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Introduction
“Please Mr. Postman” is a song by the American girl group The Marvelettes, released as their first single on August 21, 1961, by Tamla Records, a Motown subsidiary. It marked a significant milestone in music history as the first Motown song to reach the number one position on the Billboard Hot 100 pop singles chart. The song’s catchy melody and heartfelt lyrics quickly resonated with audiences, making it a classic hit that continues to be celebrated decades later.
The song’s success was not only a breakthrough for The Marvelettes but also a defining moment for Motown Records, which would go on to become a powerhouse in the music industry. “Please Mr. Postman” captures the essence of the early 1960s pop and R&B scene, and its enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal.
About The Composition
- Title: Please Mr Postman
- Composer: Georgia Dobbins, William Garrett, Freddie Gorman, Brian Holland, Robert Bateman
- Premiere Date: August 21, 1961
- Album/Opus/Collection: Please Mr. Postman
- Genre: Pop, R&B
Background
“Please Mr. Postman” was birthed from the collaborative efforts of Georgia Dobbins, a member of The Marvelettes, and other songwriters including William Garrett, Freddie Gorman, Brian Holland, and Robert Bateman. The song was inspired by Dobbins’ personal experiences and was initially conceived as a blues song. It was transformed into a catchy pop tune under the guidance of the Motown team. The track’s recording took place at Hitsville U.S.A., Motown’s recording studio in Detroit, Michigan, with the celebrated Funk Brothers providing the instrumental backing.
The song was released as The Marvelettes’ debut single and quickly climbed the charts, securing the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100. This achievement not only launched The Marvelettes into stardom but also signaled Motown’s arrival as a formidable player in the music industry. The success of “Please Mr. Postman” paved the way for future Motown hits and established the label’s reputation for producing chart-topping music.
Musical Style
“Please Mr. Postman” is characterized by its upbeat tempo, catchy melody, and harmonious vocals typical of the early 1960s pop and R&B sound. The song’s structure features a memorable chorus and verses that build anticipation, driven by a simple but effective rhythm. The use of call-and-response vocals adds to the song’s dynamic appeal, making it a quintessential example of the Motown sound.
Lyrics/Libretto
The lyrical theme of “Please Mr. Postman” centers around the anticipation and longing for a letter from a loved one. The narrator pleads with the postman to deliver a long-awaited letter, capturing the universal feeling of waiting for news from afar. The lyrics evoke a sense of hope and yearning, resonating with listeners who have experienced similar emotions.
Performance History
Since its release, “Please Mr. Postman” has been covered by numerous artists, most notably by The Beatles in 1963 and The Carpenters in 1975. The Beatles’ rendition appeared on their second UK album, “With The Beatles,” showcasing the song’s universal appeal. The Carpenters’ version also achieved commercial success, reaching the top of the charts. The song has been performed live by various artists across generations, solidifying its status as a timeless classic.
Cultural Impact
“Please Mr. Postman” has left a significant mark on popular culture, being featured in films, television shows, and commercials. Its universal theme of longing and communication resonates with audiences, making it a popular choice for various media. The song’s influence extends beyond its chart success, as it helped pave the way for future Motown hits and inspired countless artists across genres.
Legacy
Today, “Please Mr. Postman” is celebrated as a pioneering hit that helped establish Motown’s legacy in the music industry. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal and the exceptional talent of The Marvelettes and the Motown team. The song continues to be a staple in playlists and retrospectives of 1960s music, highlighting its lasting impact on pop and R&B.
Conclusion
“Please Mr. Postman” remains a beloved classic that captures the essence of early Motown and the universal emotions of longing and anticipation. Its catchy melody and heartfelt lyrics continue to resonate with listeners, inviting new generations to explore the rich history of Motown music. Whether revisiting the original or discovering one of its many covers, “Please Mr. Postman” is a song that invites further exploration and appreciation.
Video
Lyrics
(Wait) Oh yes, wait a minute, Mr. Postman
(Wait) Wai-hey-hey-hey-it, Mr. Postman
(Please, Mr. Postman, look and see) Whoa yeah
(Is there a letter in your bag for me?) Please, please, Mr. Po-oh-ostman
(‘Cause it’s been a mighty long time) Whoa yeah
(Since I heard from this boyfriend of mine)
There must be some word today
From my boyfriend so far away
Please, Mr. Postman, look and see
Is there a letter, a letter for me?
I’ve been standin’ here waitin’, Mr. Postman
So so patiently
For just a card or just a letter
Sayin’ he’s returnin’ home to me
Please, Mr. Postman
(Please, Mr. Postman, look and see) Whoa yeah
(Is there a letter in your bag for me?) Please, please, Mr. Po-oh-oh-ostman
(‘Cause it’s been a mighty long time) Whoa yeah
(Since I heard from this boyfriend of mine)
So many days, you’ve passed me by
You saw the tears standin’ in my eye
You wouldn’t stop to make me feel better
By leavin’ me a card or a letter
Please, Mr. Postman, look and see
Is there a letter, oh yeah, in your bag for me?
You know it’s been so long
Yeah, since I heard from this boyfriend of mine
You better wait a minute, wait a minute
(Wait a minute, Mr. Postman)
Whoa, you better wait a minute
Please, please, Mr. Postman (Wait a minute, Mr. Postman)
Please check and see
Just one more time for me
You gotta wait a minute (wait), wait a minute (Wait a minute, Mr. Postman)
Oh you better wait a minute, wait a minute
Please, Mr. Po-ostman (Wait a minute, Mr. Postman)
Don’t pass me by, you see the tears in my eyes
You better wait (Wait)
Wait a minute (Wait a minute, Mr. Postman)
Wait a minute, wait a minute, wait a minute
(Wait, wait a minute, Mr. Postman)
Please Mr. Postman