Because summer is ending, my ideal week is being outside and enjoying the sun. When I was working long hours, there were years that I missed out on summers. I’d be in the office before 7 am and sometimes work late into the night for days on end. I knew the sun rose, I just never saw it or felt it against my skin. Work tended to slow down towards the end of November, but by then, the summer sun was long gone. Each year I promised myself that next year would be different. Promises, promises. It’s no wonder that my blood tests showed I was low in vitamin D and I can’t remember ever having a decent tan back then, either. But it was more than that. During those times, I also don’t remember ever being happy.
The strongest support for the role of sunlight in health, however, comes from its effect on mood. Studies generally focus on the brain chemical that’s most directly linked to mood, serotonin: higher levels of serotonin correlate with better mood and feelings of satisfaction and calmness, and lower levels link to depression and anxiety.
– Time
Fortunately, those days are over and now I make sure to enjoy summer, when I can. I no longer take the summer sun for granted.
This leads me to today’s song, Blister in the Sun by the Violent Femmes. Sure, I realize now this is a song either about being on drugs or “something else”. Sometimes a song is not about the lyrics, but the feeling it invokes. As I kid, it was about summer, the celebration of youth and the feeling of being free. Such a great sound and energy.
When you hear that opening riff, you need to stand up, bounce your head to the beat and feel like you want to pump your fist in the air.
– CultureSonar
I don’t think there’s a whole lot to understand with the lyrics.
I don’t think anybody likes that song because they think the lyrics are deep.
– Gordon Gano
And you know what? Gano is right, somethings don’t have to be too deep. Take the sun – sunshine makes you happy; therefore, step outside and get more sun. It doesn’t get more simple than that. Here’s to the remaining days of summer. I hope you are able to enjoy a little more sunshine before the end of season. Your body and mind with thank you. Cheers.
–
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When I'm out walkin', I strut my stuff Yeah, and I'm so strung out I'm high as a kite, I just might Stop to check you out Let me go on... Like I blister in the sun Let me go on... Big hands, I know you're the one Body and beats, I stain my sheets I don't even know why My girlfriend, she's at the end She is starting to cry Let me go on... Like I blister in the sun Let me go on... Big hands, I know you're the one When I'm out walkin', I strut my stuff Yeah, and I'm so strung out I'm high as a kite, I just might Stop to check you out When I'm out walkin', I strut my stuff Yeah, and I'm so strung out I'm high as a kite, I just might Stop to check you out Body and beats, I stain my sheets I don't even know why My girlfriend, she's at the end She is starting to cry When I'm out walkin', I strut my stuff Yeah, and I'm so strung out I'm high as a kite, I just might Stop to check you out Let me go on... Like I blister in the sun Let me go on... Big hands, I know you're the one
MyGenXerLife 
You’re right. Sometimes it’s not about the lyrics but the feeling. I agree.
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I agree! I love lyrics, but often it’s that upbeat feeling that makes the song. I too am enjoying this last bit of summer sun. I’m loving your song picks
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Soak in the sun while you can! In a blink of an eye it will be winter! Glad you are enjoying the music!
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Yep!
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That song is legit! & yes, it is as simple as sunshine makes you happy, so step out into the sun! Wow, thanks for the reminder!! 🌞
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Thanks for stopping by!
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That whole album was great. A GenX classic.
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I recently retrieved my cds out of storage. I used to only listen to this song. I’ll have to give the entire cd a listen!
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i’ve never really paid attention to the lyrics of this song, but now that you’ve posted them, i’m grinning ear-to-ear (what the heck??!). but yes, let’s just grab some sun while we can!
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Haha… yeah, me, too. Believe me, I used to sing this song at the top of my lungs when I was a kid. I had no clue
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One of my favorites!
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Mine, too!
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Love the song…the beat, not the lyrics. Living in the desert southwest, I don’t understand how people love the summer. For me, I literally blister in the sun! I had to get skin cancer removed from my shoulder a couple of years ago. Now, I have a 4-inch scar as a reminder to ALWAYS wear sunscreen! Where I live, we run from an air-conditioned house, to our air-conditioned car, and drive to an air-conditioned workplace. I’ve seen all of those summer scenes in movies and TV shows where people are having picnics in the park, laying outside tanning by the pool, etc. I suppose I need to move to a cooler climate to enjoy those things. Sorry to sound like a bummer. I am glad that you live somewhere where you can enjoy the sun.
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Not a bummer at all! I think if I lived in the desert, I’d be saying the same things. I was recently out at Las Vegas and it hit 115 degrees. I don’t know how to live in that much heat. I can’t imagine the electric bill! Fortunately it’s a little or maybe a lot cooler here where I live. Fall is right around the corner. Hope you get some relief soon!
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I live for rainy days!
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