About the song
“Wake Up Little Susie” is an iconic song from the golden age of rock and roll, written by the prolific songwriting duo Felice and Boudleaux Bryant and released in 1957. The song is best known for its recording by The Everly Brothers, Don and Phil, whose harmonious vocals and memorable melodies helped define the sound of the era.
Released by Cadence Records as catalog number 1337, “Wake Up Little Susie” quickly soared to the top of the charts. It reached No. 1 on the Billboard Pop chart and the Cash Box Best Selling Records chart, an impressive feat that underscored the song’s widespread popularity. The song also dominated the Billboard country chart, spending seven weeks at the top, and it achieved No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart. Despite its success, the song faced controversy and was banned from Boston radio stations due to its lyrics, which were considered suggestive at the time. In a 1986 interview, Don Everly reflected on this ban, noting how the innocent narrative of the song was misinterpreted by some.
The story of “Wake Up Little Susie” revolves around a young couple who fall asleep at a drive-in movie and wake up to realize they are late getting home. The song’s catchy chorus and relatable storyline resonated with the youth of the 1950s, making it a defining anthem of the teenage experience. The Everly Brothers’ impeccable harmonies and the song’s upbeat tempo contributed to its enduring appeal.
“Wake Up Little Susie” has received numerous accolades over the years. Rolling Stone magazine ranked it at No. 318 on their list of “The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time,” recognizing its significant impact on music history. In 2017, the original 1957 recording by The Everly Brothers was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, a testament to its lasting legacy and influence.
The song’s success also played a crucial role in solidifying The Everly Brothers’ place in music history. Their unique blend of rock and roll with country influences, combined with their smooth vocal harmonies, set them apart from their contemporaries and paved the way for future musical acts. “Wake Up Little Susie” remains a beloved classic, not only for its catchy tune and nostalgic charm but also for its place in the cultural fabric of the 1950s.
In conclusion, “Wake Up Little Susie” by The Everly Brothers is a quintessential rock and roll classic that captured the hearts of listeners with its relatable narrative and infectious melody. Written by Felice and Boudleaux Bryant, the song’s chart-topping success and lasting impact on popular culture underscore its importance in the history of music. For fans of the Everly Brothers and rock and roll enthusiasts alike, “Wake Up Little Susie” continues to be a cherished piece of musical heritage.
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Lyrics
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 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
Wake up, little Susie