Introduction
In 1961, a teenage plea echoed through the streets of Detroit, destined to become a Motown legend. “Please Mr. Postman,” the debut single by The Marvelettes, wasn’t just a catchy tune; it was a snapshot of teenage yearning, a heartfelt song for a letter that could mend a broken heart.
The story begins with Georgia Dobbins, a Marvelette who received a blues song titled “Postman” from a friend. Recognizing its potential, she rewrote it as a pop ballad, pouring her own heartache over a missing love letter onto the page. But fate threw a curveball: Dobbins left the group before recording, leaving the remaining four members with a powerful song and a gap to fill.
Enter Motown’s magic touch. Producers Brian Holland and Robert Bateman polished the song, adding playful “ooh-wahs” and Marvin Gaye’s signature drumming. Gladys Horton, the lead singer, poured her youthful emotion into the vocals, her pleading “Mister Postman, look and see / Is there a letter, a letter for me?” resonating with anyone who’d ever waited for that life-changing mail.
“Please Mr. Postman” wasn’t just a hit; it was a revolution. It became Motown’s first #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, paving the way for a generation of girl groups and solidifying the label’s sound. The song’s infectious energy and relatable theme transcended borders, topping charts in the UK and earning international acclaim.
So, when that iconic opening riff starts, remember it’s more than just a catchy tune. It’s a story of teenage angst, Motown magic, and the eternal hope that a letter, a message, can change everything. It’s the irresistible pull of “Please Mr. Postman,” a song that continues to remind us that sometimes, all it takes is a little faith and a waiting heart to make dreams come true.
Video
Lyrics
(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 mePlease, 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 letterPlease, 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 mineYou 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 meYou 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 eyesYou 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