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.
Maybe Tomorrow
Del Shannon Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Maybe tomorrow
I don't know where or when
Maybe tomorrow
Maybe tomorrow
You say, you say you're gonna cry
Because they've made us say goodbye
Our ages won't be there to draw the line
I know we'll love again
Maybe tomorrow
Maybe tomorrow
You say, you say you're gonna cry
Because they've made us say goodbye
Our love will stand their test of time
Our ages won't be there to draw the line
I know we'll love again
Maybe tomorrow
I don't know where or when
Maybe tomorrow
Maybe tomorrow
Del Shannon's "Maybe Tomorrow" has all the elements of a classic love song. The lyrics are expressive, passionate, and somewhat melancholic. The first stanza makes it clear that the singer has faith that the relationship will work out eventually, but he can't say for sure when or where that will happen. He repeats this sentiment throughout the song, promising that their love will stand the test of time and that they will be able to overcome whatever challenges they face.
The second stanza is even more poignant, as the singer acknowledges that the pain of separation is real and that his partner is crying over it. However, he reassures her (or him) that they will be back together soon, and that their love will endure, even in the face of social disapproval. The final repetition of the chorus reinforces this message, with the singer's conviction growing as the song progresses. The overall message is one of hope and resilience, of faith in the power of love to overcome all obstacles.
Line by Line Meaning
I know we'll love again
The singer is confident that they will have a chance to love again in the future.
Maybe tomorrow
They do not know exactly when this future opportunity will arrive.
I don't know where or when
The singer is uncertain about the details of their future chance at love.
Maybe tomorrow
Again, they stress that the future opportunity for love may come soon, but they are not certain.
You say, you say you're gonna cry
Here, the artist is addressing their partner, who is expressing sadness and emotion about their present situation.
Because they've made us say goodbye
The reason for the present sadness and separation is not clear, but somebody else is responsible for it.
Our love will stand their test of time
The singer is confident that their love is strong and enduring, and will withstand whatever forces are keeping them apart.
Our ages won't be there to draw the line
It is possible that the reason for the separation is due to their age difference, but the artist believes that age is not a barrier for their love.
Contributed by Lauren H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
BINGOPINBALL
Del was brilliant
tenniscollector
Thanks for the upload. A good version of the Everly brothers song.
alan chrisman
"Maybe Tomorrow" Del Shannon's cover of the Don Everly song, off his 1981 album, Drop Down & Get Me', produced by Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers.
Tony anderson
Del's daughter also sang on this song