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Revisiting ‘Please Mr. Postman’ – The Marvelettes’ Iconic 1961 Chart-Topper!

Introduction

“The Marvelettes – Please Mr. Postman” is an iconic song that has left an indelible mark on the world of music since its release in 1961. With its infectious melody and heartfelt lyrics, it continues to captivate audiences of all generations. But did you know that this song has a fascinating backstory?Today in Music History: The Marvelettes went No. 1 with 'Please Mr. Postman'

Did You Know?

  • “Please Mr. Postman” was the debut single of The Marvelettes, an American girl group hailing from Inkster, Michigan.
  • It became their first and only No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, making them trailblazers in the music industry.
  • The song has been covered by numerous artists over the years, showcasing its enduring appeal.
  • The Marvelettes’ harmonious vocals and the catchy tune of “Please Mr. Postman” have made it a timeless classic.Wanda Young, Former Lead Singer of the Marvelettes, Passes Away at 78

Video

Lyrics: Please Mr. Postman

(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

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August 16, 1977 began quietly at Graceland, with no sign that before the day was over, the world would be talking about Elvis Presley in the past tense. He was only 42. Within hours of the news spreading, people began gathering outside the gates. Some brought flowers. Others simply stood there crying beside strangers. What made the scene so powerful was that many of them had never met Elvis. Yet his voice had been present at their first dances, their heartbreaks, their family gatherings, and the private moments when a song somehow understood what they could not put into words. They were mourning someone famous, but the grief felt strangely personal.

There was one person who could make Elvis Presley forget, at least for a moment, that the world called him “The King.” To Lisa Marie Presley, he was simply Daddy. She was born on February 1, 1968, exactly nine months after Elvis and Priscilla’s wedding, and from the beginning she occupied a place in his heart that fame could never touch. Elvis could walk into an arena and hear thousands screaming his name, but those closest to him understood that the small voice calling him “Daddy” meant something entirely different. Lisa was not another part of the Elvis Presley story. She was his child, and his love for her was intensely personal.

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