Runaround Sue – Dion

About the song

Ah, the early 1960s. An era of youthful rebellion, burgeoning rock and roll, and a palpable sense of change in the air. From the heart of this cultural shift emerged a voice that captured the angst and excitement of a generation: Dion. And perhaps no song better encapsulates his signature blend of street-corner doo-wop and raw energy than Runaround Sue.

Released in 1961, Runaround Sue quickly climbed the charts, reaching the coveted number one spot. It wasn’t just a catchy tune; it was a cultural phenomenon. This wasn’t your typical love song. Dion, with his characteristic swagger and a voice dripping with both vulnerability and defiance, delivered a cautionary tale about a girl named Sue who just couldn’t be tamed.

The song’s brilliance lies in its simplicity. Driven by a pulsating beat, hand claps, and Dion’s impassioned vocals, Runaround Sue is a masterclass in economical storytelling. The lyrics, though straightforward, paint a vivid picture of heartbreak and betrayal. We hear the narrator’s anguish as he warns others about Sue’s fickle nature, his voice laced with both resentment and a lingering affection for the girl who broke his heart.

But Runaround Sue is more than just a tale of teenage heartbreak. It’s a reflection of a generation grappling with changing social norms and a newfound sense of freedom. Sue, in many ways, embodies this shift. She’s independent, she’s unapologetic, and she refuses to be tied down. While the song ostensibly condemns her behavior, there’s an underlying admiration for her spirit. She’s a rebel, a rule-breaker, a prototype of the modern woman who was just beginning to emerge.

Dion’s delivery is what truly elevates Runaround Sue to iconic status. His voice, raw and full of emotion, perfectly captures the narrator’s conflicting emotions. He’s hurt, he’s angry, but he’s also undeniably drawn to Sue’s rebellious charm. The song’s power lies in this emotional complexity, a complexity that resonates with listeners of all ages, even decades after its release.

So, settle in, dear reader, as we revisit this classic track. Let the infectious rhythm transport you back to a time of youthful innocence and heartbreak, a time when Runaround Sue reigned supreme and Dion’s voice echoed the sentiments of a generation.

Video

Lyrics

Here’s my story, it’s 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

Yeah, I should have known it from the very start
This girl would leave me with a broken heart
Now listen people what I’m telling you
A-keep away from-a Runaround Sue, yeah

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

She likes to travel around, yeah
She’ll love you and she’ll put you down
Now people let me put you wise
Sue goes out with other guys

Here’s the moral in 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 tell ya
Keep away from-a Runaround Sue

Yeah keep away from this girl
I don’t know what she’ll do
Keep away from Sue!

She likes to travel around, yeah
She’ll love you and she’ll put you down
Now people let me put you wise
She goes out with other guys

Here’s the moral in the story from that guy who knows
I fell in love and my love still grows
Ask any fool that she ever knew, they’ll tell ya
A-keep away from-a Runaround Sue

Stay away from that girl
Don’t you know what she’ll do now
Keep away from that girl