“In the Summertime,” the debut single in 1970 by British Band Mungo Jerry – the guy with the chops was actually named Ray Dorset – is still a seasonal classic and ranks as one of the best-selling singles of all time having sold more than 30 million copies.

No surprise then that the ode to the casual, carefree days of summer (when the world wasn’t melting, or burning), was a No. 1 hit in many countries around the globe, including spending a couple of weeks at the top of the charts here in Canada.

Not bad for a tune that Dorset says he in wrote in about 10 minutes in his spare time from his day job.

Beyond the infectious melody, the unique song featured a skiffle shuffle and jug band instruments – banjo, stand-up base and, of course, an actual jug – and a few indecipherable lines that require a lyric search (which we have helpfully provided below).

Then there was Dorset (often assumed to be the Jerry of Mungo Jerry) rocking the mini afro and massive mutton-chop sideburns (and big teeth, thb).

All together it was a recipe for success – and made for a classic song not to be forgotten.

Lyrics

In the summertime, when the weather is hot
You can stretch right up and touch the sky
When the weather’s right
You got women, you got women on your mind
Have a drink, have a drive
Go out and see what you can find

If her daddy’s rich, take her out for a meal
If her daddy’s poor, just do what you feel
Speed along the lane, do a turn or return to 25
When the sun goes down, you can make it
Make it good in a lay-by

We’re no threat, people, we’re not dirty, we’re not mean
We love everybody, but we do as we please
When the weather’s fine, we go fishing or go swimming in the sea
We’re always happy, life’s for living
Yeah, that’s our philosophy

Sing along with us
Dee-dee-dee, dee-dee
Dah-dah-dah, dah-dah
Yeah, we’re hap-happy
Dah dah-dah
Dee-dah-do, dee-dah-do, dah-do-dah
Yeah, dah-do, dah-dah-dah
Dah-dah-dah, do-dah-dah
Alright

When the winter’s here, yeah, it’s party time
Bring your bottle, wear your bright clothes
It’ll soon be summertime
And we’ll sing again, we’ll go driving
Or maybe we’ll settle down
If she’s rich, if she’s nice, bring your friends
And we’ll all go into town