Suzanne

Album: Raised on Radio (1986)
Charted: 17
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Written by lead singer Steve Perry and keyboard player Jonathan Cain, "Suzanne" tells the story of a guy whose ex-girlfriend is now a huge star. He can't let her go, and is tormented every time he sees her on the screen.
  • Asked in an online Q&A if this song was based on a real person, Steve Perry replied: "It was a fantasy encounter with a film star who also had a vocal artist career. Just a secret person that's in the song to live forever in that song. Real or not, she's real in the track."

Comments: 1

  • Suzanne M from OhioI've always lived this song bc we share the same name. Nit many has heard it until me. I still play it till this day.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Andrew Farriss of INXS

Andrew Farriss of INXSSongwriter Interviews

Andrew Farriss on writing with Michael Hutchence, the stories behind "Mystify" and other INXS hits, and his country-flavored debut solo album.

Danny Kortchmar

Danny KortchmarSongwriter Interviews

Danny played guitar on Sweet Baby James, Tapestry, and Running On Empty. He also co-wrote many hit songs, including "Dirty Laundry," "Sunset Grill" and "Tender Is The Night."

Chris Frantz - "Genius of Love"

Chris Frantz - "Genius of Love"They're Playing My Song

Chris and his wife Tina were the rhythm section for Talking Heads when they formed The Tom Tom Club. "Genius of Love" was their blockbuster, but David Byrne only mentioned it once.

Dean Pitchford

Dean PitchfordSongwriter Interviews

Dean wrote the screenplay and lyrics to all the songs in Footloose. His other hits include "Fame" and "All The Man That I Need."

Who's Johnny, And Why Does He Show Up In So Many Songs

Who's Johnny, And Why Does He Show Up In So Many SongsSong Writing

For songwriters, Johnny represents the American man. He has been angry, cool, magic, a rebel and, of course, marching home.

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star Riders

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star RidersSongwriter Interviews

Writing with Phil Lynott, Scott saw their ill-fated frontman move to a darker place in his life and lyrics.