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Percy Mayfield – Please Send Me Someone to Love – 1950

About The Song

“Please Send Me Someone to Love” is a classic blues ballad written and performed by Percy Mayfield. Released in 1950, the song became a major hit and is recognized as one of the definitive compositions in the blues genre, known for its soulful lyrics and Mayfield’s emotive vocal delivery.

Five Facts:

  1. Percy Mayfield’s Debut: “Please Send Me Someone to Love” was Percy Mayfield’s debut single, and it quickly catapulted him to prominence in the blues and R&B scenes. Mayfield, a talented singer and songwriter, went on to become a significant figure in the blues genre.
  2. Influence on Other Artists: The song has been covered by numerous artists across various genres, including blues, jazz, and soul. Notable renditions include versions by B.B. King, Etta James, and Sade. Its enduring popularity attests to the timeless and universal appeal of Mayfield’s composition.
  3. Reflective Lyrics: The lyrics of “Please Send Me Someone to Love” convey a deep sense of longing and introspection. Mayfield addresses themes of love, loneliness, and societal issues, making the song not only a musical gem but also a poignant reflection of the human experience.
  4. Cross-Genre Success: While firmly rooted in the blues, the song’s crossover success is evident in its chart performance. “Please Send Me Someone to Love” reached number one on the Billboard R&B chart in 1950, showcasing its broad appeal beyond the traditional blues audience.
  5. Mayfield’s Unique Vocal Style: Percy Mayfield’s vocal delivery in the song is characterized by its smooth and soulful quality. His emotive singing, combined with the poignant lyrics, contributed to the song’s emotional impact and helped establish Mayfield as a distinctive voice in the blues genre.

Video

Lyrics

Heaven please send to all mankind
Understanding and peace of mind
But, if it’s not asking too much
Please send me someone to love

Show all the world how to get along
Peace will enter when hate is gone
But, if it’s not asking too much
Please send me someone to love

I lay awake night and ponder world troubles
My answer is always the same
That unless men put an end to all of this
Hate will put the world in a flame, (oh) what a shame
Just because I’m in misery
I’m not begging for no sympathy
But if it’s not asking too much
Just send me someone to love

Heaven please send to all mankind
Understanding and peace of mind
But if it’s not asking too much
Please send me someone to love
HMMMMMmmmmmm