“Mr. Sandman” is a popular song written by Pat Ballard which was published in 1954 and first recorded in that year by The Chordettes. The song’s lyrics convey a request to “Mr. Sandman” to “bring me a dream” – the traditional association with the folkloric figure, the sandman. The pronoun used to refer to the desired dream is often changed depending on the sex of the singer or group performing the song Some time later, Ballard also rewrote the lyrics for Christmas use as “Mr. Santa”. The chord progression in the chorus follows the circle of fifths for six chords in a row.
The Chordettes recording of the song was released on the Cadence Records label whose founder, Archie Bleyer, is credited on the disc’s label as “knees played by” and orchestra conductor. Bleyer’s voice is heard in the third verse, when he says the word “Yes?” The piano is played by Moe Wechsler. Liberace’s name is mentioned for his “wavy hair”. The single reached #1 on the Billboard United States charts and #11 on the United Kingdom charts in 1954. In November 1954, The Four Aces released a version that charted even higher in the UK, reaching #9 and in the same year a version by Max Bygraves reached #16 on the UK charts. The most successful recording of the song in the UK was by Dickie Valentine which peaked at #5. On the Cash Box magazine charts in the US, where all versions were combined, the song also reached #1.
By The Chordettes
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNuX7bs2qAM
Lyrics
(scat “bung, bung, bung, bung, …”)
Mr. Sandman, bring me a dream (bung, bung, bung, bung) Make him the cutest that I’ve ever seen (bung, bung, bung, bung) Give him two lips like roses and clover (bung, bung, bung, bung) Then tell him that his lonesome nights are over. Sandman, I’m so alone Don’t have nobody to call my own Please turn on your magic beam Mr. Sandman, bring me a dream.
(scat “bung, bung, bung, bung, …”)
Mr. Sandman, bring me a dream Make him the cutest that I’ve ever seen Give him the word that I’m not a rover Then tell him that his lonesome nights are over. Sandman, I’m so alone Don’t have nobody to call my own Please turn on your magic beam Mr. Sandman, bring me a dream.
(scat “bung, bung, bung, bung, …”) Mr. Sandman (male voice: “Yesss?”) bring us a dream Give him a pair of eyes with a “come-hither” gleam Give him a lonely heart like Pagliacci And lots of wavy hair like Liberace Mr Sandman, someone to hold (someone to hold) Would be so peachy before we’re too old So please turn on your magic beam Mr Sandman, bring us, please, please, please Mr Sandman, bring us a dream. (scat “bung, bung, bung, bung, …”)