The Everly Brothers, Wake Up Little Susie | Controversial Songs

In the 8^th edition of Controversial Songs (2024), we explore the controversy behind the “Wake Up Little Susie” by The Everly Brothers. 

Bring on the controversy! Controversial Songs is a column that provides background information and insight into songs that raised eyebrows, stirred the pot, or were banned. The more censorship censor$hit, the better! The records that grace Controversial Songs are old and new alike, with all genres of music welcome.  In the 8^th edition of Controversial Songs (2024), we explore the controversy behind the “Wake Up Little Susie” by The Everly Brothers.

“Wake up, little Susie, wake up / Wake up, little Susie, wake up.” Word. “Wake Up Little Susie” was recorded and released by The Everly Brothers (Isaac Donald “Don” Everly and Phillip “Phil” Everly) in 1957.  This is an early pop hit for the duo. “Wake Up Little Susie” was penned by husband-wife, country/pop songwriting duo Boudleaux Bryant and Felice Bryant.  This brief number encompasses country, pop, and rock, three musical genres where The Everly Brothers excelled. It features a prominent rhythm guitar as part of the accompaniment.  Additionally, the bass line provides a mighty anchor.  The groove is utterly infectious, characteristic of the era.

There is great vocal chemistry between the brothers. Their harmonies are ‘everything.’ Besides elite singing, the melody is tuneful in the verses, and especially the centerpiece, the chorus (excerpted above). The lyrics, particularly given the time – the 1950s was a conservative era – are what draw controversy Would “Wake Up Little Susie” cause much controversial buzz in the 2020s? Nope. The problem is, that a young, unmarried couple falls asleep past curfew because “The movie wasn’t so hot / It didn’t have much of a plot,” and even though it’s all innocence, the perception will be something much more – wait for it – SEXUAL! “We’ve both been sound asleep / Wake up, little Susie, and weep,” they sing in the first verse, continuing, “The movie’s over, it’s four o’clock / And we’re in trouble deep.” Oh, snap!  The verses speak to the direness of the situation. In the second verse, for example, “What are gonna tell all our friends / When they say, ‘Ooh la la’.”  The song was banned in Boston, Massachusetts because of its suggestive lyrics.  A young boy potentially spending the night with a girl in 1957? For that time, that would’ve been a big ‘OH, HELL NO!’ Inoffensive by today’s standards, The Everly Brothers’ “Wake Up Little Susie” is a surefire classic – among the greatest songs ever.

The Everly Brothers // The Very Best of The Everly Brothers // Rhino Entertainment Company // 2008

The Everly Brothers, Wake Up Little Susie: Controversial Songs No. 8 (2024) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Rhino Entertainment Company; Tazz Vaughn via Pexels; Elena Arboleda Salas, nikolaytaman90, Tumisu from Pixabay; christian buehner on Unsplash]