Sway (aka ¿Quién será?) - Dean Martin / Pussycat Dolls
Song Lyrics / Chart History / Artist Information

  • Originally written by Mexican bandleader Pablo Beltrán Ruiz
  • The original version of the song was written in 1953 and was entitled ¿Quién será?
  • A English lyrics were added by Norman Gimbel
  • Gimbel's name as a lyricist may not be widely known, but everyone knows of some of his songs, including the hit "Killing Me Softly With His Song" recorded by Roberta Flack, the classic "Girl From Ipanema", as well as the theme songs for TV shows such as Happy Days and Laverne & Shirley
  • Gimbel was inducted into the Songwriters Hall Of Fame in 1984
  • In 1954 the song was recorded by crooner / actor / comedian Dean Martin (born Dino Paul Crocetti 6/7/17 & died Christmas Day 12/25/95 at the age of 78)
  • Martin's career began as a boxer & blackjack dealer and ended as one of the most popular figures in American music, comedy, and movies, particularly in the 1960s, when he had hit songs, hit movies, and a hit TV show all at the same time
  • Affectionately known as "Dino", Dean Martin's version of "Sway" went to #15 on the Billboard Magazine Top 40 chart, and to #6 in Great Britain 
  • In 1960 the song was remade by singer Bobby Rydell (born Robert Ridarelli on 4/26/42 in Philadelphia)
  • Rydell ironically had just achieved success with another Dean Martin hit, "Volare" just three months earlier, taking that song to #4 on the Billboard Top 40
  • He also had a starring role as the rock & roller in the movie "Bye Bye Birdie
  • His biggest and most long lasting hit today remains the Christmas classic Jingle Bell Rock
  • The song Sway has been used in many movies over the years, most recently the movie remake of "Shall We Dance", with a version recorded by the Pussycat Dolls
  • Another version recorded by Jennifer Lopez had originally been scheduled to be used in the movie, but the Pussycat Dolls version was used instead
  • The song has also been translated into several different languages, including Arabic, French, Cantonese, and the artist Bjork did an Icelandic version in 1990
  • Artists that have recorded the song include:
    • Billy Vaughn
  • In 2007 Kohls Department Stores used a version of the song in one of their TV commercials
  • The song is extremely popular with ballroom style dancers who love the Latin beat

Oracle Band MP3 / RealAudio Samples

An excerpt from a live Oracle Band performance of this song will be available soon as both a streaming RealAudio format, or as a higher quality downloadable MP3. 

Streaming RealAudio

Download MP3


Song Lyrics - Sway

When marimba rhythms start to play
Dance with me, make me sway
Like a lazy ocean hugs the shore
Hold me close, sway me more

Like a flower bending in the breeze
Bend with me, sway with ease
When we dance you have a way with me
Stay with me, sway with me

Other dancers may be on the floor
Dear, but my eyes will see only you
Only you have the magic technique
When we sway I go weak

I can hear the sounds of violins
Long before it begins
Make me thrill as only you know how
Sway me smooth, sway me now

Other dancers may be on the floor
Dear, but my eyes will see only you
Only you have the magic technique
When we sway I go weak

I can hear the sounds of violins
Long before it begins
Make me thrill as only you know how
Sway me smooth, sway me now
You know how
Sway me smooth, sway me now


Note that the lyrics posted here are those as interpreted and performed by The Oracle Band. In a few cases we have taken some liberties with the lyrics to make them more appropriate for tasteful gatherings. Their use here is intended as an aid for people in selecting music for their wedding reception or private party, and may not be reproduced for any commercial, for-profit use.

Dino - The Essential Dean Martin

A Greatest Hits collection of the most popular songs Dean Martin ever recorded. 30 tracks on this value priced disc make it an excellent mainstay for any collection. Includes "Sway", plus:

That's Amore
Memories Are Made Of This
Volare
Everybody Loves Somebody
...and 24 more!





Shall We Dance
Soundtrack

Featuring a range of artists, this album features the Pussycat Dolls' version of "Sway"

Purchase from Amazon.com today and save!





Ben E. King
Don't Play That Song

Here's a great collection of tunes from an artist that has been overlooked but for one particular song.

In addition to "Sway, this album also has:

Stand By Me
Besame Mucho
Perfidia
Spanish Harlem
...and 19 more!


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