Introduction:
“Sway” is synonymous with Dean Martin, but the song actually had an interesting journey before becoming a global hit.
Origin
“Sway” originated from the Spanish song “¿Quién será” written by Mexican musicians Luis Demetrio and Pablo Beltrán Ruiz and first released in 1953. The original version was a Latin-influenced bolero, light and lyrical. In 1954, musician Norman Gimbel wrote new English lyrics for the song, called “Sway”. Dean Martin recorded this version and included it on his 1964 album Dean Martin Hits Again (although he had previously sung the song in the mid-1950s).
Content and meaning
The song is deeply romantic, expressing the feelings of a man who is passionate about dancing and passionately in love. The lyrics compare the graceful movement of dance to the allure of love – when the music plays, feelings and passion also burn, making two hearts blend together as if they are “tilting” together.
In the English version, “Sway” is not only about dancing, but also has a metaphorical meaning: love is like a dance, full of rhythm, connection and charm. When the couple is in sync with each step of the dance, they are also finding harmony in their souls.
Spread
Dean Martin with his warm, seductive voice made “Sway” one of the most famous Latin love songs in the US and then spread around the world. After him, the song was performed by many other artists such as Michael Bublé, Julie London, Cliff Richard… but Dean Martin’s version is still considered the classic version.
In short
“Sway” is both a seductive Latin bolero and a captivating love song. Originating in Mexico, inspired by English lyrics and sung by Dean Martin, the song has become a timeless icon, praising the passionate bond of love through the captivating imagery of dance.