The Sub's Secrets: Petula Clark's Warning

Don't Sleep in the Subway is a song by British singer Petula Clark, released in April 1967. It was written by Tony Hatch and his wife, Jackie Trent, and was Clark's last hit to reach the Top 10 in the US. The song is about a couple who have many disagreements, with the man often retreating into his own world instead of engaging with the issue. The lyrics advise the man not to sleep in the subway or stand in the pouring rain after a fight, but to spend the night with his partner instead. The song's unique title comes from the Broadway musical 'Subways Are for Sleeping', and its musical style shifts from pop to symphonic, with a Beach Boys-like melody in the chorus.

The song's meaning

"Don't Sleep in the Subway" is a song by British singer Petula Clark, released in April 1967. It was written by Tony Hatch and Jackie Trent. The song is about a narrator advising her sweetheart not to storm out after an argument due to his "foolish pride". The lyrics caution the sweetheart not to "sleep in the subway" or "stand in the pouring rain" just to prove his point.

In the song, the narrator is addressing her partner who has a tendency to walk out during disagreements, rather than trying to understand the other side or compromise. She tells him not to wander off on his "own little cloud" and to take off his coat and close the door, indicating that she wants him to stay and work through their issues. The song also mentions that he tries to be smart and then takes things apart, possibly referring to his ego and the need to be right.

The phrase "don't sleep in the subway" is used metaphorically to warn against making impulsive decisions or acting rashly after a disagreement. The narrator is asking her partner to forget his pride and recognise that their problems are not worth causing a rift in their relationship. She points out that saying goodbye means nothing if it's just for show and that he doesn't need to pretend to have somewhere else to go.

The song's title, "Don't Sleep in the Subway," was inspired by the 1961-62 Broadway musical "Subways Are for Sleeping." The song's composers, Hatch and Trent, drew on this title for their lyric, employing the term "subway" in the North American sense to refer to an underground transit system. In England, however, the term "subway" typically refers to a pedestrian underpass.

The song's structure

"Don't Sleep in the Subway" is a song by Petula Clark, released in April 1967. It was written by Tony Hatch and his wife, Jackie Trent, and produced by Hatch. The song is a combination of three different sections of music previously composed by Hatch, transitioning from pop to symphonic, and then to a Beach Boys-like melody for the chorus.

The song's lyrics describe a couple who have frequent disagreements. The man often retreats into himself instead of engaging with the issue and threatens to walk out on his partner. The woman, the narrator, advises him against this, telling him to "don't sleep in the subway, darlin'/Don't stand in the pouring rain". She is asking him to stay with her and work things out, rather than walking out and sleeping in the underground passageways of London.

The song has been interpreted in several ways. Some see it as a plea for reconciliation, while others view it as a warning about the dangers of urban life. It has also been seen as an expression of the loneliness and fear that can come with city life.

The song was an instant hit, reaching the top 10 in several countries, including the US, where it peaked at number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100. It was Clark's final US Top Ten single and was nominated for a Grammy for best contemporary song in 1968.

The song's catchy melody and relatable lyrics have made it an enduring classic, and it remains a beloved part of Clark's repertoire.

The song's chart performance

"Don't Sleep in the Subway" by Petula Clark was released as a single in April 1967 and entered the Billboard Hot Top 100 chart at position #76 on 28 May 1967. On 2 July, it peaked at #5 on the US charts, becoming Clark's final US Top Ten single. It spent two weeks at #5 and remained in the Top 100 for ten weeks. It was Clark's last hit to reach the Top 10 in the States.

"Don't Sleep in the Subway" was also a success on the Billboard Adult Contemporary Tracks chart, where it peaked at #1 for three consecutive weeks, becoming the second of her two #1 hits on that chart. The first was "I Couldn't Live Without Your Love" in 1966.

In the UK, "Don't Sleep in the Subway" peaked at #12 in July 1967, marking a decline in Clark's UK chart performance. Clark's previous single, "This Is My Song", had peaked at #1 in the UK. "Don't Sleep in the Subway" was Clark's last appearance in the UK Top 40, peaking at #32 in March 1971 with "Song of My Life".

The song also charted internationally, reaching #1 in Australia, #3 in Rhodesia, #5 in Canada, #7 in New Zealand, #10 in South Africa, and #16 in Germany. It was Clark's final appearance at #1 on an official national chart.

The song's legacy

"Don't Sleep in the Subway" is a song written by Tony Hatch and Jackie Trent and recorded by the British singer Petula Clark. Released in April 1967, the song went on to achieve commercial success and critical acclaim. It peaked at No.5 on the US charts and earned Clark a 1968 Grammy Award nomination for Best Contemporary Song.

"Don't Sleep in the Subway" has also left a musical legacy. It is known for its unique construction, with three different sections of music composed by Hatch and a Beach Boys-like melody in the chorus. This blend of pop and symphonic styles showcases Hatch's songwriting prowess and has likely influenced subsequent generations of musicians.

In addition to its musical achievements, "Don't Sleep in the Subway" is also notable for its lyrical content. The narrator advises her sweetheart against storming out after an argument due to his "foolish pride." The song explores the complexities of relationships, compromise, and ego. The lyrics resonate with listeners, as they capture the emotional nuances of disagreements and the importance of setting aside pride for the sake of reconciliation.

Overall, "Don't Sleep in the Subway" has left a lasting legacy in popular music. Its commercial success, critical acclaim, and cultural impact have solidified its place in music history. The song continues to be celebrated and remembered, with Clark citing it as one of her favourite hits. "Don't Sleep in the Subway" exemplifies the enduring power of music to connect with audiences and leave a lasting impression.

The song's writer and singer

"Don't Sleep in the Subway" was written by Tony Hatch and his wife, Jackie Trent, and recorded by Petula Clark, who released it as a single in April 1967. The song is a combination of three different sections of music previously composed by Hatch, with the style changing from pop to symphonic, and then to a Beach Boys-like melody for the chorus.

The lyrics tell the tale of a couple who have frequent disagreements. The man tends to retreat into himself instead of engaging with the issue and threatens to walk out, and the woman tells him that it's better to make up. When she says, "don't sleep in the subway," she is asking him to spend the night with her instead of leaving.

Petula Clark (born Sally Clark on 15 November 1932) is a British singer, songwriter, and actress. She began her career as a child performer during World War II, entertaining troops on BBC Radio. In 1954, she had her first big UK hit with "The Little Shoemaker". Clark's international successes include "Prends mon cœur", "Sailor", "Romeo", and "Chariot". She has recorded songs in German, Italian, and Spanish, and has sold more than 70 million records.

Clark has also enjoyed a successful acting career, appearing in films such as "Medal for the General" (1944), "I Know Where I'm Going" (1945), "London Town" (1946), and "Finian's Rainbow" (1968), for which she received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Musical. She has also starred in stage musicals such as "The Sound of Music", "Blood Brothers", and "Sunset Boulevard".

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