Percy Mayfield's Please Send Me Someone To Love

Percy Mayfield's  original version of "Please Send me Someone To Love" may sound dated to 21st century ears with its entirely acoustic instrumentation and 1950s blues style with characteristic moaning and wailing horns, I actually prefer it to Sade's perhaps better-known cover. Sade's cover, which has more of a gospel or country-tinged initially, does benefit from her sultry, unique vocals. In truth, I prefer the horns against the strings or synthesizers used in Sade's version, though Sade's voice occupies the central place in the song with good reason. The quasi-reggae guitar licks would suggest perhaps a broader connection of Sade's rendition to broader Atlantic musical styles beyond blues, rock or jazz, and the saxophone solo is tolerable, too, playing solemnly and respectfully.

Heaven please send to all mankind,
Understanding and peace of mind.
But, if it's not asking too much
Please send me someone to love.

Show all the world how to get along,
Peace will enter when hate is gone.
But, if it's not asking too much,
Please send me someone to love.

I lay awake night and ponder world troubles.
My answer is always the same.
That unless men put an end to all of this,
Hate will put the world in a flame, (oh) what a shame.
Just because I'm in misery.
I'm not begging for no sympathy.
But if it's not asking too much,
Just send me someone to love.

Heaven please send to all mankind,
Understanding and peace of mind.
But if it's not asking too much,
Please send me someone to love.