The Meaning Behind The Song: Please Mr. Postman by The Marvelettes
The Marvelettes’ hit song “Please Mr. Postman” is an iconic track that has stood the test of time. It was the first single, released in 1961, to reach the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song was written by Georgia Dobbins, William Garrett, Freddie Gorman, Brian Holland, and Robert Bateman. In this article, we will explore the meaning behind the song and what made it such a massive success.
A Song about Longing and Waiting
“Please Mr. Postman” is a song about a young woman who is waiting for a letter from the man she loves. The lyrics express the longing and frustration that people often experience while waiting for news from a loved one. The song’s melody and rhythm are upbeat, which contrasts with the song’s lyrics and creates a powerful emotional effect.
The song begins with a plea addressed to the postal service to deliver a letter from her lover. The lyrics go like this:
Please Mister Postman, look and see
If there’s a letter in your bag for me
I’ve been waiting such a long time
Since I heard from that boy of mine
This opening verse is begging the postman to bring her some good news regarding her lover. The chorus is catchy and repeats a similar plea for the postman. The lyrics go:
So many days
You passed me by
You saw the tears
Standin’ in my eyes
You didn’t stop to make me feel better
By leavin’ me a card or a letter
The chorus conveys the sense of desperation that comes with waiting for a letter from someone. The lyrics suggest that the postman is the only one who can bring her the news she needs. The girl in the song is consumed with the idea of receiving a letter that she clings to the postman as her last hope.
The Marvelettes’ Harmony and Delivery
The Marvelettes, an all-girl group from the Motown era, are known for their harmonies and melodies. Their performance of “Please Mr. Postman” is a perfect example of their technical skills and their ability to deliver a song with finesse.
The Marvelettes’ use of harmony and melody created an atmosphere of romantic anticipation that resonated with listeners and made the song an instant hit. The girl group comprised of Gladys Horton, Katherine Anderson, Wanda Young, and Georgeanna Tillman harmonized together effortlessly.
The song’s upbeat rhythm and melody made it a dance classic, and this only added to the song’s popularity. The group’s captivating performance and the catchy melody were the perfect combination, making listeners fall in love with the song.
The Song’s Influence on the Music Industry
“Please Mr. Postman” was the first-ever number one hit for Motown Records. The song’s success helped put Motown Records on the map and paved the way for other girl groups that followed in their wake. It was also the first-ever number one hit for an all-female group.
The Marvelettes marked a significant change in the music industry, where males dominated the era at that time. Their success proved that the industry was listening to female artists and represented a shift in popular culture.
The song’s influence can still be felt today, as it has been covered by many artists over the years, including The Beatles. The song’s cultural significance, coupled with its catchy melody, ensures its place in history as one of the most iconic songs of all time.
Conclusion
“Please Mr. Postman” by The Marvelettes is an iconic song that captures the essence of romantic anticipation and the frustrations of waiting for news from a loved one. The song’s upbeat melody contrasts with the emotional lyrics, creating a powerful emotional effect that has stood the test of time. The Marvelettes’ technical skills and mastery of harmony and melody created an alluring atmosphere that made the song an instant hit. The song’s influence on the music industry is profound, paving the way for other girl groups and marking a significant shift in popular culture. It remains an iconic song that will continue to inspire and influence artists for generations to come.
