About the song
Del Shannon, the American rock and roll singer-songwriter, gifted us with a timeless melody in 1964, a song that resonated with audiences and continues to do so today. “Keep Searchin’ (We’ll Follow the Sun)” is a poignant narrative of love, resilience, and the unwavering pursuit of hope in the face of adversity.
Written and recorded in the same year as its release, the song is a testament to Shannon’s songwriting prowess. Its haunting melody, coupled with lyrics that delve into the depths of human emotion, make it a truly memorable piece. The song’s key of A minor lends a sense of melancholy and introspection, while the soaring high notes at the end provide a cathartic release.
“Keep Searchin'” tells the tale of a man and his girlfriend who are desperately trying to escape a dangerous situation. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of their plight, as they search for a place where they can be safe and free from harm. The song’s message of hope and perseverance is particularly powerful, as it suggests that even in the darkest of times, there is always a glimmer of light.
The B-side, “Broken Promises,” was recorded alongside “Keep Searchin'” and two other Shannon songs: “Stranger in Town” and “Over You.” All four tracks were written by Shannon himself, showcasing his versatility as a songwriter.
“Keep Searchin'” quickly climbed the charts, becoming Shannon’s final Top Ten hit. It spent 14 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at No. 9. The song also enjoyed success in the UK, Ireland, Norway, Canada, Sweden, and Germany, demonstrating its widespread appeal.
Del Shannon’s “Keep Searchin’ (We’ll Follow the Sun)” is a timeless classic that continues to captivate audiences. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the song’s emotional depth and its ability to connect with listeners on a profound level.
Video
Lyrics
No one will understand what I’ve gotta do
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’, she’ll be by my side
If we gotta keep on the run we’ll follow the sun-ah, wee-ooh
Follow the sun-ah, 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’, she’ll be by my side
If we gotta keep on the run we’ll follow the sun-ah, wee-ooh
Follow the sun-ah, wee-ooh
Gotta keep searchin’, searchin’, find a place to stay
Searchin’, searchin’, every night and day
If we gotta keep on the run, we’ll follow the sun-ah, wee-ooh
Follow the sun-ah, wee-ooh
Follow the sun-ah, wee-ooh
Follow the sun, ooh-ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh, ooh
Ooh-ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh, ooh
Ooh-ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh, ooh
Ooh-ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh, ooh