“Peggy Sue” is one of Buddy Holly’s most famous recordings and arguably his most obsessive love song. Released in 1957, it quickly climbed the charts and became a defining moment in early rock ’n’ roll history.

The name “Peggy Sue” wasn’t fictional. The song was originally titled “Cindy Lou,” but Buddy changed it as a favor to drummer Jerry Allison, who was trying to win back his girlfriend, Peggy Sue Gerron. That simple change resulted in one of the most repeated names in popular music.

The driving, percussive guitar rhythm and steady drumbeat create a hypnotic pulse, while Buddy repeatedly calls out “Peggy Sue” as if afraid she might vanish if he stops. The song doesn’t tell a detailed story — instead, it captures a rush of emotion filled with longing, anxiety, and desire.

In hindsight, “Peggy Sue” represents a turning point in Buddy Holly’s emotional songwriting. The innocence of “Everyday” gives way to intensity and fixation. It’s a moment when love stops being calm and becomes consuming — and that emotional honesty is what keeps the song alive decades later.