About the song
“The Wanderer” is a timeless classic that has captivated audiences for generations. Written by Ernie Maresca and originally recorded by Dion in 1961, this iconic song has become an integral part of rock and roll history. With its 12-bar blues-base verse and eight-bar bridge, “The Wanderer” tells the story of a traveling man and his many loves, showcasing Dion’s unique vocal style and the song’s infectious energy.
The song’s origins date back to the early 1960s, when Maresca co-wrote it with Dion. Initially, Maresca intended to record the song with another group, Nino and the Ebb Tides, but they ultimately passed on it. Instead, Dion was given the song as the B-side to his single “The Majestic,” which was chosen by his record company. Despite being relegated to the B-side, “The Wanderer” quickly gained popularity, entering the US charts in December 1961 and rising to number 2 in early 1962.
The song’s success can be attributed to its unique blend of rock and roll, rhythm and blues, and doo-wop styles. The original recording features an uncredited background vocal group, the Del-Satins, who added their harmonies to the song’s catchy chorus. The musicians on the original recording included Bucky Pizzarelli and Johnny Falbo on guitars, Jerome Richardson on alto sax, Buddy Lucas on tenor sax, Milt Hinton on bass, and Panama Francis on drums.
Dion’s own interpretation of the song is telling, as he describes it as “black music filtered through an Italian neighborhood that comes out with an attitude.” He also notes that the song is often misunderstood, with many people perceiving it as a carefree anthem when, in reality, it’s a sad song about a man who is going nowhere. This nuanced perspective is echoed by Bruce Springsteen, who accurately captured the song’s essence in his own music.
Over the years, “The Wanderer” has been categorized under various genres, including rock and roll, rhythm and blues, pop, and doo-wop. Its impact on popular music is undeniable, with the 1961 recording being inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2017.
Despite its enduring popularity, “The Wanderer” has also been the subject of controversy. In 2015, the Bethesda Softworks game Fallout 4 used the song in a live-action clip, which was fully licensed by Dion’s label. However, Dion filed a lawsuit claiming he was not informed of the licensing and that the game’s content was morally indefensible. This lawsuit highlights the ongoing challenges faced by artists in the digital age, as they navigate the complexities of music licensing and copyright law.
In conclusion, “The Wanderer” is a timeless classic that has left an indelible mark on rock and roll history. With its unique blend of styles, memorable lyrics, and iconic recording, this song continues to captivate audiences to this day. As we look back on its enduring legacy, it’s clear that “The Wanderer” is more than just a song – it’s a cultural touchstone that continues to inspire and influence new generations of musicians and fans alike.
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Lyrics
Oh well I’m the type of guy who will never settle down
Where pretty girls are well, you know that I’m around
I kiss ’em and I love ’em ’cause to me they’re all the same
I hug ’em and I squeeze ’em they don’t even know my name
They call me the wanderer yeah the wanderer
I roam around around around
Oh well there’s Flo on my left and there’s Mary on my right
And Janie is the girl with that I’ll be with tonight
And when she asks me which one I love the best
I tear open my shirt I got Rosie on my chest
Cause I’m the wanderer yeah the wanderer
I roam around around around
Oh well I roam from town to town
I go through life without a care
‘Til I’m as happy as a clown
With my two fists of iron and I’m going nowhere
I’m the type of guy that likes to roam around
I’m never in one place I roam from town to town
And when I find myself a-fallin’ for some girl
I hop right into that car of mine and ride around the world
Yeah I’m the wanderer yeah the wanderer
I roam around around around
Oh yeah I’m the type of guy that likes to roam around
I’m never in one place I roam from town to town
And when I find myself a-fallin’ for some girl
I hop right into that car of mine and ride around the world
Yeah ’cause I’m a wanderer yeah a wanderer
I roam around around around
Cause I’m a wanderer yeah a wanderer
I roam around around around