Erroll Louis Garner was born on 15th June 1921 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and began playing the piano at the age of three. At the age of seven he began appearing on radio station KDKA in Pittsburgh with a group called the Candy Kids. By the age of eleven he was playing on the Allegheny riverboats. At the age of fourteen in 1937 he joined local saxophonist Leroy Brown.
He played locally in the shadow of his older pianist brother, Linton Garner, and moved to New York in 1944. He briefly worked with the bassist Slam Stewart, and though not a bebop musician, in 1947 he played with Charlie Parker on the famous "Cool Blues" session. Although his admission to the Pittsburgh music union was initially refused because of his inability to read music, they eventually relented in 1956 and made him an honorary member. Garner is credited with having a superb memory for music; after attending a concert by the Russian pianist Emil Gilels, Garner returned to his apartment and was able to play a large portion of the performed music.
His 1955 recording Concert by the Sea ranks among his very best work. Ironically this recording of a performance at an army base in Carmel, California, featuring Eddie Calhoun on bass and Denzil Best on drums, was made using relatively primitive sound equipment, but Garner's inventiveness and swing made its point in each tune. Other notable works include 1951's Long Ago and Far Away and 1974's Magician, both of which see Erroll perform a number of classic standards in his own style. Often the trio was expanded to add Latin percussion, usually a conga, with electric results.
What made Erroll easy to recognise were his trademark introductions, that seemed to make no sense but broke dramatically into his exposition of the tune he was to play, and the guitar strumming sound of his left hand, playing crotchet accompaniment to his rich-sounding right hand. This approach suggests that he was influenced by the iconic rhythm guitar work of Count Basie's long time guitarist, Freddie Green. But discerning listeners could find that while his even-four left hand was a fixture, it was far from being the only rhythmic approach he took to playing.
Sleep
Erroll Garner Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
How we love to sleep
At the close of day
When the joys of the day fade away and the memories sweet
Of the day repeat
In our dreams they creep
While we sleep, sleep, sleep
It seems that daytime was just made for laughter and song
Night time brings rest to the weary
Sooths all the hearts that are dreary
Leaves us alone with our day dreams
Brings back sweet golden love dreams while we sleep, sleep, sleep
How we love to sleep
At the close of day
When the joys of the day fade away and the memories sweet
Of the day repeat
In our dreams they creep
Erroll Garner's song Sleep is a classic tune that reflects the insatiable human love for sleep, particularly after a long day. Throughout the song, the singer talks about how people love to sleep "at the close of day," after the fun and laughter of the daytime have faded away. They welcome the memories of the day that repeat in their dreams, and they find respite from the weariness of the world.
The song seems to be advocating for rest, especially in the evening and at night. The singer marvels at how the daytime seems to be made for laughter and song, but night-time brings much-needed rest and relief from the everyday struggles of life. It's the perfect time for lovers to stroll along and be romantic or for people to be alone with their daydreams.
There is a sense of acceptance of the human need for sleep, which is a natural part of our lives. Even though the memories of the day may continue playing in our minds, and our dreams may be filled with sweet memories or desires, sleep restores our energy and replenishes our spirits, allowing us to start a new day afresh.
Overall, Erroll Garner's Sleep is a beautiful ode to the joys of rest and sleep.
Line by Line Meaning
Sleep, sleep, sleep
A soothing call to sleep better and longer
How we love to sleep
An emphasis on how important sleep is for humans
At the close of day
A reference to the end of the day, symbolizing a break from daily activities
When the joys of the day fade away and the memories sweet
An expression of gratitude for the moments that make up the day which would linger in the heart and mind even after the day is over
Of the day repeat
Memories that have been imprinted keep recurring
In our dreams they creep
Memories recur in our dreams
While we sleep, sleep, sleep
Sleeping being the ultimate relaxation technique
It seems that daytime was just made for laughter and song
Daytime is when people focus on having fun, laughing and engaging in activities that give joy
Evening brings romance to lovers as they stroll along
A time when lovers get to bond more and express their love towards each other
Night time brings rest to the weary
Night gives everyone the opportunity to rest after a busy day
Sooths all the hearts that are dreary
Sleep relaxes the body and mind, reducing stress levels
Leaves us alone with our day dreams
Sleep offers a chance to dream, building on the joys and memories of the day
Brings back sweet golden love dreams while we sleep, sleep, sleep
Sleep offers the chance for the mind and spirit to connect, leading to sweet dreams and positive emotions
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Stephen Fretwell
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind