Sandman

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Sandman" by America, a track from their 1971 self-titled debut album that’s perfect for the Zoo Freaks tuning in. This song, written and sung by Dewey Bunnell, never hit the charts as a single but became a staple on Album Oriented Rock radio stations. Its haunting lyrics, like “Cause I understand you’ve been running from the man / That goes by the name of the Sandman,” were inspired by stories Bunnell heard from soldiers during the Vietnam War. These servicemen, often stationed in perilous conditions, feared sleep because it left them vulnerable to attack, sometimes relying on substances to stay awake. Bunnell, whose father was in the Air Force, wove these tales into a dreamy yet tense folk-rock narrative that captured the era’s anxieties.

One intriguing piece of trivia comes from fan discussions on platforms like Music Fans Stack Exchange, where some speculate the “Sandman” might refer to military police pursuing an AWOL serviceman, tying into the band’s military background. Others suggest it’s a nod to the mythical figure who brings sleep, symbolizing the soldiers’ fear of nightmares or death. A comment on a YouTube video for the song even proposes it’s about avoiding sleep due to PTSD from Vietnam, adding depth to its interpretation. There’s also a wild theory from a fan named Robert Langford, who believes the song prophetically references 9/11 with lines like “Ain’t it foggy outside / All the planes have been grounded,” though this seems more imaginative than factual.

Another tidbit from Songfacts highlights a rumor that “Sandman” connects to the U.S. Navy’s VQ-2 squadron, based in Rota, Spain, where America’s members—sons of American servicemen—grew up. A former VQ-2 member recalled the squadron’s planes having a Sandman figure painted on their tails, possibly inspiring the song’s imagery of a figure who “flies the sky like an eagle.” Whether this is true or not, it’s a fascinating link to the band’s roots. Fans on America’s Facebook page often share nostalgic stories about hearing “Sandman” live in the ’70s, with one user recalling a 1972 concert where the band played it under a starry sky, amplifying its ethereal vibe.

America got their start in an unlikely place: London, England, in the late 1960s. Dewey Bunnell, Gerry Beckley, and Dan Peek were teenagers, all sons of U.S. Air Force personnel stationed at a military base in West Ruislip. They met while attending London Central High School, bonding over their love for music, especially folk and acoustic rock inspired by acts like Crosby, Stills & Nash. Playing gigs at local clubs as high schoolers, they honed their harmonies and songwriting. In 1970, they secured a record deal with Warner Bros. after a demo tape impressed producers. Their debut album, recorded in London, included hits like “A Horse with No Name” alongside “Sandman.” The band’s name, a nod to their American heritage, was chosen to stand out in the British music scene. Despite early success, Peek left in 1977, and Bunnell and Beckley have continued as a duo, touring and recording to this day.

You can keep up with America on their official website, where they post tour dates and news. They’re active on social media, sharing updates on Facebook, Instagram, and X. Fans also gather on dedicated spaces like the America (the Band) Fan Group on Facebook, where Zoo Freaks might find kindred spirits discussing favorite tracks like “Sandman.” For more fan-driven content, AmericaFans.com offers a treasure trove of discographies, photos, and forums for die-hard supporters.