Lyrical: “Wavy Hair” (Part One)

Emmylou Harris’s rendition of Mr. Sandman was released on her 1981 album Evangeline. Written by Pat Ballard in 1954, the original version became a hit for The Chordettes, with other notable covers by the Andrews Sisters and later by Chet Atkins. Harris’s interpretation adds a country twist, blending harmonies with Dolly Parton and Linda Ronstadt,

who were uncredited on the album version due to label conflicts. The song, a dreamy plea for an ideal lover, reflects themes of longing and romantic escapism. Harris’s version achieved moderate success and remains a fan favorite for its ethereal quality, though it did not reach significant chart rankings like its predecessors. The original song reached #1 on the Billboard charts in 1954 with The Chordettes.

“Craise Finton Kirk Royal Academy of Arts,” a whimsical and satirical song by the Bee Gees, was written by Barry, Robin, and Maurice Gibb. It appears on their 1967 album Bee Gees’ 1st, their third album, and tells the story of an eccentric and pretentious artist. The track, featuring Robin on lead vocals, is notable for its theatrical,

music hall-inspired style reminiscent of vaudeville and the Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper era. The Bee Gees’ storytelling and ironic lyrics mock the pursuit of fame in the arts. A solo piano version, performed by Maurice Gibb, was included as a B-side to the 1968 single “Let There Be Love.” Featuring only piano and voice, the song stands in stark contrast to the rest of the album. An alternate take was released in 2006 on The Studio Albums 1967-1968.

“Wonderful Woman” by Chuck Berry is a rock ‘n’ roll song that showcases Berry’s signature guitar riffs and storytelling. Written by Berry himself, the song was released as part of his final studio album, Chuck (2017) (released posthumously), recorded shortly before his death. It features poignant reflections on love and admiration for a strong and supportive partner,

“Lipstick Traces (On a Cigarette)” by The O’Jays is a soulful ballad written by Allen Toussaint under the pseudonym Naomi Neville. Released in 1965, the song narrates the lingering heartache of a lost love, with the lipstick traces on a cigarette serving as a poignant reminder of the relationship’s end. The O’Jays’ rendition showcases their early vocal harmony skills,

blending emotion with smooth R&B instrumentation. While it was not a major commercial hit compared to their later work, the song reflects the influence of New Orleans-style rhythm and blues on their sound. The song has been covered by various artists, including The Amazing Rhythm Aces, Ringo Starr, and Benny Spellman, whose 1962 version is often cited as the definitive take.

“The Girl I Love She Got Long Black Wavy Hair” by Led Zeppelin is a blues-inspired track that was recorded during a BBC session on June 16, 1969, for Rhythm and Blues Session on Radio 1. Credited to Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, John Paul Jones, and John Bonham, the song draws heavily from Sleepy John Estes’ 1935 blues song

“The Girl I Love, She Got Long Curly Hair,” reflecting Led Zeppelin’s penchant for reinterpreting classic blues. This version infuses the original’s raw emotion with their trademark hard rock energy, highlighted by Page’s electrifying guitar work and Plant’s impassioned vocals.

“Three Corn Patches” by Elvis Presley is a bluesy track written by the legendary songwriting duo Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. Featured as a track on Presley’s 1973 album Raised on Rock/For Ol’ Times Sake, the song reflects a mix of country, blues, and rock influences. Its lyrics tell the story of a man lamenting his lost love, comparing his heartbreak to the emptiness of his three neglected corn patches.

While the album received mixed reviews and the song itself was not a charting single, it highlights Presley’s ability to interpret blues material with sincerity and charisma. The track, recorded at Stax Studios in Memphis, is often seen as a hidden gem in Elvis’s late-career catalog, appreciated by fans for its raw, emotional delivery.