Top 10 Songs With The Name “Susan” In The Title

Feature Photo: ABC Television Network., Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The name Susan has a rich and storied history, tracing back to the Hebrew name Shoshana, meaning “lily” or “rose.” Over centuries, the name has evolved into many popular variations such as Susie, Suzanne, Suzie, and Sue, becoming one of the most beloved names in the Western world. Its popularity surged during the mid-20th century, particularly in the 1950s, ’60s, and ’70s, making it a common name for women during the golden age of rock and roll. The ubiquity of the name Susan during these decades is reflected in popular culture, particularly in music, where it frequently appears in song titles by some of the most iconic artists.

# 10 – Black-Eyed Susan · Jesse Colin Young

“Black-Eyed Susan” is the first song we will explore on this list of the top 10 songs with the name “Susan” in the title. Written and performed by Jesse Colin Young, this track was released in April 1964 as part of his debut solo album The Soul of a City Boy, under Capitol Records. The album represents an early foray into Young’s career before his work with The Youngbloods, and it is marked by its acoustic folk-blues style that captures the essence of the 1960s folk revival.

Read More: Top 10 Jesse Colin Young Songs

# 9 – Song for Susan – Crosby, Stills & Nash

“Song for Susan” by Crosby, Stills & Nash appears on the band’s 1982 album Daylight Again and was written by Graham Nash. The song stands as a beautiful testament to the harmonies and acoustic brilliance that defined the group. Released during the resurgence of Crosby, Stills & Nash, Daylight Again peaked at No. 8 on the Billboard 200, marking the last time the trio reached the top ten before the passing of David Crosby in 2023. The album itself is certified platinum and contains three Billboard Hot 100 hits. However, “Song for Susan” remains a deeper cut within the album, cherished by fans for its intimate lyrics and soulful delivery.

Read More: Top 10 Crosby, Stills & Nash Songs

# 8 – Oh No Not Susan – Electric Light Orchestra

“Oh No Not Susan,” a track from Electric Light Orchestra’s On the Third Day, is a poignant and biting commentary on the emptiness of wealth and high social status. Released in 1973, the album was the band’s third studio effort and marked a significant evolution in their sound, moving away from their earlier symphonic rock leanings under the leadership of Jeff Lynne, following the departure of founding member Roy Wood. The album saw the band drop “The” from their name, becoming simply Electric Light Orchestra, and On the Third Day reflects this new era of ELO, marked by a more cohesive vision centered around Lynne’s songwriting.

Read More: Electric Light Orchestra’s Best Song On Each Of Their Studio Albums

# 7 – Oh Susie – Secret Service

Released in 1979, “Oh Susie” by Secret Service became an unexpected international sensation, catapulting the Swedish band into the global spotlight. Written by Tim Norell and lyricist Björn Håkanson, the song is an iconic synth-pop track that dominated charts, hitting number one in 29 countries. The song’s nostalgic and bittersweet lyrics about love and missed opportunities struck a chord with listeners worldwide. Ola Håkansson’s vocals, paired with atmospheric synth arrangements, helped define the song’s signature sound.

# 6 – Suzanne – Leonard Cohen

First published as a poem in 1966 and later recorded for his debut album Songs of Leonard Cohen in 1967, “Suzanne” stands as one of Leonard Cohen’s most iconic compositions. The song marked Cohen’s transition from a renowned poet and novelist to a celebrated singer-songwriter. With its haunting lyrics and delicate melody, “Suzanne” has been widely covered by numerous artists, making it a cornerstone in Cohen’s extensive catalog. Judy Collins was among the first to record it before Cohen’s own version became a definitive rendition.

Read More: Top 10 Leonard Cohen Songs And Fan Favorites

# 5 – Wake Up Little Susie – The Everly Brothers

“Wake Up Little Susie,” written by Felice and Boudleaux Bryant, is a 1957 hit single by The Everly Brothers that became one of the duo’s most well-known tracks. Released on Cadence Records, the song soared to number one on the Billboard Pop chart and stayed at the top of the country charts for seven weeks. Despite its upbeat sound and innocent premise, the song was banned from Boston radio stations due to its suggestive implications—a reflection of the more conservative cultural standards of the time. Nevertheless, it became a massive success, cementing the Everly Brothers’ status as one of the leading acts of 1950s rock and roll. In 2017, the song was honored with an induction into the Grammy Hall of Fame.

Read More: Top 10 Everly Brothers Songs Decade By Decade

# 4 – Susan – The Buckinghams

“Susan” by The Buckinghams, a band we just took a deep look at, is a 1967 sunshine pop track that showcased the band’s unique fusion of pop and experimental influences. Released as a single ahead of their Portraits album in 1968, the song became a hit, reaching number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 and peaking at number 2 in Canada and the Philippines. “Susan” is a quintessential 1960s pop love song, with its catchy melody and romantic lyrics. Yet, it stands out for an unexpected avant-garde musical interlude, a brief, jarring excerpt from Charles Ives’ Central Park in the Dark, that momentarily disrupts the song’s otherwise upbeat and melodic tone.

# 3 – Runaround Sue – Dion

“Runaround Sue” by Dion is a quintessential rock and roll hit from 1961 that combines elements of doo-wop with a driving rhythm, making it one of the most recognizable songs of the early ’60s. Written by Dion DiMucci and Ernie Maresca, the track reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and number four on the Hot R&B chart. The song’s catchy melody and infectious beat helped establish Dion as a solo artist after his split from the Belmonts, while also securing “Runaround Sue” as a staple of the rock and roll era.

Read More: Top 10 Dion And The Belmonts Songs

# 2 – Suzie Q – Creedence Clearwater Revival

“Suzie Q,” originally written by Dale Hawkins and co-credited to Stan Lewis and Eleanor Broadwater, became a major hit when Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR) released their version in 1968. The song, which first achieved commercial success in 1957 in the hands of Hawkins, was a classic rockabilly hit before CCR transformed it into a long, psychedelic-infused jam session. The CCR rendition, produced by Saul Zaentz and recorded in January 1968, was featured on their self-titled debut album Creedence Clearwater Revival. The track became CCR’s first major hit, peaking at number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 and helping the band gain widespread recognition.

Read More: Creedence Clearwater Revival’s Best Song On Each Studio Album

# 1 – Peggy Sue – Buddy Holly

“Peggy Sue” is a timeless rock and roll classic, recorded by Buddy Holly and released as a single on September 20, 1957. Written by Holly, Jerry Allison, and producer Norman Petty, the song achieved major success, peaking at number three on the Billboard Top 100 chart and becoming one of Holly’s signature songs. Its infectious rhythm, simple yet emotive lyrics, and memorable guitar riff helped “Peggy Sue” become a defining track of the 1950s rock and roll era. The song was initially titled “Cindy Lou,” named after Holly’s niece, but was changed to “Peggy Sue” in honor of Allison’s girlfriend, Peggy Sue Gerron, with whom he had temporarily broken up.

Read More: Top 10 Buddy Holly Songs

Updated October 4, 2025

Top 10 Songs With The Name “Susan” In The Title article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2025