Susannah's Still Alive

Album: Unfinished Business: Dave Davies Kronikles 1963-1998 (1967)
Charted: 20
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This song finds Kinks lead guitarist Dave Davies singing about an old woman consumed by memories of a former lover. It was written about the love of his life, Sue Sheehan, who became pregnant by Dave when he was 16. When Mrs. Davies and Sue's parents were told the news, they both plotted against the two teens, telling each child that the other had fallen out of love. Sue was sent away and Dave's longing for her inspired many of his compositions. The couple finally was reconciled in 1993 when Dave met his daughter, Tracey, for the first time.
  • Despite featuring all of The Kinks, this single was credited solely to the band's lead guitarist and vocalist Dave Davies. Unlike his debut solo single, "Death of a Clown," which he penned with his brother Ray, Dave wrote this on his own.
  • The song was a commercial success in Europe, reaching the top 20 in a number of countries including Holland, Belgium Sweden and the UK. However, it failed to chart in the US.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Jay, Peaches, Spinderella and other Darrining Victims

Jay, Peaches, Spinderella and other Darrining VictimsSong Writing

Just like Darrin was replaced on Bewitched, groups have swapped out original members, hoping we wouldn't notice.

Metallica

MetallicaFact or Fiction

Beef with Bon Jovi? An unfortunate Spandex period? See if you can spot the true stories in this Metallica version of Fact or Fiction.

Yacht Rock Quiz

Yacht Rock QuizFact or Fiction

Christopher Cross with Deep Purple? Kenny Loggins in Caddyshack? A Fact or Fiction all about yacht rock and those who made it.

Incongruent Opening Acts

Incongruent Opening ActsSong Writing

Here's what happens when an opening act is really out of place with the headliner, like when Beastie Boys opened for Madonna.

Jesus Thinks You're a Jerk: Rock vs. Televangelists

Jesus Thinks You're a Jerk: Rock vs. TelevangelistsSong Writing

When televangelists like Jimmy Swaggart took on rockers like Ozzy Osbourne and Metallica, the rockers retaliated. Bono could even be seen mocking the preachers.

Mac Powell of Third Day

Mac Powell of Third DaySongwriter Interviews

The Third Day frontman talks about some of the classic songs he wrote with the band, and what changed for his solo country album.