Recalling younger days when the arcade game was king and life was just a game (#1 in the Folk Rock Chart for 6 weeks)

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This nostalgic journey back to adolescence is the story of the relationship a generation shared with the phenomenon of the video arcade. It was inspired after I came across a website dedicated to a favourite old arcade game, which elicited an eerie feeling of loss. I realised that the last time this game was part of my life was when I was a teenager, and my sense of loss was for that person and that era that were now no more. What I wanted the song to be was not just a history lesson but also a recognition that youth accompanies a sense of infinite promise that borders on emotional invincibility, and that such a level of confidence seldom survives the realities of adulthood. The song fondly suggests that adolescence itself is like the games we played, because without real responsibility our actions have no lasting consequence.

Images of heroism smattered throughout the song reflect the brilliant arrogance of youth, beginning with Diego Maradonna, star of the 1986 Wold Cup tournament and doubly apt because the song was inspired by a soccer video game. Indeed, the first verse is addressed to that game ("Maradonna's team was feared when first I heard your name"), in recognition of the moment of its discovery. Other cameos from Tron, whom the narrator believes he becomes when he inserts a coin (presumably into "Tron the Video Game") and Han Solo, whom he views as his dependable companion, complete the suggestion that his games are as important to him as his real life.

Structurally the song is a simple verse-chorus-verse-chorus although most of the lyrics in each chorus are different, which is an idea borrowed from "Mrs Robinson". In the cinematic ending, many video games from the 1980s are depicted. I wanted people to be able to close their eyes and imagine they were standing in an arcade in 1986. The Space Shuttle makes an appearance as a sound effect, as well as a recording of Maradonna scoring a goal. All in all, Summer '86 took nine months to write, record and mix. I hope it's worth six minutes of your time, whatever age you are.

Maradonna's team was feared when first I heard your name
Springtime in my life was here and all those hot dog dreams
I stood with you and ruled supreme
An army following their king
If I had known my confidence had so much still to learn
I might have spent my time with you and stayed inside my dream

And all the time this life of mine was like an arcade game
I could die and live again as long as I have change
I could rule the galaxy and set the people free
And all the answers I could need would be in front of me
Then I'd come home to take my rest and do it once again
When Summer eighty-six was here and life was just a game
An arcade game, an arcade game

Friends and love have passed through me like some old black jack game
And I have gambled more than coins on dreams of you in vain
A faithful electronic friend
Was mine for only fifty cents
If you had claimed that I might be an astronaut some day
I'd smile and say "The stars are mine already in my dreams"

My destiny was mine, my friend. The world was my domain
I could die and live again, the power was in my hand
I'd be Tron with every coin and set the people free
It's true you know, Han Solo he can always count on me
Everything is easier as long as you can see
Win or lose it's all the same for life is still a game

An arcade game, an arcade game. An arcade game, an arcade game