About the Song
Del Shannon’s 1964 song, “Keep Searchin’ (We’ll Follow the Sun)”, is a powerful ballad that transcends the boundaries of a simple love song. It tells the story of a couple on the run, facing societal disapproval and determined to find a haven for their love.
“Keep Searchin'” is a hauntingly beautiful song driven by a melancholic melody and Shannon’s signature, reverb-soaked vocals. The opening line, “No one will understand what I’ve gotta do,” sets the tone for the song’s defiance against societal norms. The narrator feels misunderstood and ostracized, but his resolve is unwavering.
The lyrics paint a picture of a love threatened by external forces: “She’s been hurt so much, they treat her mean and cruel / They try to keep us far apart, there’s only one thing left we can do.” The “they” represent a disapproving society that seeks to tear the couple apart.
However, the song is not simply about despair. The chorus, “We gotta keep searchin’, searchin’, find a place to hide / Searchin’, searchin’, she’ll be by my side. If we gotta keep on the run, we’ll follow the sun-ah, wee-ooh” becomes an anthem of unwavering determination. The search for a haven becomes a metaphor for their fight for love, with the sun symbolizing hope and a brighter future.
“Keep Searchin'” doesn’t shy away from the challenges they face. The bridge, “Doesn’t matter, doesn’t matter what people might say. She’s mine, and I’m gonna take her anyway” , emphasizes the narrator’s defiance. He’s willing to face societal disapproval to protect their love.
The song’s ending offers a glimmer of hope. The repeated line “Follow the sun-ah, wee-ooh” suggests that despite the obstacles, they’ll persevere in their search for happiness.
“Keep Searchin’ (We’ll Follow the Sun)” resonates with anyone who has ever felt like an outsider or faced opposition in pursuing love. It’s a testament to the enduring power of love and the human spirit’s ability to overcome adversity. The song’s beautiful melody, poignant lyrics, and Shannon’s emotive vocals create a timeless listening experience that continues to inspire generations.
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Lyrics: “Keep Searchin’ (We’ll Follow The Sun)”
No one will understand what I’ve gotta do
I’ve gotta find a place to hide with my baby by my side
She’s been hurt so much, they treat her mean and cruel
They try to keep us far apart, there’s only one thing left we can doWe gotta keep searchin’, searchin’, find a place to hide
Searchin’, searchin’, she’ll be by my side
If we gotta keep on the run, we’ll follow the sun-ah, whee-ooh
Follow the sun-ah, whee-oohDoesn’t matter, doesn’t matter what people might say
She’s mine, and I’m gonna take her anywayGotta keep searchin’, searchin’, find a place to stay
Searchin’, searchin’, every night and day
If we gotta keep on the run, we’ll follow the sun-ah, whee-ooh
Follow the sun-ah, whee-oohWe gotta keep searchin’, searchin’, find a place to hide
Searchin’, searchin’, she’ll be by my side
If we gotta keep on the run, we’ll follow the sun-ah, whee-ooh
Follow the sun-ah, whee-ooh
Follow the sun-ah, whee-ooh
Follow the sun