Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[Yoshiyuki]

I just happened to hear a song called "Mr. Sandman" and I love the sweet melody and the relaxing lyrics. I wanted to know what Mr.Sandman is, wondering if it is some kind of symbol or something. I tried looking it up in the Internet and found that the name came originally from a fairy tale. Would anyone tell me what the tale is all about? I would appreciate it if you would. Thank you.
Yoshiyuki

[LucentShade]

This is a very basic version, but "Mr. Sandman" or sometimes "the Sandman" is a magical figure that sprinkles sand on people while they are asleep. This sand, since it is also magical, causes dreams for those people. Essentially, the Sandman is a bringer of dreams. In the song, the female singer is asking for this Sandman to bring her a man--the type of man she dreams of.

[advoca]

When you feel tired you often rub your eyes, and it sometimes feels as though you have grit, or sand in them. From this phemomenon the legend of a "sandman" arose. He is believed by some people to throw sand in your eyes to make you sleepy.

This story is often told to children.

When you wake up the dried tears are often referred to as "sleepy dust." You have to get the sleepy dust out of your eyes before you are fully awake.