When The Everly Brothers released “Wake Up Little Susie” in 1957, it quickly became one of their most iconic songs, cementing their place in the pantheon of rock and roll greats. The song, which was penned by Felice and Boudleaux Bryant, was part of the album The Everly Brothers’ Greatest Hits, which featured a collection of tracks that helped define the brother duo’s signature sound. The track’s infectious melody, tight harmonies, and blend of country and rock and roll sensibilities made it an instant classic and has continued to resonate with listeners for decades. In this review, we will take a deep dive into the song’s historical context, its musical elements, and its lasting impact on pop and rock music.
The Everly Brothers and The Everly Brothers’ Greatest Hits
The Everly Brothers’ Greatest Hits was released in 1959, two years after the duo’s initial success. The album encapsulates the duo’s breakthrough sound, blending elements of rock and roll, country, and pop, a formula that would become a defining characteristic of their music. By the time the album was released, The Everly Brothers had already achieved chart success with several hits, including “Bye Bye Love” and “All I Have to Do Is Dream,” both of which were also featured on this compilation.
In 1957, when “Wake Up Little Susie” was released as a single, it was an immediate commercial hit, reaching number one on the Billboard pop chart and staying there for four consecutive weeks. This success only solidified The Everly Brothers’ influence on the rock and roll era, and they quickly became known for their smooth harmonies and perfect vocal blend. The Everly Brothers’ Greatest Hits captured this era of their career, bringing together a collection of songs that showcased their ability to merge emotional vulnerability with infectious energy, creating music that was both accessible and deeply resonant.
The Song’s Narrative and Cultural Impact
“Wake Up Little Susie” tells the story of two teenagers, Susie and the narrator, who fall asleep together in a movie theater, only to wake up and realize that it’s much later than expected. The plot centers around the couple’s attempts to explain their situation, as they worry about the potential consequences of their tardiness. In the context of 1950s America, this storyline touched upon themes of youthful innocence, societal expectations, and the social anxieties surrounding relationships and reputation.
The song struck a chord with the teenage audience of the time, as it encapsulated the feeling of rebellion against traditional norms while still maintaining an air of innocence. At the time of its release, there was a great deal of societal tension surrounding adolescent behavior, and the song’s playful yet slightly provocative nature resonated with young listeners who were coming of age in the postwar era. The use of humor in the lyrics and the upbeat musical backing created a sense of lightheartedness that contrasted with the potential consequences implied in the song’s narrative, making it both relatable and entertaining.
The song’s success was not just in its catchy melody but in its ability to convey the cultural shifts of the time. Its blend of rock and roll energy with country influences reflected the emerging sounds of the late ’50s, and it played a significant role in the evolution of early rock and roll.
Musical Elements: The Sound of “Wake Up Little Susie”
“Wake Up Little Susie” is characterized by its clear, crisp production and the Everly Brothers’ signature harmonies. The arrangement is simple yet effective, relying on a combination of acoustic and electric guitars, a steady bass line, and a snappy rhythm section. The rhythm guitar, played by Don Everly, provides the backbone of the song, offering a steady strumming pattern that complements the tight, melodic lead guitar played by Phil Everly.
The song opens with a short guitar riff that sets the tone for the track. The Everly Brothers’ vocal harmony is the focal point, with the duo’s voices weaving in and out of each other with precision. The blend of their voices creates an almost ethereal quality, elevating the simple melody into something timeless. This style of harmonizing—one that has often been referred to as a “close harmony”—is a hallmark of the Everly Brothers’ sound, and it’s showcased beautifully in “Wake Up Little Susie.”
The use of reverb on the vocals gives the track a bit of a dreamy quality, which aligns with the song’s theme of waking up from a stupor and realizing the consequences of time slipping away. The instrumental section, particularly the guitar solo, is a brief but effective showcase of the rock and roll flavor that was so integral to the 1950s sound. The addition of a subtle piano in the background further enhances the song’s feel, giving it a fuller, richer texture without detracting from the central harmonies.
Lyrics and Vocal Performance
The lyrics of “Wake Up Little Susie” are notable for their conversational tone. The narrator speaks directly to Susie, attempting to explain their predicament in a way that is both earnest and playful. The Everly Brothers’ vocal delivery is smooth, with Don Everly handling the lead vocal and Phil providing the harmonic counterpoint. The interplay between the two voices gives the song its emotional depth. The brothers’ voices complement each other so well that the listener is drawn into the narrative, making the storyline feel personal and relatable.
The chorus, with its catchy line “Wake up, little Susie, wake up,” is infectious, as the Everly Brothers’ voices blend together in perfect harmony. The overall effect is one of light-heartedness, even as the song’s underlying tension—about a young couple caught in an awkward situation—remains palpable.
Influence on Later Music and Artists
“Wake Up Little Susie” is a quintessential example of how the Everly Brothers’ sound helped shape the future of pop and rock music. Their harmonies and song structures directly influenced the Beatles, Simon & Garfunkel, and many other artists of the ’60s and beyond. The Beatles, in particular, were known to cite the Everly Brothers as one of their primary influences, especially in their early vocal harmonies.
The duo’s impact on the burgeoning folk-rock scene of the 1960s is also worth noting. Their emphasis on tight, emotionally evocative harmonies helped lay the groundwork for groups like Simon & Garfunkel and The Byrds. The influence of “Wake Up Little Susie” can be heard in songs that followed, as artists adopted the blend of harmony and storytelling that made the Everly Brothers such an enduring force.
Similar Songs to Explore
For those who enjoy “Wake Up Little Susie,” several other Everly Brothers songs offer a similar blend of catchy melodies and tight harmonies, including:
- “Bye Bye Love” – One of the Everly Brothers’ biggest hits, featuring the same upbeat rhythm and vocal harmonies that made “Wake Up Little Susie” a success.
- “All I Have to Do Is Dream” – A slower, more romantic ballad that showcases the Everly Brothers’ ability to create mood with their harmonies.
- “Claudette” – Another classic from their catalog, “Claudette” has a similar upbeat tempo and features tight harmonies that define their sound.
Additionally, fans of this era might also enjoy the music of The Beatles, especially tracks like “Please Please Me” and “All I’ve Got to Do,” which echo the Everly Brothers’ vocal techniques. Simon & Garfunkel’s “The Sound of Silence” is another excellent choice for those who appreciate the harmonically rich sound pioneered by the Everly Brothers.
Conclusion
“Wake Up Little Susie” remains a timeless example of the Everly Brothers’ ability to blend catchy melodies with emotional depth. From its playful narrative to its impeccable harmonies, the song encapsulates the essence of 1950s rock and roll while foreshadowing the future of popular music. Its combination of country, rock, and pop influences set the stage for the harmonically complex sounds of later artists and bands, making it a pivotal track in the history of American popular music. Even today, it continues to resonate with listeners, proving the enduring appeal of the Everly Brothers’ music.
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Lyrics: Wake Up Little Susie
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 again
Wake 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 Ma-ma
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