Wake Up Little Susie – Everly Brothers

About the Song

The Everly Brothers’ 1957 hit, “Wake Up Little Susie,” is a song shrouded in mystery and controversy. Despite its catchy melody and infectious energy, the song’s lyrics sparked debate and censorship, making it a unique and fascinating entry in the Everly Brothers’ discography. Let’s delve deeper:

Catchy Melody and Rock and Roll Roots: Released at the height of the rock and roll era, “Wake Up Little Susie” showcases the Everly Brothers’ signature sound – a blend of rock and roll rhythm with their beautiful, close harmonies. The song’s upbeat tempo and playful melody belie the underlying mystery of the lyrics.

Lyrical Ambiguity and Controversy: The song tells the story of Susie and a narrator who are out late at night. The lyrics themselves are suggestive but don’t explicitly mention anything scandalous. Lines like “Well, now it’s four in the mornin’, and we’re just headin’ home” and the repeated refrain of “Wake Up Little Susie” sparked debate and accusations of immorality. Radio stations banned the song, fearing its suggestive nature would corrupt young minds.

Mystery and Cultural Impact: The ambiguity of the lyrics added to the song’s intrigue. Listeners were left to speculate about what Susie and the narrator were doing out so late. This mystery, coupled with the catchy melody, fueled the song’s popularity. Despite the controversy, “Wake Up Little Susie” became a major hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the US.

Enduring Legacy: “Wake Up Little Susie” remains a classic, a reminder of a more innocent time yet a testament to the power of suggestion. The song’s catchy melody and the lingering mystery around the lyrics continue to intrigue listeners. It serves as a reminder of the Everly Brothers’ ability to create a song that was both commercially successful and culturally significant, pushing the boundaries of what was acceptable on the radio.

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Lyrics: “Wake Up Little Susie”

Wake up, little Susie, wake up
Wake up, little Susie, wake up

We’ve both been sound asleep
Wake up little Susie and weep
The movie’s over, it’s four o’clock
And we’re in trouble deep

Wake up, little Susie
Wake up, little Susie

Well, what are we gonna tell your Mama
What are we gonna tell your Pa?
What are we gonna tell our friends
When they say, “Ooh la la!”

Wake up, little Susie
Wake up, little Susie

Well, I told your Mama that you’d be in by ten
Well, Susie baby, looks like we goofed again
Wake up, little Susie
Wake up, little Susie
We gotta go home

Wake up, little Susie, wake up
Wake up, little Susie, wake up

The movie wasn’t so hot
It didn’t have much of a plot
We fell asleep, our goose is cooked
Our reputation is shot

Wake up, little Susie
Wake up, little Susie

Well, what are we gonna tell your Ma-ma
What are we gonna tell your Pa?
What are we gonna tell our friends
When they say, “Ooh la la!”

Wake up, little Susie
Wake up, little Susie
Wake up, little Susie