Susie
Most of Leon's major characters (Tim Maguire, Barney, Walter Sands etc) are male, but in "Susie" he created a woman whose main kick against authority consists of gnawing chunks out of policemen in uniform. Arrested, assessed, evaluated and categorized, she soon turns her ire on the psychologist assigned to her case, giving him the same treatment - and one can't help but laugh as she sinks her teeth in. The song is based on a character in a play which Leon wrote back in the 1970s, A Cure For Crackling, which was only performed once.
In interview, Leon has singled out the song "Susie" as one of his personal favourites.
In interview, Leon has singled out the song "Susie" as one of his personal favourites.
"Some people have declared themselves baffled by this song. I can't think why. It seems to me a perfectly straightforward true-to-life drama." - LR (sleevenotes to Guess What They're Selling at the Happiness Counter, 1992)
“She had a predilection for biting the local boys in blue, chief inspectors being her favourite. The play was only ever given one performance, at the University of Hull. But I never forgot Susie. Years later, I pondered the possibility of turning her into a song. It was difficult. I had to suggest – but only suggest – reasons why she did what she did. I had to work realistic dialogue into the song. So as not to lose control of the form, I felt it was important to keep a strict rhyming scheme, including internal rhymes. And then I had to find different tunes for the different sections of the song. Gradually, over time, it came together, a long, complex song. But I like it.” - LR (sleevenotes to The World Turned Upside Down (CD box set), p44)
“She had a predilection for biting the local boys in blue, chief inspectors being her favourite. The play was only ever given one performance, at the University of Hull. But I never forgot Susie. Years later, I pondered the possibility of turning her into a song. It was difficult. I had to suggest – but only suggest – reasons why she did what she did. I had to work realistic dialogue into the song. So as not to lose control of the form, I felt it was important to keep a strict rhyming scheme, including internal rhymes. And then I had to find different tunes for the different sections of the song. Gradually, over time, it came together, a long, complex song. But I like it.” - LR (sleevenotes to The World Turned Upside Down (CD box set), p44)
Recordings
Version 1 (1988}