Wake Up Little Susie
King Brothers Lyrics

The lyrics to the King Brothers’ song “Wake Up Little Susie” tell a story of a teenage couple who falls asleep during a movie and wakes up past curfew, risking getting in trouble with their parents and friends. The first stanza emphasizes the urgency of the situation, as the couple is “in trouble deep,” emphasizing the consequences of their actions. The second stanza focuses on the dilemma of the situation, asking what they will tell their parents and friends. The final stanza concludes with the decision to leave and “go home,” accepting the consequences of their actions.

The lyrics of “Wake Up Little Susie” speak to the cultural context of 1950s America, at a time when teenage rebellion was not yet accepted as it is today. The song was considered provocative at the time of its release because it addressed teen sexuality and curfew-breaking. Despite this controversy, the song went on to become a huge hit, rising to number one on the charts in 1957. In addition to its popularity, the song holds a special place in history as one of the first rock and roll songs to crossover to the pop charts, helping to lay the foundation for the new music genre.

Other interesting facts about “Wake Up Little Susie” include its connection to the Everly Brothers, who wrote the song but were unable to release it themselves due to contractual obligations. The King Brothers version, which was released months later, is now considered the more popular version. The songwriters, Felice and Boudleaux Bryant, went on to write many other popular hits, including “Rocky Top” and “Love Hurts”. The song has been covered by many artists over the years, including Simon & Garfunkel, Linda Ronstadt, and Grateful Dead. The lyrics have also been referenced in popular culture, including in the title of a 1992 French film, and in multiple television shows and films.

Chords:
The intro and verses are played in G
G - D - Em - C - G - D - D7
The chorus utilizes D7, G and C chords.

Note: There may be variations in chord progression depending on the artist’s interpretation.