©RandyBaran 1997/2023
Once in awhile
a certain smile comes gliding ‘cross my face.
Then ev’ry moment
That I’ve been dreaming of you, gently falls into place.
I remember our walks on the beach
holding your hand, a world within reach
And I almost can taste the wind in our faces.
And I think of Summer Love, oh I think of
Summer Love
What a beautiful day
The perfect time to break away from all my cares
Oh but when I kick back, and close my eyes
I can picture the sun in your hair.
Looking back can be futile I know
But there are times, when it comforts me so
And I almost can taste, the wind in our faces.
And I think of Summer Love, oh I think of
Summer Love
My spirit’s unbroken
And my heart’s been remade
The words go unspoken
But the thoughts stay the same
And I think of Summer Love, oh I think of Summer Love (repeat 4x, fade)
I wrote this song a year after my mom died. It could apply to her, also to my ex-wife now. My mom’s favorite song was the Tymes ‘So Much in Love’ which nostalgically brings back summer days when I was a kid.
Friends of mine who heard Summer Love said I should show it to Brian Wilson. Wouldn’t you know, three years later, July 2000, Sandy and I had a brief audience with Brian in his dressing room at the Chicago Theater.
He was about to premier Pet Sounds for the first time (with a huge orchestra), almost 40 yrs. after he recorded it. There wasn’t much time – you think I brought the tape of Summer Love? I should have – I could barely compose myself!
Brian might’ve liked it. It was a 12/8 ballad; a meter and format which I know he likes. I wish I could link you to it, but the vocal register is so wide (low to high notes) that I sure can’t do it justice. So, it sits in the vault and only a few have heard it. On the other hand, my son, who has heard it countless times and was six when I wrote it, still reminds me if I get any of the words wrong.
Another thing about Brian’s concert, it was on my mom’s birthday, four years after she died. That one blew Carol Kaye’s mind – she helped set up the private meeting.
