Kelly was known for his energetic and athletic dancing style, his good looks and the likeable characters that he played on screen.
Although he is known today for his performances in An American in Paris (1951) and Singin' in the Rain (1952), he was a dominant force in Hollywood musical films from the mid-1940s until this art form fell out of fashion in the late 1950s. His many innovations transformed the Hollywood musical film, and he is credited with almost single-handedly making the ballet form commercially acceptable to film audiences.
Kelly was the recipient of an Academy Honorary Award in 1952 for his career achievements. He later received lifetime achievement awards in the Kennedy Center Honors (1982), and from the Screen Actors Guild and American Film Institute; in 1999, the American Film Institute also numbered him 15th in their Greatest Male Stars of All Time list.
Better known as a dancer and movie star than a singer, Gene Kelly nevertheless turned in memorable vocal performances in the context of his movies, the MGM musicals of the 1940s and 1950s.
Kelly rose to fame on Broadway before making his Hollywood debut with "For Me and My Gal" in 1942. Kelly's light, high vocals are distinctive, and he acted even as he sang, sometimes letting his voice crack at a pivotal moment (as in his vocal for the title number in "Singin' in the Rain"). In addition to reinterpreting classics by the likes of George Gershwin, Kelly introduced a few standards, including "Be a Clown" from the film "The Pirate" and "Long Ago and Far Away" from "Cover Girl." He also performed duets with such luminaries as Judy Garland and Frank Sinatra.
You Are My Lucky Star
Gene Kelly Lyrics
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I saw you from afar
Two lovely eyes at me they were gleaming
Beaming I was star struck
You're all my lucky charms I'm lucky in your arms
You've opened heaven's portal here on earth for this poor mortal
You are my lucky star
I saw you from afar
If Garbo is a glamorous creature
You're a four star feature
Though you are never seen
Up on a movie screen
You are my Shearer, Crawford, Hepburn, Harlow and my Garbo
You are my lucky star
In this famous song by Gene Kelly, the singer addresses his love interest and extols her virtues. He refers to her as "my lucky star" and describes how he was immediately drawn to her from afar, as she had "two lovely eyes... gleaming" that left him "star struck." He goes on to describe how he feels lucky to have her, and how she has opened "heaven's portal" for him on earth. The lyrics continue to compare her to some of the most glamorous Hollywood actresses of the time ("my Shearer, Crawford, Hepburn, Harlow and my Garbo"), suggesting that she is just as deserving of the spotlight and adoration as they are.
Overall, the lyrics of "You Are My Lucky Star" express a deep admiration and love for the singer's partner. He sees her as a source of good luck and inspiration, and compares her favorably to some of the most iconic actresses of the time. Through his words, the listener can feel the depth of his affection for her.
Line by Line Meaning
You are my lucky star
You are the one who brings me good luck and happiness in life.
I saw you from afar
I noticed you from a distance and was attracted to you.
Two lovely eyes at me they were gleaming
Your beautiful eyes shone with delight when you looked at me.
Beaming I was star struck
I was completely fascinated by your charming personality.
You're all my lucky charms I'm lucky in your arms
You bring me good fortune and joy, and I feel blessed when I'm with you.
You've opened heaven's portal here on earth for this poor mortal
Your presence in my life has made it heavenly and divine, and I feel fortunate to have you in my life.
If Garbo is a glamorous creature
If Greta Garbo is considered an incredibly attractive and glamorous person,
You're a four star feature
Then you are an exceptionally beautiful individual.
Though you are never seen
Even though you are not a famous movie star,
Up on a movie screen
Appearing on the big screen for everyone to see,
You are my Shearer, Crawford, Hepburn, Harlow and my Garbo
You are as captivating and alluring as some of the most famous Hollywood actresses, including Norma Shearer, Joan Crawford, Audrey Hepburn, Jean Harlow, and Greta Garbo.
You are my lucky star
You are the one who brings me good luck and happiness in life.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Arthur Freed, Nacio Herb Brown
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind