“Mr. Sandman” by The Chordettes
The titular “Sandman” is a mythical character who is responsible for giving people good dreams. But within the context of this song, he serves more as a representation of luck or providence. That is to say that what the ladies are asking for is more literal than just a good dream. For what they are seeking instead is a good, physical man. Or rather let’s say that what the vocalist desires is the man of her dreams.
And there are particular attributes which they want the Sandman to bestow upon him. For instance, he should be the ‘cutest’ guy ever, with “wavy hair like Liberace” and ‘a gleaming pair of eyes’. Also in terms of his disposition, he should possess “a lonely heart like Pagliacci”, who is a character from a classic 19th century opera. And the reason that the singers are putting forth such a request is because they are “so lonely” and want to hook up with their soulmate ‘before they’re too old’. And once this guy does materialize in their life, they will make sure that he never experiences another “lonesome night” again in his life.
So yes, as some interpreters have put forth “Mr. Sandman” does have sexual undertones. But it is a lot more innocent – based on a young woman’s longing to meet her significant other – than simply being a sex song.
Facts about “Mr. Sandman”
This classic tune was written back in 1954 by a musician named Pat Ballard (1899-1960). A number of versions have been recorded throughout the years, with The Chordettes rendition being the most-successful of the 20th century as far as the United States is concerned. For example, it topped three Billboard charts, including Best Sellers in Stores. And just to note, this was back in the mid-1950s before the Hot 100 even existed, and those were the most-prominent charts as far as Billboard was concerned.
Indeed the official release date of this song is 1 October 1954. And it was put out by the long-defunct label, Cadence Records of New York City.
And The Chordettes’ rendition of “Mr. Sandman” is considered to be a true American classic. For instance, in 2002 it earned the distinction of being enshrined in the Grammy Hall of Fame. And in 2001 it was also dubbed one of the “Songs of the Century” via a collaborative ranking compiled by the National Endowment of the Arts in conjunction with the RIAA.
The aforementioned Liberace (1919-1987) was in fact “the highest-paid entertainer in the world… from the 1950s to the 1970s”, i.e. when this song was released. And back in those days (before the world discovered he was gay), he was accordingly considered a heartthrob. Meanwhile the reference to Pagliacci, at least according to one prominent theory, was included primarily because it rhymes with Liberace.
Archie Bleyer (1909-1989) produced The Chordettes’ version of this tune.
Odlicno, za mene uspavanka iz mladosti