About the song
Don’t be fooled by the saccharine melody of “Wake Up Little Susie.” This seemingly innocent 1957 pop song by the Everly Brothers holds a surprising secret: a touch of teenage rebellion veiled in catchy lyrics and a driving beat. Written by the songwriting duo Felice and Boudleaux Bryant, “Wake Up Little Susie” became a chart-topping sensation despite facing controversy for its suggestive themes.
The song’s premise is deceptively simple. A young couple, on a movie date, fall asleep and wake up well past curfew, fearing the wrath of Susie’s parents and the potential social fallout. Beneath the surface, however, lies a subtle commentary on teenage defiance and the anxieties of navigating strict social norms.
“Wake Up Little Susie” struck a chord with audiences. Despite being banned in Boston for supposedly suggestive lyrics, the song soared to number one on both the Billboard Pop and Country charts. This unexpected success suggests a deeper layer of connection; a shared understanding of teenage rebellion and the fear of disappointing parents. The song’s catchy melody and the Everly Brothers’ signature harmonies further amplified its appeal.
“Wake Up Little Susie” transcended its time. Rolling Stone magazine placed it on their prestigious list of the “500 Greatest Songs of All Time,” and the song’s 1957 recording was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2017. These accolades solidify the song’s enduring influence on popular music.
The legacy of “Wake Up Little Susie” lies in its ability to capture a universal teenage experience. The fear of parental disapproval, the thrill of pushing boundaries, and the ever-present anxiety about social standing – these themes resonate across generations. The song serves as a reminder of a time when a seemingly innocent night out could lead to a full-blown teenage crisis, a sentiment that continues to evoke amusement and empathy in listeners of all ages.
“Wake Up Little Susie” may have sparked controversy in its day, but its catchy melody and relatable themes have cemented its place as a timeless classic. It’s a reminder that even the most innocent-sounding songs can hold hidden depths, reflecting the complexities and anxieties of growing up.
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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