Runaround Sue

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"Runaround Sue"
File:Runaround Sue - Dion.jpg
Single by Dion
from the album Runaround Sue
B-side "Runaway Girl"
Released September 1961[1]
Genre Doo-wop, rock and roll[2]
Length 2:41
Label Laurie
Writer(s) Dion DiMucci and Ernie Maresca
Producer(s) Gene Schwartz
Certification Gold
Dion singles chronology
"Somebody Nobody Wants"
(1961)
"Runaround Sue"
(1961)
"The Wanderer"
(1961)

"Runaround Sue" is a pop song, in a doo-wop style, originally a US No. 1 hit for the singer Dion during 1961 after he split with the Belmonts. The song ranked No. 342 on the Rolling Stone list of "The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time".[3] The song was written by Dion with Ernie Maresca, and tells the story of a disloyal lover.

Lyrics

The lyrics are sung from the point of view of a man whose former girlfriend, named Sue, was extremely unfaithful. He warns all potential lovers to avoid her at all costs, as Sue "runs around" with every guy she meets and never settles down with any man in particular. He advises "Now people let me put you wise, Sue goes out with other guys" and suggests that potential suitors should 'keep away from Runaround Sue'. Dion stated in his autobiography "The Wanderer" that although his wife's name was Susan, Runaround Sue had nothing to do with her.

Chart performance

Leif Garrett cover

"Runaround Sue"
File:Runaround Sue - Leif Garrett.jpg
Single by Leif Garrett
from the album Leif Garrett
B-side "I Wanna Share a Dream With You"
Released November 1977
Genre Pop
Label Atlantic 3110
Writer(s) Dion DiMucci and Ernie Maresca
Producer(s) Michael Lloyd
Leif Garrett singles chronology
"Surfin' USA"
(1977)
"Runaround Sue"
(1978)
"Put Your Head on My Shoulder"
(1978)

"Runaround Sue" was covered by Leif Garrett in 1977. In early 1978, his version reached number 13 on Billboard and number 18 on Cash Box. The song also reached number 15 in Canada.

Chart performance

Other cover versions

References

External links

The Story behind Runaround Sue

Preceded by Billboard Hot 100 number one single
October 23 - November 5, 1961
Succeeded by
"Big Bad John" by Jimmy Dean