About The Song
The Everly Brothers, consisting of Don and Phil Everly, were an influential American rock and country duo in the late 1950s and early 1960s. “Wake Up Little Susie” is one of their most popular and successful songs, released in 1957.
Five facts about “Wake Up Little Susie” by The Everly Brothers (1957):
- Chart-Topping Success: “Wake Up Little Susie” was a massive commercial success, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1957. The song’s catchy melody and harmonies contributed to its widespread popularity.
- Controversial Lyrics: The lyrics tell the story of a young couple who fall asleep at the movies and wake up much later than expected. The song’s suggestive narrative caused some controversy, leading to radio bans in certain areas, but it did not hinder its overall success.
- Harmony Style: The Everly Brothers were known for their exceptional harmonies, and “Wake Up Little Susie” is a prime example of their vocal prowess. The tight harmonies became a trademark of their sound, influencing many artists in the rock and country genres.
- Songwriting Team: The song was written by Felice and Boudleaux Bryant, a husband-and-wife songwriting duo who also penned several other hits for The Everly Brothers. The Bryants’ compositions played a crucial role in the duo’s success.
- Cultural Impact: “Wake Up Little Susie” became a cultural phenomenon, inspiring covers by various artists and earning a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s list of 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll. Its timeless appeal is reflected in its enduring popularity and continued influence on subsequent generations of musicians.
Video
Lyrics
Wake up, little Susie, wake up
Wake up, little Susie, wake upWe’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 deepWake up little Susie
Wake up little SusieWell, 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 SusieWell, I told your mama that you’d be in by ten
Well, Susie, baby looks like we goofed againWake up, little Susie
Wake up, little Susie
We gotta go homeWake up, little Susie, wake up
Wake up, little Susie, wake upThe movie wasn’t so hot
It didn’t have much of a plot
We fell asleep
Our goose is cooked
Our reputation is shotWake up, little Susie
Wake up, little SusieWell, 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