Everly Brothers – “Wake Up Little Susie”
Written by: Felice and Boudleaux Bryant
Released: 1957
Label: Cadence Records
Genre: Rock and Roll, Country
About the Song
“Wake Up Little Susie” is one of the Everly Brothers’ most iconic songs, written by the renowned songwriting duo Felice and Boudleaux Bryant. Released in 1957, it became a major hit, reaching No. 1 on both the Billboard Pop chart and the Cash Box Best Selling Records chart. The song tells the story of a young couple who fall asleep at a drive-in movie and realize they have missed their curfew. As they rush to explain their situation, they come up with a story to tell Susie’s parents, hinting that they may have spent the night together.
The song’s lyrics, while innocent in their depiction of youthful love and mischief, caused some controversy at the time. Some radio stations, particularly in Boston, even banned the song due to its implied suggestion that the couple may have been intimate, a topic that was taboo for a public audience during the 1950s.
Songwriting and Recording
The creation of “Wake Up Little Susie” was a labor of love for the Bryants. The couple worked tirelessly to perfect the song, with Boudleaux struggling to get the lyrics right during a late-night session. He eventually woke his wife, Felice, who helped him finish the song, adding the final touches that brought it all together. Despite the challenges the Everly Brothers faced while recording, the song was eventually captured in a single take the following day, which is a testament to the band’s harmony and vocal chemistry.
Cultural Impact
“Wake Up Little Susie” became the Everly Brothers’ first No. 1 hit in the United States, and it helped solidify their place in rock and roll history. The song’s success also marked the beginning of a string of hits for the duo, who went on to have four U.S. No. 1 singles. Beyond its chart-topping performance, the song’s catchy melody and relatable storyline about youthful rebellion and the struggle to cover up mistakes resonated with audiences, especially teenagers, during the late 1950s.
The song was also a success on the Country & Western charts, where it reached No. 1, further establishing the Everly Brothers’ crossover appeal.
Controversy and Legacy
The implied themes of the song were controversial at the time, especially in more conservative areas, which led to the radio bans. The couple’s night out and their need to explain their actions to Susie’s parents caused a stir, especially in Boston, where some believed the song was promoting behavior considered inappropriate for young people.
Despite this, “Wake Up Little Susie” remains a beloved classic, often remembered as a key moment in the Everly Brothers’ career and in the history of early rock and roll. It showcased their harmonious blend of rock, country, and pop, and it influenced many future artists who sought to capture that same smooth vocal style and storytelling charm.
Conclusion
“Wake Up Little Susie” is not only a milestone in the Everly Brothers’ discography but also an enduring example of how pop culture can both challenge and reflect societal norms. Its catchy tune, relatable narrative, and the vocal harmony between the Everly Brothers made it a timeless hit, resonating with generations of listeners while also stirring controversy at the time of its release. It remains one of the most iconic songs of the 1950s and a defining track of the early rock and roll era.
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 SusieAdvertisement
