The Meaning Behind The Song: Don’t Sleep In The Subway by Petula Clark
Introduction
“Don’t Sleep In The Subway” is a classic pop song by British singer Petula Clark. The song was released in 1967 and peaked at number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States. The song’s catchy melody and straightforward lyrics make it an enduring classic that continues to be beloved and remembered by music fans around the world.
The Lyrics and Interpretation
The lyrics of “Don’t Sleep In The Subway” describe a woman who has had an argument with her partner and is now trying to make up with him. She tells him not to leave her alone in the subway and to stay with her instead. The lyrics suggest that the woman is afraid of being alone and that she needs her partner for comfort and security.
The song’s lyrics can be interpreted in several ways. Some people see the song as a plea for reconciliation between two lovers. Others see it as a warning against the dangers of urban life and the need to be cautious in unfamiliar surroundings. Still, others see it as an expression of the fear and loneliness that many people experience in large cities.
The History of the Song
“Don’t Sleep In The Subway” was written by Tony Hatch and Jackie Trent, two prominent British songwriters of the 1960s. The song was recorded by Petula Clark for her album “These Are My Songs” and was released as a single in 1967. The song was an instant hit, reaching the top 10 in several countries and becoming one of Clark’s biggest hits.
Over the years, the song has been covered by several other artists, including Dee Dee Warwick, who had a minor hit with a version of the song in 1969. The song has also been featured in several films and TV shows, including the hit show “Glee.”
The Importance of the Song
“Don’t Sleep In The Subway” is an important song in the history of pop music. The song’s catchy melody and relatable lyrics made it an instant classic, and it continues to be beloved by fans around the world. The song’s success helped to establish Petula Clark as one of the leading pop singers of the 1960s and cemented Tony Hatch’s reputation as one of the era’s most talented songwriters.
The song’s enduring popularity has also led to its inclusion in several compilations of classic pop songs, further cementing its status as an important cultural artifact of the 1960s.
FAQs
1. Who wrote “Don’t Sleep In The Subway?”
“Don’t Sleep In The Subway” was written by Tony Hatch and Jackie Trent, two prominent British songwriters of the 1960s. Hatch was also the producer of the song, and Trent provided backing vocals on the recording.
2. Who originally recorded “Don’t Sleep In The Subway?”
“Don’t Sleep In The Subway” was recorded by Petula Clark for her album “These Are My Songs” and was released as a single in 1967. Clark’s version of the song was an instant hit and remains the most well-known version of the song.
3. What inspired the lyrics of “Don’t Sleep In The Subway?”
The inspiration for the lyrics of “Don’t Sleep In The Subway” is not clear. The song’s lyrics may have been inspired by personal experiences of either Tony Hatch or Jackie Trent, or they may have been influenced by the social and cultural trends of the time.
4. What is the meaning behind the song “Don’t Sleep In The Subway?”
The lyrics of “Don’t Sleep In The Subway” describe a woman who has had an argument with her partner and is now trying to make up with him. She tells him not to leave her alone in the subway and to stay with her instead. The lyrics suggest that the woman is afraid of being alone and that she needs her partner for comfort and security.
5. What was the impact of “Don’t Sleep In The Subway” on Petula Clark’s career?
“Don’t Sleep In The Subway” was a major hit for Petula Clark and helped to establish her as one of the leading pop singers of the 1960s. The success of the song also helped to cement Tony Hatch’s reputation as one of the era’s most talented songwriters and producers.
6. What other songs did Tony Hatch write?
Tony Hatch wrote several other hit songs of the 1960s, including “Downtown” and “I Know a Place,” both of which were hits for Petula Clark.
7. What is Petula Clark’s career like today?
Petula Clark continues to perform and record music today, although her career has slowed down somewhat in recent years. She remains a beloved figure in the world of pop music, and her legacy as one of the leading singers of the 1960s continues to be celebrated by fans around the world.
8. What is Jackie Trent’s career like today?
Jackie Trent passed away in 2015, but her legacy as one of the leading songwriters of the 1960s continues to be celebrated by fans around the world. She wrote several hit songs over the course of her career, and her work has been covered by many other artists.
9. What makes “Don’t Sleep In The Subway” such an enduring classic?
“Don’t Sleep In The Subway” is an enduring classic because of its catchy melody and relatable lyrics. The song’s message of fear and loneliness resonates with listeners around the world, and its upbeat tempo and sing-along chorus make it a joy to listen to.
10. What films and TV shows have featured “Don’t Sleep In The Subway”?
“Don’t Sleep In The Subway” has been featured in several films and TV shows, including the hit show “Glee” and the films “Spider-Man: Homecoming” and “Blinded by the Light.”
11. How has “Don’t Sleep In The Subway” been covered by other artists?
“Don’t Sleep In The Subway” has been covered by several other artists over the years, including Dee Dee Warwick, who had a minor hit with a version of the song in 1969. Other artists who have covered the song include The Bachelors, The Four Tops, and The Tremeloes.
12. What other songs should I check out if I like “Don’t Sleep In The Subway?”
If you enjoy “Don’t Sleep In The Subway,” you might also enjoy other classic pop songs of the 1960s, such as “Downtown” and “I Know a Place” by Petula Clark, “The Look of Love” by Dusty Springfield, and “A Hard Day’s Night” by The Beatles.
