“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
“Bobbie Sue” by The Oak Ridge Boys is one of those timeless tracks that instantly transports you back to the early ’80s, capturing the essence of youthful rebellion and the thrill of forbidden love. Released in January 1982 as the lead single from their album of the same name, the song quickly climbed the charts, securing the group’s sixth No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart by April of that year.
The narrative centers around Bobbie Sue, an 18-year-old woman described as “the sweetest grape that ever grew on the vine.” She’s at that pivotal age where she’s ready to break free from her parents’ constraints—her father, Robert, and mother, Ruth—and follow her heart. The song’s protagonist, deeply enamored with her, is determined to be with Bobbie Sue despite her parents’ objections. The lyrics vividly depict their daring plan to elope, capturing the universal theme of young love defying societal expectations.
Musically, “Bobbie Sue” stands out with its infectious blend of country, pop, doo-wop, and rock and roll, reminiscent of the late 1950s and early 1960s. The upbeat tempo and catchy saxophone solo during the musical bridges add a nostalgic touch, making it impossible not to tap your feet along.
The song’s widespread appeal was evident as it crossed over to the pop charts, peaking at No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Its catchy melody and relatable storyline resonated with a broad audience, solidifying The Oak Ridge Boys’ presence in both country and mainstream music scenes.
Interestingly, the inspiration behind “Bobbie Sue” has roots in the personal experiences of its songwriters, Wood Newton, Dan Tyler, and Adele Tyler. In an interview, Newton shared that the idea for the title came from Dan and Adele’s young son, whose early attempts at saying “bottle” sounded like “baba.” This simple, endearing moment sparked the creation of a song that would become a significant hit.
Over the years, “Bobbie Sue” has remained a staple in The Oak Ridge Boys’ live performances, often serving as a high-energy closer that leaves audiences on a high note. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its catchy tune and the universal appeal of its storyline.
Video
Lyrics
I heard about her from a friend of mine
He said she lived across the county line
The sweetest grape that ever grew on the vine
And now that’s where I’m spending all my time
Her Daddy, Robert and her Mama, Ruth
They had a daughter they named Bobbie Sue
And now she’s eighteen and she knows the truth
Nobody’s gonna tell her what to do
Bob-bob-bob-bob-bobbie Sue
Can’t, can’t you see my love is true
I want to ma-ma-ma-ma-marry you
Bob-bob-bob-bob-bob-bob-bobbie Sue
I’ll take her riding on a Friday night
Straight down the highway in the clear moonlight
My Chevy’s humming as she holds me tight
We’ll find a preacher and we’ll do it right
Her Daddy told her that she’d have to wait
Her Mama said don’t make a big mistake
But we’ll keep driving ’til we’re out of state
And when they find us it’ll be too late
Bob-bob-bob-bob-bobbie Sue
Can’t, can’t you see my love is true
I want to ma-ma-ma-ma-marry you
Bob-bob-bob-bob-bob-bob-bobbie Sue
Bob-bob-bob-bob-bobbie Sue
Can’t, can’t you see my love is true
I want to ma-ma-ma-ma-marry you
Bob-bob-bob-bob-bob-bob-bobbie Sue
(Ow!)