In 1957, Hawkins was playing at Shreveport, Louisiana clubs, and although his music was influenced by the new rock and roll style of Elvis Presley and the guitar sounds of Scotty Moore, Hawkins blended that with the uniquely heavy blues sound of black Louisiana artists for his recording of his swamp-rock classic Susie Q. Fellow Louisiana guitarist and future Rock and Roll Hall of Famer James Burton provided the signature riff and solo. The song was chosen as one of The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll.
Hawkins went on to a long and successful career, recording a number of songs for Chess Records. In 1998, Ace Records issued a compilation CD titled "Dale Hawkins, Rock 'n' Roll Tornado" which contained a collection of his early works and previously unreleased material. Other recordings include the cult classic "LA, Memphis and Tyler, Texas," and a 1999 release, "Wildcat Tamer," of all-new recordings that garnered Hawkins a 4-star review in Rolling Stone. However, his career wasn't limited to recording or performing. He hosted a teen dance party, "The Dale Hawkins Show," on WCAU-TV in Philadelphia. He next turned his talents to producing, and found success with the Uniques' "Not Too Long Ago," the Five Americans' "Western Union," Jon & Robin's "Do It Again - A Little Bit Slower." He served as Executive Vice President of Abnak Records; Vice President, Southwest Division, Bell Records (here he produced Bruce Channel, Ronnie Self, James Bell, the Festivals,the Dolls, and the Gentrys); and A&R Director, RCA West Coast Rock Division, working with Michael Nesmith and Harry Nillson. In the 90s, he produced the critically-acclaimed "Goin Back to Mississippi" by R.L. Burnside's slide guitarist Kenny Brown.
Hawkins' pioneering contributions have been recognized by the Rockabilly Hall of Fame.
In 2006, he was diagnosed with colon cancer and began radiation therapy while continuing to perform occasionally. In October 2007, The Louisiana Music Hall of Fame honored Dale Hawkins for his contributions to Louisiana music by inducting him into The Louisiana Music Hall Of Fame. At the same time, he released his latest recording, "Back Down to Louisiana," inspired by a trip to his childhood home. It was recognized by the UK's music magazine, Mojo, as #10 in the Americana category in their 2007 Best of issue, while "LA, Memphis and Tyler, Texas," was awarded #8 in the reissue category.
Hawkins died on February 13, 2010, from colon cancer in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Susie Q
Dale Hawkins Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Oh Susie Q
Oh Susie Q
I love you my Susie Q
I like the way you walk
I like the way you talk
I like the way you walk
Oh Susie Q
Oh Susie Q
Oh Susie Q baby I love you
My Susie Q
You say that you'll be true
You say that you'll be true
You say that you'll be true
And never leave me blue my Susie Q
Oh Susie Q
Oh Susie Q
Oh Susie Q I love you my Susie Q
The lyrics of Dale Hawkins's song Susie Q revolve around the singer's admiration and love for a woman named Susie Q. In the song, the singer repeats his affection for Susie Q, stating that he loves the way she walks and talks. He also mentions that she promises to be true and will never leave him feeling sad or alone. Throughout the song, the refrain of "Oh Susie Q" is repeated, emphasizing the singer's strong feelings towards her.
The lyrics of the song are simple, yet effective in conveying the message of love and desire for a woman. The repetition of the chorus helps to create a catchy tune, making it a popular sing-along song. The song's lyrics have been interpreted in different ways, with some suggesting that the song is about a woman who has left the singer, while others see it as a simple love song.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh Susie Q
Affectionate address to the person named Susie Q
Oh Susie Q
Reiteration of the affectionate address to the person named Susie Q
Oh Susie Q
Reiteration of the affectionate address to the person named Susie Q
I love you my Susie Q
Expression of love towards Susie Q
I like the way you walk
Appreciation of Susie Q's style of walking
I like the way you talk
Appreciation of Susie Q's style of talking
I like the way you walk
Reiteration of the appreciation towards Susie Q's style of walking
I like the way you talk my Susie Q
Reiteration of the appreciation towards Susie Q's style of talking
Oh Susie Q
Reiteration of the affectionate address to the person named Susie Q
Oh Susie Q
Reiteration of the affectionate address to the person named Susie Q
Oh Susie Q baby I love you
Affectionate address and expression of love towards Susie Q
My Susie Q
Endearing reference to Susie Q
You say that you'll be true
Susie Q's assurance of faithfulness and loyalty
You say that you'll be true
Reiteration of Susie Q's assurance of faithfulness and loyalty
You say that you'll be true
Reiteration of Susie Q's assurance of faithfulness and loyalty
And never leave me blue my Susie Q
Promise from Susie Q to never bring sadness or disappointment to the artist
Oh Susie Q
Reiteration of the affectionate address to the person named Susie Q
Oh Susie Q
Reiteration of the affectionate address to the person named Susie Q
Oh Susie Q I love you my Susie Q
Affectionate address and expression of love towards Susie Q
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Dale Hawkins, Stanley J. Lewis, Eleanor Broadwater
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Floyd Council
At 17, James Burton, the guitar player using the only available strings at that time,13-17-26-36-46-56 gauge, decided he didn’t need all that string tension. So he removed the 56, bumped every string down one gauge, and took a 10 gauge banjo string and used that for the top E string. That is how 10-46 gauge strings came about, and bending strings became possible. Mr. Burton, my fingers and ears thank you.
John Jones
I thought Burton was 15 at the time. I could be wrong.
Angela Westmoreland
Happiness is having family that
Loves in another state
. Rather different state of mind
Angela Westmoreland
Cats have 9 Loves
You are not a cat
Buckle UP
Quite
THE MIND
& THE SOUL
WILL SPEAK 💯 🙈 cSEE
Angela Westmoreland
I visualized MY
Highest Self...
Dreams all came true....hip hip hoorray
Angela Westmoreland
Don't live
Your life in
Training
Wheels...LOL funny ha
Darla Rogers
Fully agree, this guy was hard rock in rockabilly disguise, he totally invented a whole new sound when he made this recording! Mad respect
Michael Wilson
Arkansas
Michael Wilson
I was fortunate enough or unfortunate enough however you look at it to be born in the very center of Johnny Cash country
GrtSatan
The first time a producer asked for more cowbell and the result was an instant masterpiece.