Suzanne beware of the devil - Dandy Livingstone

Jamaican Dandy Livingstone's best known song is the minor hit Suzanne beware of the devil from 1972. It is a nice bit of reggae style pop that can be enjoyed by anyone. The lyrics are quite poor in parts ("Did you say we gotta part Or did you say let's go for a walk" "Did you say you got someone new Or did you say you like the colour of my shoe?"). There is no intention to deliver a serious message, though a Christian who believes in a personal devil will irresistibly find himself being reminded of the need to beware of the powers of Satan. How many relationships are spoiled because of a failure, like Suzanne's, to watch out for his tricks? Of course, by suggesting that it is the devil who is luring Suzanne away, the singer could be abusing his orthodox knowledge of theology to keep the relationship going. Such things are not unknown. Perhaps Suzanne just likes some other guy and the devil has little to do with it. Even the simplest songs can be read on different levels. I love the way Livingstone enunciates the word Suzanne.