Shannon followed up with "Hats Off to Larry", another big hit, and the less popular "So Long, Baby", another song of breakup bitterness. "Little Town Flirt", released in 1962 reached #12 in 1963 as did the album of the same name. After these hits, Shannon was unable to keep his momentum in the US, but became a sensation in England. In 1963, he became the first American artist to record a cover version of a Beatles song with "From Me to You".
Shannon returned to the charts in 1964 with "Handy Man", "Do You Wanna Dance", "Keep Searchin'", and "Stranger in Town" (1965), with the latter two songs themed about flight from pursuit in a dangerous world. A 1966 chart offering was Shannon's cover of the Rolling Stones' "Under My Thumb". In the late 1960s after a dry spell of hits, he turned to production. In 1969 he discovered a group called Smith and arranged their hit "Baby It's You". He then produced his friend Brian Hyland's million seller "Gypsy Woman" in 1970.
In the 1970s, Shannon's career slowed down greatly; the hates and fears he had turned into art in his earlier songs were turning into full-blown mental illness, and he was self-medicating with alcohol. He finally put the bottle down in 1978, and he was able to return to mainstream audiences with "Sea of Love" in the early 1980s from the album "Drop Down And Get Me" produced by Tom Petty.
In December, 1983, Shannon served as Grand Marshal of the Coopersville, Michigan Christmas parade and also performed a benefit concert at Coopersville High School.
Shannon enjoyed a resurgence in audience interest after re-recording a portion of his song "Runaway" (with new lyrics) as the theme for the television program Crime Story. Producer Michael Mann felt that this was one of the definitive songs of the era in which the program was set. Some fans of the show prefer the sharper lyrics ("Some live, and others die") as an alternate to the original words.
On 8 February 1990, while working on a comeback album with Jeff Lynne of Electric Light Orchestra, Shannon fatally shot himself in the head with a .22 calibre rifle. His wife thought his death might have been related to his recent use of the prescription drug Prozac. The album was released after his death and titled "Rock On!".
Shannon is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and his pioneering contribution to the genre has been recognized by the Rockabilly Hall of Fame.
His Latest Flame
Del Shannon Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
'Cause he was telling everyone in town
About the love that he just found
And Marie's the name of his latest flame
He talked and talked and I heard him say
That she had the longest blackest hair
The prettiest green eyes anywhere
And Marie's the name of his latest flame
I wished him luck and then he said goodbye
He was gone but still his words kept returning
What else was there for me to do but cry
Would you believe that yesterday
This girl was in my arms and swore to me
She'd be mine eternally
And Marie's the name of his latest flame
Though I smiled the tears inside were a-burning
I wished him luck and then he said goodbye
He was gone but still his words kept returning
What else was there for me to do but cry
Would you believe that yesterday
This girl was in my arms and swore to me
She'd be mine eternally
And Marie's the name of his latest flame
Yeah, Marie's the name of his latest flame
Oh, Marie's the name of his latest flame
In Del Shannon's song "His Latest Flame," the singer's old friend comes by to tell him about his newfound love, Marie. The friend describes Marie as having long black hair and the prettiest green eyes, and the singer begins to feel the tears burning inside him despite trying to smile. The singer then reflects on how just yesterday Marie was in his arms and swore to be his forever, and yet she's now with his old friend. The song ends with the repetition of the line, "Marie's the name of his latest flame."
Line by Line Meaning
A very old friend came by today
An acquaintance visited me today who I have known for a long time.
'Cause he was telling everyone in town
He shared with everyone in the community.
About the love that he just found
He was discussing his recent romance.
And Marie's the name of his latest flame
The girl he is currently enamored with is named Marie.
He talked and talked and I heard him say
He constantly spoke of her and I remained privy to his musings.
That she had the longest blackest hair
Marie has very long and dark hair according to my old friend.
The prettiest green eyes anywhere
The color of Marie's eyes is green and he finds them attractive.
Though I smiled the tears inside were a-burning
Despite my external façade of happiness, my sadness was internal.
I wished him luck and then he said goodbye
I bid him farewell and offered him my best wishes.
He was gone but still his words kept returning
Even though he had left, I couldn't shake what he said.
What else was there for me to do but cry
I was left with no other option but to cry.
Would you believe that yesterday
It's hard to fathom that this is happening so suddenly.
This girl was in my arms and swore to me
She was previously in my embrace and made promises to stay mine.
She'd be mine eternally
She vowed to remain loyal to me for all eternity.
Yeah, Marie's the name of his latest flame
Her name is Marie, the girl he is currently obsessed over.
Oh, Marie's the name of his latest flame
Once again, Marie is mentioned, emphasizing the importance of her in this situation.
Writer(s): Doc Pomus, Mort Shuman
Contributed by Andrew S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Heidi Morris
Love all Del shannon songs 🕺🎶
Richard Anderson
I love the organ on Del’s songs.
Paul Ajogbe
Elvis breathe life into his version of this song 🎵
beltanetrex
Love this version way more than Elvis's. Del has an element of desperation in his voice that elvis doesn't achieve though his version is great too. Plus I love the signature Max crook musitron solo.
Chloe Andrew
Nobody better than anyone 😢all do there own way 😊
Connie Rentz
I agree, great song, still prefer Elvis version, just sounded better. Different bands styles
Chris R.
I like Elvis's version of Maries the name better, it has more substance to it and sounds richer in Elvis vocal style. and i do really like Del doing his Runaway, but i also love Elvis's live version.
Matt Eg
Elvis was better and great as Del's singing is a little strained or offkey and Elvis' smoother version less choppy and much cooler. However, I do really love so many of Del Shannon's hits a heck of a lot more than Elvis's. Maybe only liked 4 songs by Elvis.
Richard Anderson
Was this only released otprinally on the ep as shown or was it a single in it’s own rights? Does anyone know?
Doris Mari Cora viana
Yes he was the first to sing this song