“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
One of my earliest memories of true musical nostalgia involves the song “Strawberry Wine” by Deana Carter. The first strains of its melody transport me back to the sun-drenched fields of my youth, where summers seemed endless and love was as sweet and fleeting as the taste of ripe strawberries.
About The Composition
- Title: Strawberry Wine
- Composer: Deana Carter
- Premiere Date: 1996
- Album/Opus/Collection: Did I Shave My Legs for This?
- Genre: Country
Background
“Strawberry Wine” captures the essence of a young woman’s journey to adulthood through the lens of a first love. Written by Matraca Berg and Gary Harrison, this song was inspired by Berg’s own youthful experiences. Upon its release, it became a critical and commercial success, celebrated for its poignant lyrics and Carter’s authentic vocal delivery. It not only topped the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart but also marked a significant moment in Carter’s career.
Musical Style
The song is characterized by its gentle, flowing country style, incorporating acoustic guitar and soft percussion. Its structure supports the storytelling nature of country music, allowing the narrative of first love and loss to resonate deeply with listeners. The musical arrangement complements the evocative lyrics, enhancing the nostalgic and bittersweet mood of the track.
Lyrics/Libretto
The lyrics of “Strawberry Wine” tell a story of youthful innocence and the poignant sting of first heartbreak. The chorus, with its vivid imagery of strawberry wine and ‘seventeen,’ captures the bittersweetness of aging and the loss of innocence. The connection between the lyrics and the music creates a powerful narrative that invites listeners to reflect on their own first loves and the lessons they carried forward.
Performance History
Since its release, “Strawberry Wine” has been a staple in Deana Carter’s performances and is widely regarded as her signature song. Its reception has remained overwhelmingly positive, making it a beloved classic in country music circles.
Cultural Impact
“Strawberry Wine” has transcended its initial release, impacting not just music but cultural portrayals of adolescence and nostalgia. Its use in films and cover versions by other artists underscores its enduring appeal and its ability to evoke a universal sense of lost youth.
Legacy
The legacy of “Strawberry Wine” lies in its timeless relatability. It continues to resonate with new generations, offering a window into the past while speaking to the eternal themes of growth and change.
Conclusion
“Strawberry Wine” remains a personal favorite of mine, not only for its lyrical depth but also for its capacity to evoke the universal and timeless emotions associated with coming of age. I highly recommend revisiting this classic, perhaps starting with Deana Carter’s live performances, which capture the soulful essence of this unforgettable song.
Video
Lyrics
He was working through college
On my grandpa’s farm
I was thirsting for knowledge
And he had a car
Yeah, I was caught somewhere between a woman and a child
One restless summer we found love growing wild
On the banks of the river on a well beaten path
It’s funny how those memories they last
Like strawberry wine and seventeen
The hot July moon saw everything
My first taste of love, oh bittersweet
Green on the vine
Like strawberry wine
I still remember
When thirty was old
And my biggest fear was September
when he had to go
A few cards and letters and one long distance call
We drifted away like the leaves in the fall
But year after year I come back to this place
Just to remember the taste
Of strawberry wine and seventeen
The hot July moon saw everything
My first taste of love, whoa-oh, bittersweet
Green on the vine
Like strawberry wine
The fields have grown over now
Years since they’ve seen the plow
There’s nothing time hasn’t touched
Is it really him or the loss of my innocence?
I’ve been missing so much
Yeah
Strawberry wine and seventeen
The hot July moon saw everything
My first taste of love, whoa-oh bittersweet
And green on the vine
Like strawberry wine and seventeen
The hot July moon saw everything
My first taste of love, oh, bittersweet
And green on the vine
Like strawberry wine
Strawberry wine
Ooh
Strawberry wine