About the song
“Keep Searchin’ (We’ll Follow the Sun)” stands as a testament to Del Shannon’s prowess as both a songwriter and a performer in the realm of rock-and-roll. Penned and recorded in 1964, this iconic track encapsulates Shannon’s emotive storytelling and musical innovation. Written in the key of A minor, the song’s narrative unfolds with poignant lyrics depicting a man’s quest to protect his vulnerable girlfriend from harm, seeking refuge from their pursuers. Shannon’s vocal delivery crescendos with a series of striking high notes, adding a dramatic flourish to the song’s climax.
Released alongside “Keep Searchin'” was its B-side, “Broken Promises,” forming a dual offering that showcased Shannon’s versatility and depth as an artist. Recorded in October 1964 alongside other Shannon originals like “Stranger in Town” and “Over You,” these tracks collectively underscore Shannon’s ability to blend personal introspection with resonant melodies, cementing his place in the rock-and-roll pantheon.
Upon its release, “Keep Searchin'” made an indelible mark on the charts, becoming Shannon’s final Top Ten hit. It enjoyed notable success, spending 14 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 and peaking at No. 9. Internationally, the song resonated widely, reaching No. 3 on the UK’s Record Retailer chart, No. 6 on the Irish Singles Chart, and achieving top positions in Norway, Sweden, and Canada.
Del Shannon’s enduring legacy extends beyond chart performance. His ability to craft songs that blend raw emotion with musical craftsmanship ensures that “Keep Searchin’ (We’ll Follow the Sun)” remains a timeless classic, cherished by listeners for its narrative depth and Shannon’s unmistakable vocal talent. Through this song, Shannon invites us into a world where perseverance and love triumph over adversity, leaving an indelible mark on the annals of rock-and-roll history.
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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