Some songs transcend borders, eras, and cultures. They have the power to make us dance, dream, and transport us to other places just with their melodies. “Sway,” originally known as “¿Quién Será?”, is one of those magical songs that has captured hearts around the world. In this post, we will dive into the fascinating history of this timeless song, exploring its Mexican origins, its journey to international stardom, and the many forms it has taken over the years.
Mexican Origin
Our story begins in Mexico in the 1950s. The country’s music scene was buzzing with creativity, mixing traditional rhythms with modern influences. It was in this context that “¿Quién Será?” was born, the song that would later become internationally known as “Sway.”
Composer
The name behind this musical masterpiece was Luis Demetrio and Pablo Beltrán Ruiz. Luis wrote the first version and sold his rights to the talented Mexican composer and conductor Pablo Ruiz.
The song was composed in 1953, and the inspiration came from a combination of musical influences and personal experiences. The infectious rhythm of the mambo, which was at the height of its popularity, served as the foundation for the song’s rhythmic structure. The melody, on the other hand, had elements of romantic bolero, creating a unique fusion that captured both the passion and energy of Latin music.
The title “¿Quién Será?” (which means “Who Will it Be?” in English) reflects the theme of the original lyrics in Spanish. The song talks about a mysterious and seductive love, questioning who could be the person that arouses such intense feelings. This combination of mystery and romance, wrapped in a danceable rhythm, proved irresistible to the audience.
The song was initially released as an instrumental, with Beltrán Ruiz’s orchestra performing it in nightclubs and on the radio. The response was immediate and enthusiastic. Dancers loved the infectious rhythm, and soon “¿Quién Será?” became a local hit in Mexico.
The Journey to International Recognition
The success of “¿Quién Será?” in Mexico did not go unnoticed by the international music industry. In 1954, RCA Victor released the song in the United States, still in its original instrumental version. The reception was positive, especially among Latin American communities, but the big leap to worldwide fame was yet to come.
The turning point for “¿Quién Será?” came when American lyricist Norman Gimbel heard the song. Gimbel, known for his talent in adapting foreign songs for the American market, was immediately captivated by the seductive melody and irresistible rhythm of Beltrán Ruiz’s composition.
Norman Gimbel, born on November 16, 1927, in Brooklyn, New York, was already an established lyricist when he discovered “¿Quién Será?”. He had a special gift for capturing the essence of foreign songs and recreating them in a way that resonated with American audiences. His previous work included adaptations of Brazilian hits like “The Girl from Ipanema” and “Summer Samba.”
For “¿Quién Será?”, Gimbel decided not to make a literal translation of the original Spanish lyrics. Instead, he created new English lyrics that captured the seductive and romantic spirit of the melody. The result was “Sway,” a song that maintained the danceable appeal of the original but with lyrics that spoke directly to English-speaking audiences.
The lyrics of “Sway” focus on the hypnotic power of dance and music. Phrases like “When marimba rhythms start to play, dance with me, make me sway” perfectly capture the sensual and engaging atmosphere of the melody. The choice of the title “Sway” was also brilliant, evoking the smooth and seductive movement of the dance.
The Release of “Sway” and Its Immediate Impact
In 1954, “Sway” was released in the United States, with Dean Martin as the first artist to record this new English version. Martin’s choice was perfect. His smooth voice and cool style perfectly matched the sophisticated and seductive atmosphere of the music.
Dean Martin’s version of “Sway” was an instant success. It reached number 15 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and became one of Martin’s signature songs. Martin’s performance brought a mix of laid-back charm and subtle romance that resonated with the American public and helped establish “Sway” as a timeless classic.
The success of “Sway” was not limited to the United States. The song quickly spread internationally, being translated and adapted into various languages. In Italy, for example, it became “Chi sarà,” keeping a close connection to the original Spanish title.
The Evolution of “Sway” Over the Decades
Since its initial release, “Sway” has been re-recorded and reinterpreted by numerous artists, each bringing their unique approach to the song. Let’s explore some of the most notable versions and how they contributed to the song’s longevity and continued popularity.
1960s and 1970s: The Era of Swing and Pop
During the 1960s and 1970s, “Sway” remained a favorite among swing and pop artists. Artists like Julie London and Rosemary Clooney released versions that maintained the sophisticated appeal of the music.
A particularly notable version from this period was by Pérez Prado, the “King of Mambo.” His 1960 instrumental interpretation brought back the song’s Latin roots with a vibrant arrangement that highlighted brass and percussion. This version helped reintroduce “Sway” to a new generation of listeners and dancers.
2000s to Today: “Sway” in the Modern Era
In the past 20 years, “Sway” has continued to captivate artists and audiences. Notable versions include:
- Michael Bublé (2003): Bublé’s interpretation brought back the big band style to “Sway” with a luxurious arrangement that paid homage to the swing era while sounding fresh and contemporary.
- The Pussycat Dolls (2004): This pop dance version gave the song a modern twist, incorporating elements of R&B and electronic music.
- Il Divo (2006): The pop opera group presented a grand version of “Sway,” mixing classical elements with contemporary pop.
- Shaft (2000): This electronic dance version brought “Sway” to the dance floors of the new millennium, proving the versatility of the composition.
Each of these interpretations brought something unique to “Sway,” demonstrating the incredible adaptability of Beltrán Ruiz’s original composition and Gimbel’s genius lyrics.
“Sway” in Popular Culture
Beyond its success on the music charts, “Sway” has become an integral part of popular culture, appearing in numerous films, TV shows, and commercials over the years.
“Sway” has been used in various movie soundtracks, often in dance scenes or romantic moments. Some notable examples include:
- “Shall We Dance?” (2004): In this film starring Richard Gere and Jennifer Lopez, “Sway” is featured in a memorable dance scene that perfectly captures the song’s seductive spirit.
- “Dark City” (1998): The song appears in a crucial scene, adding a layer of mystery and romance to the sci-fi noir film.
- “Blast from the Past” (1999): “Sway” is used to establish the setting of a 1960s nightclub, highlighting its timeless status.
Arrangements of “Sway” for You
Over the years, “Sway” has been adapted for a variety of styles and instrumentations. Here are some links where you can watch the video and purchase the sheet music to play along.
Mandolin
The mandolin, with its bright and articulated sound, offers an interesting interpretation of “Sway.” Arrangements for mandolin typically take advantage of the instrument’s unique characteristics:
- Tremolo: The tremolo technique, characteristic of the mandolin, can be used to sustain long notes of the melody, creating an effect similar to a singer’s vibrato.
- Rapid Ornamentations: The mandolin’s agility allows for the addition of quick ornamentations and flourishes to the main melody, adding complexity and interest to the melodic line.
- Rhythmic Accompaniment: In ensembles, the mandolin can alternate between leading the melody and providing a percussive rhythmic accompaniment, taking advantage of the instrument’s sharp note attack.
A typical “Sway” arrangement for solo mandolin can be accompanied by a harmonic instrument such as guitar or piano. The example in the following video shows a mandolin arrangement with an acoustic guitar accompaniment.
Violin
The violin, with its ability to produce expressive and sustained melodic lines, offers a moving interpretation of “Sway.” Arrangements for the violin often explore:
- Expressive Vibrato: The violin’s vibrato can capture the sensual and emotional quality of the human voice in the melody of “Sway.”
- Varied Bow Techniques: Alternating between legato bowing for long phrases and spiccato for more rhythmic passages can add variety and interest to the arrangement.
- Double Stops: Playing two strings simultaneously allows the violinist to create richer harmonies and textures, compensating for the monophonic nature of the instrument.
Solo violin arrangements can be accompanied by harmonic instruments such as piano or guitar. The following video shows an example of this type of arrangement where the melody is played by the violin and the accompaniment by the acoustic guitar.
Cello and Acoustic Guitar
An arrangement of cello and acoustic guitar for the song “Sway” can create an engaging and sophisticated atmosphere, highlighting the richness of both instruments’ timbres. The acoustic guitar, with its ability to provide a smooth rhythmic foundation and complex harmonies, perfectly complements the deep and melodic sound of the cello. Together, they can explore styles ranging from jazz to pop, bringing a new dimension to the music.
The cello can take on the role of the lead voice, interpreting the melody with expressiveness and nuance, while the guitar adds rhythmic and harmonic layers, creating a unique and captivating interpretation. The following video showcases an arrangement of this song where the cello plays the melody and the acoustic guitar provides the accompaniment.
B-flat Clarinet and Guitar
The clarinet is not often used in this style of music, but when it plays the melody, it creates a sophisticated atmosphere. It is an excellent choice for innovating and bringing a bit of the choro culture where it is widely used. The following video features an arrangement for the song “¿Quién Será?” (“Sway”) where the B-flat clarinet performs the melody and the acoustic guitar plays the accompaniment.
The Musical Structure of “Sway”
To fully understand the enduring appeal of “Sway,” it is helpful to examine its musical structure. Let’s analyze the key elements that make this song so captivating:
Rhythm
The rhythm is one of the most distinctive aspects of “Sway.” The song is typically played in a 4/4 time signature but with a strong influence from the bolero-mambo rhythm. This rhythm is characterized by:
- An emphasis on the second and fourth beats of each measure.
- A Latin percussion pattern that includes claves, congas, and timbales.
- A bass line that frequently uses the “tumbao” pattern, typical of Cuban music.
This rhythm creates a sense of constant, swaying motion, which is perfectly captured in the English title “Sway.”
Melody
The melody of “Sway” is notably catchy and memorable. It features several interesting characteristics:
- It begins with an ascending phrase that immediately grabs the listener’s attention.
- It uses repetition effectively, with short phrases that are easy to remember and sing along to.
- It incorporates interval leaps that create tension and resolution, maintaining the listener’s interest.
- It has a melodic contour that reflects the swaying movement suggested by the title, with phrases that gracefully rise and fall.
Harmony
The harmonic progression of “Sway” is relatively simple but effective. It generally follows an I-V-I (tonic-dominant-tonic) pattern with some variations. This harmonic simplicity allows the melody and rhythm to shine while providing a solid foundation for improvisations and variations.
Some characteristic chords include:
- The use of seventh chords, which add a jazzy quality to the progression.
- Occasional ninth and eleventh chords, which add color and sophistication.
- Chromatic movements in the bass line, which create tension and motion.
Lyrics
Although the original Spanish version and the English version have different lyrics, both capture the seductive and romantic spirit of the music. The English lyrics, written by Norman Gimbel, are particularly notable for their effectiveness in matching the melody and rhythm. Phrases like “Other dancers may be on the floor, dear, but my eyes will see only you” perfectly capture the romantic and intimate atmosphere that the song evokes.
“Sway,” or “¿Quién Será?,” is much more than just a popular song. It is a testament to the power of music to transcend cultural and linguistic barriers. From its origins as a Mexican mambo to its current status as an international standard, “Sway” demonstrates how a catchy melody, irresistible rhythm, and evocative lyrics can combine to create something truly timeless.
Original Spanish Lyrics (¿Quién Será?)
¿Quién será la que me quiera a mí?
¿Quién será, quien será?
¿Quién será la que me dé su amor?
¿Quién será, quien será?
Yo no sé si la podré encontrar
Yo no sé, yo no sé
Yo no sé si volveré a querer
Yo no sé, yo no sé
He querido volver a vivir
La pasión y el calor de otro amor
De otro amor que me hiciera sentir
Que me hiciera feliz como ayer lo fui
Ay, ¿quién será la que me quiera a mí?
¿Quién será, quien será?
¿Quién será la que me dé su amor?
Lyrics in English (Sway)
When marimba rhythms starts to play
Dance with me
Make me sway
Like a lazy ocean hugs the shore
Hold me close
Sway me more
Flashing lights of devotion
Circling in slow motion
I kissed the lips of a potion
And now I’m out in the open
So follow me into the dark
Break up a piece of your heart
Sell it for, sell it for, sell it for money and cars
Come out wherever you are
My motivations are
All my temptations are
My heart is racing with sensation
With sensation now
I whip my diamonds out
My time is timeless now
I get so high
(Ah)
The feeling, feeling so supersonic
(Ah)
I try to stop but I just can’t stop it
(Ah)
Dancing in flames, dancing in flames
Sway with me, sway, sway, sway
When marimba rhythms starts to play
Dance with me
Make me sway
Like a lazy ocean hugs the shore
Hold me close
Sway me more
Icy
Yeah, super sly chick (aye) I be on the list
Always in the midst I’ll blow a bag quick
Bad boy want this, bad boy don’t miss (Ha, ha)
Run up on me I bet he get the gist
Harley, Harley catch a quick body
Vroom, vroom, vroom
Like I’m ridin’ a Harley
But I’m in a Rari (Skrrt)
Sorry not sorry (Sorry)
Didn’t say a peep but I know them birds saw me
Tell your people to call me
If it is ‘bout that chicken
The most wanted in Gotham
All your diamonds is missin’
Oh, you thought I was kiddin’
This a suicide mission
You need to make a decision
On what side is you pickin’
(Sway)
See it if I want it I’ma take that
(Sway)
See it if I want it I’ma take that
(I take what I want)
(Sway)
See it if I want it I’ma take that
(Sway, ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ohh)
See it if I want it I’ma take that
(Sway)
Girls like me they don’t make that
(Sway)
Girls like me they don’t make that
(Sway)
(Sway with me, sway, sway, sway)
Girls like me they don’t make that
(Sway)
When marimba rhythms starts to play
Dance with me
Make me sway
Like a lazy ocean hugs the shore
Hold me close
Sway me more
They can see the show is beginnin’
All the devils are singin’
Climbing up on the chandelier
You can’t stop me from swingin’
So follow me into the dark
Break up a piece of your heart
Sell it for, sell it for, sell it for money and cars
Come out wherever you are
When marimba rhythms starts to play
(Oh-oh-oh)
Dance with me
Make me sway
Like a lazy ocean hugs the shore
Hold me close
Sway me more
