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Lonesome Suzie

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"Lonesome Suzie"
Song by The Band
from the album Music from Big Pink
ReleasedJuly 1, 1968
RecordedEarly 1968
GenreRock
Length4:04
LabelCapitol
Songwriter(s)Richard Manuel
Producer(s)John Simon

Lonesome Suzie is a 1968 song by The Band written and sung by Richard Manuel originally appearing on their influential debut album Music From Big Pink[1] It was also released on Across The Great Divide, a compilation box set from 1994. Drummer Levon Helm has said that "...Lonesome Suzie was Richard's failed attempt to write a hit record." It never charted and is one of the few songs on which Manuel contributed writing, but is also recognized as one of Manuel's signature pieces. In 1970 it was released as the B-side of the French single release of "Whispering Pines".

Recording

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The song features Manuel's soulful vocals complemented by Robbie Robertson's simple guitar licks with a subtle backing by the other members. Some of Robertson's guitar licks follow Manuel's lines in a manner similar to Charlie McCoy's work on Bob Dylan's "Desolation Row".

Theme

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The song follows a seemingly troubled woman who hopes to acquire a friend or lover but struggles in doing so. The narrator offers his support, but is not a suitable match. He says he doesn't belong there, but may know someone who does. The narrator, of course, means himself the entire time eventually asking the woman to be with him in the line "why don't we get together, what else can we do?".[2]

Alternate Version

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The 2000 re-issue of Music From Big Pink includes a version of the song with a faster tempo and more doo wop rhythm.

Cover versions

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In 1970, it was covered by Blood, Sweat & Tears on their third album Blood, Sweat & Tears 3.

Personnel

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References

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  1. ^ Ruhlmann, William. "Music From Big Pink". All music guide. Retrieved 5 October 2011.
  2. ^ "Lonesome Suzie". Retrieved 5 October 2011.
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