About the song
“Don’t Sleep in the Subway” by Petula Clark is a charming and catchy pop song that epitomizes the vibrant sound of the 1960s. Released in 1967, the song was written by Tony Hatch and Jackie Trent, a prolific songwriting duo who were behind many of Clark’s biggest hits. The song is a perfect blend of sophisticated pop, with its lush orchestration, shifting tempos, and Clark’s distinctive voice, which had already made her a household name with hits like “Downtown” and “I Know a Place.”
The lyrics of “Don’t Sleep in the Subway” tell a story of a couple facing a disagreement, with the narrator gently advising her partner to avoid making hasty decisions that could lead to regret. The phrase “don’t sleep in the subway” is a metaphor for not letting pride or stubbornness keep them apart. The song’s structure is unique, seamlessly blending three distinct musical sections, each with its own mood, which was a hallmark of Hatch and Trent’s songwriting style.
“Don’t Sleep in the Subway” was a significant commercial success. It reached No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States, further solidifying Petula Clark’s popularity across the Atlantic. In the UK, the song peaked at No. 12 on the charts, making it another hit in her impressive catalog. The song was featured on her album These Are My Songs, which also included other notable tracks like “This Is My Song” and “The Cat in the Window (The Bird in the Sky).”
Petula Clark’s ability to convey emotion through her voice, combined with the sophisticated songwriting, made “Don’t Sleep in the Subway” an enduring classic. The song remains a beloved piece of 1960s pop history, showcasing Clark’s talent and the brilliance of the Hatch-Trent partnership. For many listeners, it is a nostalgic reminder of a time when pop music was both inventive and irresistibly melodic.