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.
Keep Searchin'
Del Shannon Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I've gotta find a place to hide with my baby by my side
She's been hurt so much, they treat her mean and cruel
They try to keep us far apart, there's only one thing left we can do
We gotta keep searchin', searchin'
Find a place to hide
Searchin', searchin'
If we gotta keep on the run
We'll follow the sun, wee-ooh
Follow the sun, wee-ooh
Doesn't matter, doesn't matter what people might say
She's mine and I'm gonna take her anyway
We gotta keep searchin', searchin'
Find a place to hide
Searchin', searchin'
Every night and day
If we gotta keep on the run
We'll follow the sun, wee-ooh
Follow the sun, wee-ooh
We gotta keep searchin', searchin'
Find a place to hide
Searchin', searchin'
She'll be by my side
If we gotta keep on the run
We'll follow the sun, wee-ooh
Follow the sun, wee-ooh
Follow the sun, wee-ooh
Follow the sun, ooh
Ooh, ooh, ooh
Del Shannon's song "Keep Searchin'" is about a couple who have been through a lot of hardship and are trying to find a place to hide away from all the struggles. The girl has been hurt and treated cruelly by people around her, and they are trying to keep the couple apart. The singer of the song is determined to protect his lover and finds it better to go on the run with her than to live without her. Despite what other people may say or think, he will take her away with him. They both want to find somewhere they can be alone and start a new life together.
"Keep Searchin'" is often interpreted as a song about the love between two people who have to escape from others who don't understand them. It celebrates the strength of their love, and how they will do whatever it takes to keep each other safe. The lines "we'll follow the sun" suggest that they are determined to keep moving forward and that they are optimistic about their future together.
The song was released in 1965 and was a hit for Del Shannon. It reached number 9 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 3 on the UK Singles Chart. It was Shannon's last top ten hit in either country. The song was written by Shannon and keyboardist Max Crook, who also invented the famous electronic keyboard solo in Shannon's hit "Runaway." The two of them collaborated on many of Shannon's songs.
Line by Line Meaning
No one will understand what I've gotta do
Nobody will comprehend the decisions that I have to make
I've gotta find a place to hide with my baby by my side
We need to locate a safe location where my partner and I can seek refuge together
She's been hurt so much, they treat her mean and cruel
My lover has experienced significant emotional pain inflicted by others who treat her unkindly and maliciously
They try to keep us far apart, there's only one thing left we can do
Others are attempting to separate us, leaving us with just one action
We gotta keep searchin', searchin'
We need to keep looking relentlessly for a secure spot
Find a place to hide
Discover a sanctuary where we can cover ourselves from danger
She'll be by my side
My partner and I will remain together as we flee to safety
If we gotta keep on the run
If we must keep escaping from danger
We'll follow the sun, wee-ooh
We will use the sun's direction to guide us to safety
Doesn't matter, doesn't matter what people might say
Regardless of anyone's opinion
She's mine and I'm gonna take her anyway
My lover is mine, and I will take care of her as we navigate to safety
Every night and day
We will continue searching tirelessly, day and night
Follow the sun, ooh
Track the movement of the sun for guidance
Ooh, ooh, ooh
vocalization
Lyrics © Kanjian Music, BMG Rights Management
Written by: Del Shannon
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Linda Panknin
Love to everyone who still loves Del and his amazing music. I wish he was still here.
bill gonzales
Im with you Linda, Del was amazing true rock&roller. peace
a
David Brazier yes, please reply again with more detail
John Patterson
Slightly ahead of his time.RIP Charlie Westover-aka-Del Shannon
Karen H
I recently discovered that Del Shannon was more than singing Runaway! He had many great songs & a fabulous voice & stage presence!
Robert Orick
Del had many great songs besides "Runaway" and most of the obscure ones should have at least a small amount of attention. His 1966 LP recorded in England produced by Andrew Loog Oldham is one his most obscure (in the US at least), but it's essential. Because it was recorded by a UK label (Immediate Records), Liberty Records refused to issue it, until 1973, when Liberty's successor, United Artists Records finally issued it. Oldies stations pay attention to "Runaway" or "Hats Off To Larry", but there was more to Del's musical biography than a handful of hit songs.
TheWillOfABeast
Heard this in credits of Only Murders In The Building. Love it. R.I.P Del Shannon
Grace
Hysterical!! That’s exactly why I’m here!!!!!!!!
J
SAME
Fran noonan
Same here...