About the song
The song “Suspicion” has woven its way through music history with a complex narrative of recordings, covers, and claims that reflect its enduring appeal and the intrigue surrounding its origins.
Originally penned by Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman, “Suspicion” was first recorded by Elvis Presley in 1962 at RCA’s Nashville studio. It appeared on Presley’s album *Pot Luck* but initially saw modest success. However, the song gained unexpected traction when a rendition by Terry Stafford, who remarkably resembled Presley vocally, surged to popularity in 1964. Stafford’s version, recorded as a demo and later polished under the guidance of producer Bob Summers, became a breakout hit, particularly in Los Angeles and across the United States, where it climbed to number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, briefly breaking the Beatles’ dominance on the charts.
Stafford’s success with “Suspicion” was marked by its distinctive instrumentation, including the innovative use of an Ondioline, a rare French electronic keyboard, adding a unique flavor to the track. Its rapid ascent mirrored the era’s dynamic music scene, where local hits could quickly escalate to national prominence.
Beyond Stafford’s rendition, “Suspicion” continued to resonate through numerous cover versions and reinterpretations over the decades, showcasing its enduring popularity and adaptability across genres and international markets. From country charts in the 1970s to diverse artists such as Bahamian singer Diana Hamilton in 2005, the song’s appeal transcends time and cultural boundaries.
The song’s legacy is further complicated by claims from legendary producer Phil Spector, asserting involvement in its creation without formal recognition, underscoring the intrigue and disputes often found in the music industry’s history.
Today, “Suspicion” remains not just a footnote in musical history but a testament to the enduring power of a well-crafted song, capable of captivating audiences across generations and continuing to inspire new interpretations. Its journey from Elvis Presley’s initial recording to Terry Stafford’s breakthrough and subsequent covers is a testament to its resilience and the timeless allure of its melody and lyrics.
Video
Lyrics
Every time you kiss me, I’m still not certain that you love me
Every time you hold me, I’m still not certain that you care
Though you keep on saying you really, really, really love me
Do you say the same words to someone else when I’m not there?
torments my heart
(Suspicion) keeps us apart
(Suspicion) why torture me?
Every time you call me and tell me we should meet tomorrow
I can’t help but think that you’re meeting someone else tonight
Why should our romance just keep on causing me such sorrow?
Why am I so doubtful whenever you are out of sight?
torments my heart
(Suspicion) keeps us apart
(Suspicion) why torture me?
Darling, if you love me, I beg you wait a little longer
Wait until I drive all these foolish fears out of my mind
Why can’t our romance just keep on? You know it’s longer
Maybe I’m suspicious ’cause true love is so hard to find
torments my heart
(Suspicion) keeps us apart
(Suspicion) why torture me?