Susanne

Album: Weezer (The Blue Album) (1994)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • According to the album's liner notes, Susanne was a talented A&R assistant at Geffen Records. In the long months of limbo between completing The Blue Album in October 1993 and its eventual release in May 1994, she became a big Weezer supporter, doing her best to keep the guys optimistic about their future with the label. As the lyrics imply, Susanne did in fact help Weezer lead singer Rivers Cuomo out with her spare winter coat when he needed one, and made plates of brownies to cheer him up. Her devotion and aid were perfectly summed up in this song. Before she knew of the song's existence, Weezer performed it a cappella for her in her Geffen office.
  • Originally, the line "Even Izzy, Slash, and Axl Rose, when I call you put 'em all on hold" read "Even Kurt Cobain and Axl Rose..." In April 1994, the shocking news came of Kurt Cobain's untimely death. Though the two had never met, Rivers Cuomo had found great inspiration in Kurt Cobain's songwriting on Nirvana's Bleach. So when it came time to record Susanne, Rivers Cuomo decided to change the lyric, not wanting to disrespect the memory of one who had been such an inspiration. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Bertrand - Paris, France, for above 2
  • "Susanne" is part of Weezer's debut album, known as "The Blue Album" but officially called Weezer. The album made a big impact with the songs "Undone - The Sweater Song," "Buddy Holly" and "Say It Ain't So." Their next album, Pinkerton, was released in 1996 and was more of a look at Rivers Cuomo's psyche. It didn't do nearly as well, and they waited five years to release their next album, again called Weezer but known as The Green Album.

Comments: 1

  • Suzanne from UsThis was spelled as 'Suzanne' though, originally...right? Anyone know why the spelling changed?
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Mike Campbell

Mike CampbellSongwriter Interviews

Mike is lead guitarist with Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, and co-writer of classic songs like "Boys Of Summer," "Refugee" and "The Heart Of The Matter."

Michael Franti

Michael FrantiSongwriter Interviews

Franti tells the story behind his hit "Say Hey (I Love You)" and explains why yoga is an integral part of his lifestyle and his Soulshine tour.

Kerry Livgren of Kansas

Kerry Livgren of KansasSongwriter Interviews

In this talk from the '80s, the Kansas frontman talks turning to God and writing "Dust In The Wind."

Charlie Benante of Anthrax

Charlie Benante of AnthraxSongwriter Interviews

The drummer for Anthrax is also a key songwriter. He explains how the group puts their songs together and tells the stories behind some of their classics.

Jonathan Edwards - "Sunshine"

Jonathan Edwards - "Sunshine"They're Playing My Song

"How much does it cost? I'll buy it?" Another songwriter told Jonathan to change these lyrics. Good thing he ignored this advice.

Ramones

RamonesFact or Fiction

A band so baffling, even their names were contrived. Check your score in the Ramones version of Fact or Fiction.