Wake up, little Susie, wake up.
These words might instantly transport you back to the golden era of rock ‘n’ roll when The Everly Brothers were at the peak of their fame. But have you ever wondered about the true meaning behind their classic hit “Wake Up Little Susie”? In this blog post, we will take an in-depth look at this iconic song, explore its lyrics, and uncover the cultural significance it held at the time of its release. Whether you’re a devoted fan or a curious listener, this exploration into the deeper layers of “Wake Up Little Susie” is sure to fascinate you.
A Cultural Snapshot of the 1950s
The 1950s was a decade of significant social change. It was a time when rock ‘n’ roll was emerging as a dominant musical force, challenging established norms and introducing new forms of expression. The Everly Brothers, with their harmonious vocals and catchy tunes, quickly became one of the standout acts of this era.
In 1957, when “Wake Up Little Susie” was released, American society was still heavily influenced by conservative values. The song’s storyline, which revolves around two teenagers falling asleep at a movie and waking up late, resonated with many young listeners while simultaneously stirring controversy among more conservative circles.
Introduction to The Everly Brothers
Before we dissect the song itself, it’s essential to understand who The Everly Brothers were. Don and Phil Everly were born into a musical family and started performing at a young age. Their close harmony singing, combined with rockabilly rhythms, set them apart from other artists of their time. Hits like “Bye Bye Love,” “All I Have to Do Is Dream,” and, of course, “Wake Up Little Susie,” cemented their place in rock ‘n’ roll history.
The Meaning of “Wake Up Little Susie” by The Everly Brothers
“Wake Up Little Susie” by The Everly Brothers captures the innocent panic of two teenagers who inadvertently fall asleep during a date at the drive-in. When they wake up in the early hours of the morning, they realize that their reputations are at stake, as staying out late was socially frowned upon in the 1950s. The song’s catchy melody and relatable narrative struck a chord with listeners, reflecting the youthful anxieties of the time while maintaining a playful and charming tone. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia for an era when life’s biggest problems seemed to revolve around curfews and first loves.
Lyrics
[Chorus]
Wake up, little Susie, wake up
Wake up, little Susie, wake up
[Verse 1]
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
[Chorus]
Wake up, little Susie
Wake up, little Susie
[Verse 2]
Well, what are we gonna tell your mama?
What are we gonna tell your pa?
What are we gonna tell all our friends
When they say, “Ooh la la”
[Chorus]
Wake up, little Susie
Wake up, little Susie
[Verse 3]
Well, I told your mama that
You’d be in by ten
Well, Susie, baby
Looks like we goofed again
[Bridge]
Wake up, little Susie
Wake up, little Susie
We gotta go home
[Chorus]
Wake up, little Susie, wake up
Wake up, little Susie, wake up
[Verse 4]
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
[Chorus]
Wake up, little Susie
Wake up, little Susie
[Verse 2]
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”
[Chorus]
Wake up, little Susie
Wake up, little Susie
Wake up, little Susie
Dissecting the Lyrics
Chorus
Wake up, little Susie, wake up
Wake up, little Susie, wake up
The chorus is simple yet powerful, effectively setting the stage for the unfolding drama. It’s a call to action, urging Susie to wake up and face the consequences of their innocent mistake.
Verse 1
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
In the first verse, the narrative begins to unfold. The young couple has fallen asleep during a movie, and it’s now four o’clock—far later than they had planned to stay out. The phrase “we’re in trouble deep” hints at the societal expectations and the potential repercussions they face.
The Dilemma
The song’s storyline revolves around a dilemma that might seem trivial by today’s standards but was quite significant in the 1950s. Staying out late and missing curfew could lead to serious social consequences, particularly for young women. The fear of “ruining reputations” was very real, and the song captures this anxiety perfectly.
Cultural Expectations
Well, what are we gonna tell your mama?
What are we gonna tell your pa?
What are we gonna tell all our friends
When they say, “Ooh la la”
This verse highlights the societal pressures and expectations placed on young people during that era. The repeated question of “What are we gonna tell…?” underscores the importance of reputation and the fear of judgment from both family and peers.
Analyzing the Bridge
The Call to Action
Wake up, little Susie
Wake up, little Susie
We gotta go home
The bridge serves as a pivotal moment in the song. It’s a clear call to action, emphasizing the urgency of getting Susie home before they face further consequences.
The Comedy of Errors
Well, I told your mama that
You’d be in by ten
Well, Susie, baby
Looks like we goofed again
Here, the song takes on a slightly humorous tone, acknowledging the innocent mistake that has led to this predicament. The use of the word “goofed” adds a lighthearted element to the otherwise tense situation.
The Movie’s Role
A Lame Movie
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
This verse provides some context for why the couple fell asleep in the first place—the movie was boring and lacked a compelling plot. This detail adds a layer of authenticity to the story, making it relatable for anyone who has ever dozed off during a lackluster film.
The Symbolism
The movie can be seen as a symbol of the mundane aspects of life that can lead to unexpected consequences. It’s a reminder that even seemingly insignificant choices can have a ripple effect, leading to larger challenges.
The Impact of “Wake Up Little Susie”
Chart Success
Upon its release, “Wake Up Little Susie” quickly climbed the charts, reaching the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100. Its catchy melody and relatable storyline resonated with listeners of all ages, cementing its place in rock ‘n’ roll history.
Controversy and Bans
Despite—or perhaps because of—its popularity, the song also faced significant controversy. Several radio stations banned it due to its perceived suggestive content. The idea of two teenagers spending the night together, even innocently, was enough to raise eyebrows and spark debate.
Legacy
Today, “Wake Up Little Susie” is recognized as a classic. Its timeless appeal lies in its ability to capture a specific moment in time while addressing universal themes of youth, innocence, and societal expectations.
The Everly Brothers’ Influence
Pioneering Harmonies
The Everly Brothers’ unique vocal harmonies set a new standard in popular music. Their influence can be heard in the work of countless artists who followed, from The Beatles to Simon & Garfunkel.
Genre Blending
By blending elements of country, rockabilly, and pop, The Everly Brothers created a sound that was both innovative and accessible. This genre-blending approach has inspired generations of musicians to push the boundaries of what popular music can be.
Conclusion
“Wake Up Little Susie” by The Everly Brothers is more than just a catchy tune; it’s a snapshot of a bygone era, capturing the hopes, fears, and expectations of young people in the 1950s. Its enduring appeal lies in its relatability and the masterful storytelling of its lyrics. Whether you’re a long-time fan or discovering the song for the first time, understanding the context and meaning behind “Wake Up Little Susie” adds a new layer of appreciation for this rock ‘n’ roll classic.