DION ~ RUNAROUND SUE

About the song

Ah, RUNAROUND SUE. This song takes me right back. It’s 1961, the airwaves are crackling with youthful energy, and here comes DION, no longer with the Belmonts, striking out on his own with this infectious tune. And boy, did it strike a chord!

This wasn’t just another song about love gone wrong; it was a cultural snapshot, a warning shot fired across the bow of teenage romance. DION, with that unmistakable voice, full of both streetwise grit and yearning, tells us the story of Sue, the girl who just can’t be tamed. She’s a heartbreaker, a flirt, the kind of girl who’ll leave you lovesick and stranded.

But there’s a fascinating dynamic at play here. Yes, DION is warning us about Sue, painting her as a “Runaround,” someone you can’t trust. Yet, there’s an underlying admiration, almost a grudging respect for her independent spirit. He’s not just bitter; he’s captivated. And who can blame him? Sue, with her carefree attitude and disregard for convention, embodies a kind of rebellious freedom that’s both thrilling and dangerous.

Musically, RUNAROUND SUE is a masterclass in early 60s rock and roll. It’s got that irresistible doo-wop flavor, but with a driving beat and a raw edge that set it apart. The handclaps, the soaring vocals, the insistent bassline – it all comes together to create a sense of restless energy, perfectly mirroring Sue’s elusive nature.

And that sax solo! Pure magic. It’s like a burst of youthful exuberance, a cry of both joy and pain. You can practically hear the heartbreak in every note, yet there’s a defiance there too, a refusal to be completely undone by Sue’s games.

RUNAROUND SUE is more than just a song; it’s a cultural touchstone. It captures the anxieties and exhilarations of young love in a way that continues to resonate with audiences generations later. It’s a reminder that some things, like the allure of the “bad girl” and the sting of heartbreak, are timeless. So, let’s turn back the clock, crank up the volume, and revisit this classic with fresh ears. You might just find yourself tapping your feet and singing along, even as you shake your head at Sue’s antics.

Video

Lyrics

Here’s my story, sad but true
It’s about a girl that I once knew
She took my love then ran around
With every single guy in town
Ah, I should have known it from the very start
This girl will leave me with a broken heart
Now listen people what I’m telling you
A-keep away from-a Runaround Sue

I miss her lips and the smile on her face
The touch of her hair and this girl’s warm embrace
So if you don’t wanna cry like I do
A-keep away from-a Runaround Sue

Ah, she likes to travel around
She’ll love you but she’ll put you down
Now people let me put you wise
Sue goes out with other guys
Here’s the moral and the story from the guy who knows
I fell in love and my love still grows
Ask any fool that she ever knew, they’ll say
Keep away from-a Runaround Sue

She likes to travel around
She’ll love you but she’ll put you down
Now people let me put you wise
Sue goes out with other guys
Here’s the moral and the story from the guy who knows
I fell in love and my love still grows
Ask any fool that she ever knew, they’ll say
Keep away from-a Runaround Sue