About the song
Dion’s “Runaround Sue,” a quintessential rock and roll anthem released in 1961, encapsulates the timeless themes of heartbreak, betrayal, and youthful rebellion. This infectious tune, with its catchy doo-wop harmonies and Dion’s soulful vocals, quickly ascended to the top of the charts, cementing the singer’s status as a rising star.
The song’s narrative revolves around a man’s lament over his unfaithful girlfriend, Sue. With a blend of humor and exasperation, he warns potential suitors of her promiscuous ways, painting a vivid picture of her wandering heart. The lyrics, penned by Dion and Ernie Maresca, capture the raw emotion and frustration experienced by someone betrayed by love.
“Runaround Sue” stands as a testament to the enduring power of storytelling through music. Its relatable theme and energetic performance have ensured its longevity, earning it a place among the greatest songs of all time. Dion’s passionate delivery, coupled with the infectious rhythm and harmonies, make this track a classic that continues to resonate with audiences of all ages.
Video
Lyrics
Here’s my story, it’s sad but true
It’s about a girl that I once knew
She took my love then ran around
With every single guy in townHey-hey (whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh)
Wam-bi-le-le, hey-hey (whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh)
Wam-bi-le-le, hey-hey (whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh)
Wam-bi-le-le, hey-hey (whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh)Hey-hey (whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh)
Wam-bi-le-le, hey-hey (whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh)
Wam-bi-le-le, hey-hey (whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh)
Wam-bi-le-le, hey-hey (whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh)I should have known it from the very start
This girl will leave me with a broken heart
Now listen people what I’m telling you
A-keep away from-a Runaround Sue, yeahI might miss her lips and the smile on her face
The touch of her hand and this girl’s warm embrace
So if you don’t wanna cry like I do
A-keep away from-a Runaround SueHey-hey (whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh)
Wam-bi-le-le, hey-hey (whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh)
Wam-bi-le-le, hey-hey (whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh)
Wam-bi-le-le, hey-hey (whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh)She likes to travel around, yeah
She’ll love you and she’ll put you down
Now people let me put you wise
Sue goes out with other guysHere’s the moral and the story from the guy who knows
I fell in love and my love still grows
Ask any fool that she ever knew, they’ll say
A-keep away from-a Runaround SueHey-hey, yeah, keep away from this girl
Wam-bi-le-le, hey-hey, I know, know what she’ll do
Wam-bi-le-le, hey-hey, keep away from Sue
Wam-bi-le-le, hey-heyShe likes to travel around, yeah
She’ll love you and she’ll put you down
Now people let me put you wise
A-she goes out with other guysHere’s the moral and the story from the guy who knows
I fell in love and my love still grows
Ask any fool that she ever knew, they’ll say
A-keep away from-a Runaround Sue, yeahHey-hey, stay away from that girl
Wam-bi-le-le, hey-hey, don’t you know what to do now
Wam-bi-le-le, hey-hey (whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh)
Wam-bi-le-le, hey-hey (whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh)Hey-hey
Wam-bi-le-le, hey-hey (whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh)
Wam-bi-le-le, hey-hey (whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh)
Wam-bi-le-le, hey-hey (keep away from that girl)