There are few songs on this earth that get quite as many people going as Bryan Adams’ ‘Summer of ’69’.
Released back in 1985, the track was a worldwide hit, charting in everywhere from America and the UK to Norway and New Zealand.
However, there has been a mystery that has shrouded the song ever since – what exactly what Adams referring to with the lyrics?
Now, Adams is a Canadian singer, songwriter, and musician known for his soulful rock ballads and energetic performances.
Born on November 5, 1959, Adams has had a prolific career spanning several decades. His powerful and raspy voice, combined with heartfelt lyrics, have resonated with audiences worldwide.
Hits like ‘Heaven’, ‘Run To You’ and ‘Everything I Do (I Do It for You)’ have become iconic anthems. Adams has sold millions of albums, received numerous awards, and his music continues to inspire generations.
However, the meaning behind what is undoubtedly Adams’ biggest hit, ‘Summer of ’69’, has dogged people for generations.
The track, which featured on the star’s fourth album, titled Reckless, features the iconic lyrics: “I got my first real six-string / Bought it at the five and dime / Played it ’til my fingers bled / Was the summer of 69.”
The song continues to a point where Adams meets his love interest, when he sings: “Standin’ on your mama’s porch / You told me that you’d wait forever / Oh, and when you held my hand / I knew that it was now or never / Those were the best days of my life / Oh, yeah / Back in the summer of 69.”
Other lyrics describe the lovers as ‘young and reckless’, and that they are a pair that ‘needed to unwind.’
The lyrics have plagued the minds of many, but it wasn’t until 2008 that Adams addressed the mystery surrounding them.
CBS’ Maggie Rodriguez asked the singer if the track was ‘autobiographical,’ to which Adams responded: “Well the song, actually… people think it’s about the year, but actually it’s more about a… it’s more about making love in the summertime.
“It’s using 69 as a s**ual reference,” he clarified.
For those who need a bit more context, Adams is referring to a position of sorts in which lovers are entangled in a way that means both are able to give and receive orally at the same time.
To which Rodriguez responded: “Ahh. Okay… Didn’t know that.”
Fans of the track have responded to the revelation, and it seems people weren’t alone in having misunderstood.
“Everyone called me crazy when I said this. He was very young in the summer of 69,” one person wrote.
Another commented: “Anyone who did the math would’ve known that it couldn’t have been about 1969.”
A third joked: “No it isn’t. I was born in the Summer of 69. The song is about my birthday.”
