About the song
Let’s travel back in time to 1959, a year when the world was on the cusp of a new decade and a new era in music. Elvis was shaking things up, Chuck Berry was duck-walking his way into history, and amidst the youthful rebellion of rock ‘n’ roll, two brothers from Brooklyn, Santo & Johnny, offered a soothing balm with their instrumental masterpiece, “Sleep Walk“.
This wasn’t your typical rock ‘n’ roll fare. No pounding drums or raucous vocals here. Instead, “Sleep Walk” is a dreamy, ethereal composition carried by the unique sound of the steel guitar, an instrument often associated with Hawaiian music or country weepers. In the hands of Santo Farina, however, the steel guitar takes on a whole new persona. It becomes a vehicle for expressing a kind of melancholic beauty, a wistful yearning that seems to resonate with the listener on a deeply emotional level.
The song’s structure is deceptively simple. A haunting melody played on Santo’s steel guitar is supported by Johnny’s gentle rhythm guitar, creating a hypnotic effect that washes over the listener like a warm wave. There’s a sense of timelessness to “Sleep Walk,” as if it could have been written in any era. It’s a testament to the universality of its themes – love, longing, and the bittersweet passage of time.
“Sleep Walk” became a massive hit, topping the Billboard charts and solidifying Santo & Johnny’s place in music history. But its appeal extends far beyond its commercial success. The song has been featured in countless films and television shows, often used to evoke a sense of nostalgia or romantic yearning. It’s been covered by a diverse range of artists, from Chet Atkins to The Ventures, each interpretation adding a new layer of meaning to the original.
But perhaps the true magic of “Sleep Walk” lies in its ability to transport the listener to another place and time. It’s a song that invites introspection, conjuring up images of late-night walks under a starlit sky, whispered secrets, and the lingering memory of a lost love. In a world that often feels chaotic and overwhelming, “Sleep Walk” offers a moment of peace, a refuge for the soul.
So, dim the lights, settle into your favorite chair, and let the enchanting sounds of Santo & Johnny’s “Sleep Walk” carry you away on a journey of musical discovery.
Video
Lyrics
Instead of dreaming
I Sleepwalk
Cause I lost you
And now what am I to do
What to do.
Can’t believe that we’re through
I don’t care how much you tell me
Sleep talk
Cause I miss you
While the memory of you
Lingers like a song
Darling, I was so wrong
But I’ll be right some day
The night fills my lonely place
I see your face
I know, I miss you so
I still love you
And it drives me insane
Sleepwalk
Every night I just Sleepwalk
And when you walk inside the door
I will Sleepwalk no more
Sleepwalk
Every night I just Sleepwalk
And when you walk inside the door
I will Sleepwalk no more
I will Sleepwalk no more
I will Sleepwalk no more