springsteen, I wondered whether it was someone who was highly influenced by him and thought it was a pity that a song, as wonderful as this, obviously didn't appear on Magic, according to the overall kinda negative reviews that album got! One of my favorite Springsteen songs, already. Very moving and truly magical.
Posted 17 years ago by Johray63    [ Reply ]