Look At Me I'm Sandra Dee
Glee Cast Lyrics
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Look at me, I'm Sandra Dee
Lousy with virginity
Won't go to bed
'Til I'm legally wed
I can't, I'm Sandra Dee
Watch it! Hey, I'm Doris Day
Won't come across
Even Rock Hudson lost
Kitty with New Directions Girls:
His heart to Doris Day
Kitty (New Directions Girls):
I don't drink (No!) or swear (Oh!)
I don't rat my hair (Eww!)
I get ill from one cigarette (Cough, cough, cough)
Keep your filthy paws
Off my silky drawers!
Would you pull that crap with Annette?
As for you, Troy Donahue
I know what you wanna do!
You've got your crust
I'm no object of lust
Kitty with New Directions Girls:
I'm just plain Sandra Dee
Kitty:
Elvis! Elvis! Let me be!
Keep that pelvis far from be!
Just keep your cool
Now you're starting to drool
Hey, fongool, I'm Sandra Dee!
The song "Look at Me, I'm Sandra Dee" from the musical Grease has become a defining moment for the character Kitty in Glee. In the song, Kitty and the New Directions girls satirize the traditional 1950s good girl persona embodied by the character of Sandra Dee, who was a Hollywood starlet of the time. Kitty tried to mimic this image to gain popularity, but through the song, they reveal the oppressive pressure that comes with adhering to these rigid gender norms, especially when dealing with sexuality.
The lyrics highlighted how Sandra Dee was "Lousy with virginity" and "Won't go to bed 'til I'm legally wed." This refers to the highly conservative societal expectation of women being pure and virtuous. This image castigated women who have sexual agency, painting them as rebellious or immoral. Kitty and the New Directions girls flip this image on its head by rejecting Sandy's persona, stating that they do not drink or swear and maintain a strong moral character. They side-eye the sexual advances and objectification present in popular culture and reject them as oppressive.
Overall, "Look at Me, I'm Sandra Dee" is a commentary on the expectations placed on women to conform to societal norms. While the persona of Sandra Dee was portrayed as ideal in the 1950s, Kitty and the New Directions girls show that this image is problematic and limiting, propelling the song to be an iconic feminist anthem.
Line by Line Meaning
Look at me, I'm Sandra Dee
I want to be looked at and recognized as an innocent, pure girl.
Lousy with virginity
I have held onto my virginity and see it as something desirable.
Won't go to bed
I refuse to have sex or engage in sexual activities.
'Til I'm legally wed
I will only have sex upon being married, as it is the socially acceptable way to do so.
I can't, I'm Sandra Dee
My identity and reputation as Sandra Dee won't let me go against these moral values.
Watch it! Hey, I'm Doris Day
Do not underestimate me just because of my wholesome appearance.
I was not brought up that way
I have been raised to have morals and values that align with the societal norms of my time.
Won't come across
I will not engage in sexual activities unless I have a strong emotional connection with my partner.
Even Rock Hudson lost
Even a famous, handsome actor known for his charm couldn't change my views on sex and morality.
His heart to Doris Day
Rock Hudson fell for Doris Day despite her 'good girl' persona.
I don't drink (No!) or swear (Oh!)
I do not engage in behaviors that are seen as improper, such as using bad language or consuming alcohol.
I don't rat my hair (Eww!)
I do not style my hair in a provocative or sensual way.
I get ill from one cigarette (Cough, cough, cough)
I see smoking as unhealthy and unattractive.
Keep your filthy paws
Do not touch me in a sexual or inappropriate way.
Off my silky drawers!
I refuse to engage in sexual activities or engage in inappropriate behavior.
Would you pull that crap with Annette?
Do not try anything with me that you wouldn't try with someone who has a reputation for being more open to sexual activities.
As for you, Troy Donahue
I am not interested in a man who is known for his sexual desires and exploits.
I know what you wanna do!
I am aware that you have sexual intentions and I am not interested.
You've got your crust
You have a bold and confident exterior, but it doesn't hide your true intentions from me.
I'm no object of lust
I do not want to be seen as a sexual object, but as a wholesome and good person.
I'm just plain Sandra Dee
Despite being aware of the sexual intentions of others, I want to stay true to my morals and values.
Elvis! Elvis! Let me be!
I do not want to be pursued or seduced by Elvis Presley, a famous sex symbol of the time.
Keep that pelvis far from me!
I do not want to engage in sexual activities with Elvis, as he represents everything I am against.
Just keep your cool
Stay calm and collected, and do not try to seduce me.
Now you're starting to drool
Your lustful desires are showing, and I am not interested.
Hey, fongool, I'm Sandra Dee!
I am still Sandra Dee, a wholesome and good person, despite your attempts to seduce me.
Contributed by Harper N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.