http://ohgetagrip.blogspot.com/2012/06/boys-of-summer.html
I think today's kids still have poetry that resonates for them, but for many it is in rap music or hip-hop. Music still speaks to a specific audience, and if it sounds discordant to those of us who are older, so much the better! My parents hated my music also.
There were exceptions, and if you are reminiscing about summer songs from a while back, please don't forget Mungo Jerry's "In the Summertime". I bought that as a 45rpm single, and played it constantly. Then I flipped it over once and heard "Mighty Man" for the first time and realized it was the better song. How many other rock/pop songs had kazoos in them? My Dad loved that song, because of the lyrics he used to sing along with as he danced around our house:
I’m driving down the highway
Brand new shiny car
I got money in my pocket
Gonna be a star
I’m a mighty, mighty, mighty man, whoa!
I’m a mighty, mighty man.
(Oh, yes I am)
I’m a mighty, mighty, mighty man, whoa!
I’m a mighty, mighty man (yeah)
Well, I’m gonna get to you, girl
Get to you if I can
Take you round the hill
I’m a mighty, mighty man.
***
Yeah, gonna come ‘round your house, girl
Gonna get you in your bed
I’m gonna give it to you all night long.
Gonna do just what I said.
I’m a mighty, mighty, mighty man.
I’m a mighty, mighty man.
(Won't tell your old daddy about it!)
My Dad said the song perfectly described for him the man he used to be, and missed being, even when he was still only in his early 40s.
Ah, summer music...