The Sandman

America’s Sandman – Soldier or Evader?
My son had never heard the song Sandman
For me, Sandman was slightly more interesting than Muskrat Love.
Dewey Bunnell wrote Sandman, based on conversations he had with soldiers.
I did a little research and learned that Dewey Bunnell, who wrote Sandman and sang the lead on their first album, America, in 1970. Bunnell and the other members of America, Dan Peek and Gerry Beckley all met in London in High School. They were all sons of American Air Force personnel. The band formed after graduation in 1969. And America, the group’s first album, was released in 1971, and Sandman was the second track. Bunnell was also responsible for Horse With No Name and Tin Man among others.
At the age of 9, I already attended funerals for mere boys, serving in Vietnam.
I have now read Dewey Bunnell’s explanation, of writing Sandman, and his explanation of the song. In an interview, Bunnell talks of hearing Vietnam soldiers telling stories of how scared they were to even fall asleep, for fear of dying. Some of the soldiers even admitted to taking stimulants to avoid the ‘Sandman’. Personally, I think I’ll keep my own perspective on the song, and what it means. Because, either way, Mr. Bunnell was not talking about the Sandman that brings you sweet dreams. Rather he eludes to the Sandman that gives you nightmares you can never wake up from. I hope my son learns this song soon.
Sandman – Dewey Bunnell
All the planes have been grounded
Ain’t the fire inside?
Let’s all go stand around it
Funny, I’ve been there
And you’ve been here
And we ain’t had no time to drink that beer
(Chorus) ‘Cause I understand you’ve been running from the man
That goes by the name of the Sandman
He flies the sky like an eagle in the eye
Of a hurricane that’s abandoned
Ain’t the years gone by fast
I suppose you have missed them
Oh, I almost forgot to ask
Did you hear of my enlistment?
Funny, I’ve been there
And you’ve been here
And we ain’t had no time to drink that beer
‘Cause I understand you’ve been running from the man
That goes by the name of the Sandman
He flies the sky like an eagle in the eye
Of a hurricane that’s abandoned
Repeated 3 more times
Love Not War Playlist
War of Man – Neil Young, Excellent Cover by Ann Wilson(feat. Allison Krauss)
Love Will Win the War – Darden Smith
Prisoner of War – David Wilcox
When the War Came – The Decemberists
The Cruel War – Peter, Paul & Mary, Excellent cover by Dolly Parton
War – Jonatha Brooke & the Story
War is Over – Melissa Etheridge
Bury Me Far (From My Uniform) – Joe Pug
It Ain’t The Old Cold War Harry – Grant Lee Phillips
The Crow On The Cradle – Jackson Browne Graham Nash & David Lindley
Peace Train – Cat Stevens, excellent cover by the late great Richie Havens
Teach Your Children – Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
The Times They Are A-Changin’ – Bob Dylan
Get Together – Jesse Colin Young and the Youngbloods
For What It’s Worth – Buffalo Springfield
Fortunate Son – Creedence Clearwater Revival
Dan is “the late” not Gerry.
Dave – Thank you for reading the post. I appreciate you catching my mistake. I took out “the late”. Thank you again! Amy
I was assigned to Hahn Air Force Base in west germany in the late 70’s. Rumor had it that the base commander in the early 70’s call name was sandman and was a holy terror to his pilots on base. The reason why we felt that the song was written about the base and it’s commander because of the lyrics ” ain’t the fire inside..let’s all go and stand around it. The base bowling alley burned to the ground because the fire hydrants were all frozen and could not stop the fire. Colonel sandman probably. So Bunnell was being told this story by his father who may have been sent there temporary duty. It got very cold on that base cause it is on top of the highest points of S.Western Germany. So was our sister base bitberg a f base.
First of all, thank you for the time and service you gave. I also appreciate you taking
time to read and comment on the post. I also appreciate your take and “insider” information.
Thank you
I was there, Jan. 67 – Mar. 68 USMC 1st Bat./9th Marines. Still love the song. To me, JUST a song, no overt or covert meaning. Remember Bridge over troubled water? Everyone thought drugs were the bridge in that song. Radio stations would not, or could not play it (I guess that changed later on). To me, Just a song, a great one.
I never had an issue with draft dodgers, or protesters, BUT, remember, Hate the was, NOT the warriors!
Now, lets talk about “Where have all the flowers gone” 🙂
Hi James,
Thank you for taking the time to read and comment on my post. I agree that
sometimes a song is just a song, but I am also a songwriter, and I know I
write lyrics with obvious meanings and some with deeper, more complex meanings.
This song for me has very complex lyrics that paint a very detailed intricate picture
that leaves room for broad interpretation. Also,
knowing that the boys that wrote it were privy to insider tales of the war and
people involved, leaves even more room for wonder.
As far as Where Have All the Flowers Gone, for me, that song lyrically paints an unmistakable
view of its meaning. No interpretation needed.
Thank you again,
Amy