Bryan Adams reveals X-rated truth behind song ‘Summer of 69’ that isn’t about the year 1969
Whether you were introduced to the tune by parents or through a random playlist on Spotify, 'Summer of 69' is a certified classic which has outlasted the decades following its release.
It's an iconic 1980s'tune which makes it feel like you're sporting a colourful jacket, huge Ray-Bans, and an over-the-top mullet with tons of hairspray.
Performed by Canadian singer-songwriter Bryan Adams, the 65-year-old is one of the best-selling music acts of all time.
The song is arguably the most memorable of Adams' discography, but while you may have thought that the tune is about the warmer months of 1969, you'd be sorely mistaken.
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Don't believe me?
Well, the artist himself has confirmed that it's about something completely different.
He's also made tunes such as 'Run To You' and 'Heaven', some common go-tos at karaoke, but 'Summer of 69' has that iconic melody that's so recognisable.
The track was on Adams' 1984 album Reckless before being released as a fourth single in 1985, with the music video also becoming iconic, as the Canadian can be seen walking down a street with his guitar while his band performs in an old garage.
The Grammy award winner can be heard singing: "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."
And of course, later in the song 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."
It sounds wholesome, maybe about summer love or something similar, but it's time to shatter that glass I'm afraid.
Apparently, he's singing about sex.
If you listen closely, lines like the lovers being 'young and restless' while needing to 'unwind', it becomes a lot more obvious.
Who knew that one of the catchiest tunes ever made was actually about something so dirty?
If you're in doubt, Adams confirmed this in an interview with CBS News back in 2008.
Speaking to reporter Maggie Rodriguez about the hit, he was asked if it was 'biographical'.
"Well the song, actually... people think it's about the year, but actually it's more about... it's more about making love in the summertime," Adams said. "It's using 69 as a sexual reference."
Childhood ruined. Thanks Bryan.
In case you're unaware, the '69' sex position includes both partners giving and receiving oral sex and the same time, which explains the reporter's awkward reaction.
"Ahh. Okay... Didn't know that," she said.
Adams then asked if he could talk about it as it was on a morning show. A bit too late, I reckon.
Joshua Nair