About the song
“Runaround Sue” is a timeless rock and roll classic that has captured the hearts of music lovers for generations. Released in 1961, this iconic song was a US No. 1 Hot 100 hit and has since become a staple of American music. Written by Dion and Ernie Maresca, “Runaround Sue” tells the story of a disloyal lover who is unfaithful to her partner. The song’s catchy melody and memorable lyrics have made it a fan favorite, and its influence can still be heard in music today.
The song’s origins are shrouded in mystery, with Dion himself claiming that the name “Sue” was inspired by a girl he admired from a distance. However, his wife has also claimed that the song was indeed about her, adding to the song’s mystique. Regardless of its inspiration, “Runaround Sue” is a masterclass in songwriting, with its clever lyrics and infectious melody making it a standout track in Dion’s discography.
The song’s recording process was also notable, with Dion and his friends gathering at an informal party to improvise the song’s lyrics and harmonies. The resulting track features a unique blend of doo-wop and rock and roll influences, with a clapping rhythm and background harmonies that add to the song’s energy and charm.
“Runaround Sue” has been recognized as one of the greatest songs of all time, ranking No. 351 on Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. In 2002, Dion was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame for his work on the song, cementing its place in music history. With its enduring popularity and timeless appeal, “Runaround Sue” remains a beloved classic that continues to delight audiences to this day.
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)