About the Song

In the early 1960s, the airwaves were filled with the infectious energy of Dion’s “Runaround Sue.” This rock and roll classic, with its playful melody and catchy lyrics, became a chart-topping hit and a cultural touchstone.

“Runaround Sue” is more than just a catchy tune; it’s a cautionary tale about a disloyal lover. The song, written by Dion and Ernie Maresca, tells the story of a woman named Sue who breaks hearts and leaves a trail of disappointed suitors in her wake.

The song’s success can be attributed to several key elements:

  • Memorable Melody: The melody is instantly recognizable, with a driving beat and a simple yet effective hook. It’s the kind of song that gets stuck in your head and makes you want to tap your feet along.
  • Catchy Lyrics: The lyrics are simple and direct, using playful rhymes and repetition to tell the story of Sue’s duplicity. Lines like “Runaround Sue, you know you’re no good” and “She’s got a heart of stone” are both catchy and memorable.
  • Doo-Wop Influences: The song incorporates elements of doo-wop, with its backing vocals and layered harmonies. This adds a nostalgic touch and a sense of youthful energy to the track.
  • Dion’s Charismatic Vocals: Dion’s vocals are a highlight of the song. His powerful and energetic delivery perfectly captures the frustration and warning message of the lyrics.

“Runaround Sue” transcends its era, becoming a timeless classic that continues to be covered by artists across genres. Its catchy melody, relatable theme, and Dion’s charismatic performance make it a song that will forever be etched in the annals of rock and roll history.

Who Was Runaround Sue? Dion In His Own Words

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Lyrics: Runaround Sue 

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 townYeah, I should have known it from the very start
This girl would leave me with a broken heart
Now listen people what I’m telling you
A-keep away from-a Runaround Sue, yeahI 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 SueShe 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 in 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 tell ya
Keep away from-a Runaround SueYeah keep away from this girl
I don’t know what she’ll do
Keep away from Sue!

She likes to travel around, yeah
She’ll love you and she’ll put you down
Now people let me put you wise
She goes out with other guys

Here’s the moral in the story from that guy who knows
I fell in love and my love still grows
Ask any fool that she ever knew, they’ll tell ya
A-keep away from-a Runaround Sue

Stay away from that girl
Don’t you know what she’ll do now
Keep away from that girl

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