Julie Andrews got her big break when her stepfather introduced her to Val Parnell, whose Moss Empires controlled prominent venues in London. Andrews made her professional solo debut at the London Hippodrome singing the difficult aria "Je Suis Titania" from Mignon as part of a musical revue called "Starlight Roof" on 22 October 1947.
Andrews gained fame at a young age in 1950s Britain by acting and singing on light entertainment radio programmes such as "Educating Archie". She rose to international prominence after starring in Broadway musicals such as My Fair Lady and Camelot, as well as musical films like Mary Poppins (1964) and The Sound of Music (1965).
Andrews had a major revival of her film career in the 2000s, in children's films such as The Princess Diaries (2001), its sequel The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement (2004), and the Shrek animated films (2004-2007). In 2005, Andrews made her debut as a stage director with a revival of The Boy Friend, in which she also made her Broadway acting debut in 1954.
She was married with Blake Edwards in 1965 until his death in 2010.
Ascot Gavotte
Julie Andrews Lyrics
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Ev'ry duke and earl and peer is here
Ev'ryone who should be here is here.
What a smashing, positively dashing
Spectacle: the Ascot op'ning day.
At the gate are all the horses
Waiting for the cue to fly away.
What a gripping, absolutely ripping
Pulses rushing! Faces flushing!
Heartbeats speed up! I have never been so keyed up!
And second now They'll begin to run. Hark!
A bell is ringing, They are springing Forward Look!
It has begun...! What a frenzied moment that was!
Didn't they maintain an exhausting pace?
'Twas a thrilling, absolutely chilling Running of the
Ascot op'ning race.
The lyrics to Julie Andrews's song "Ascot Gavotte" depict the excitement and anticipation surrounding the opening day of the Ascot horse racing event. The song sets the scene with the presence of dukes, earls, and peers, emphasizing the attendance of all the important and high-ranking individuals. The atmosphere is described as smashing and positively dashing, showcasing the spectacle that is the Ascot opening day.
The song mentions the horses waiting at the gate, eagerly anticipating the signal to start their race. This moment is described as gripping, absolutely ripping, highlighting the intensity and thrill of the event. The lyrics further convey the excitement by mentioning the rushing pulses, flushed faces, and accelerated heartbeats of the onlookers, including the singer who has never been so keyed up.
The climax of the song is reached when the bell rings, announcing the start of the race. The lyrics express the frenzy and intensity of the moment, with the horses springing forward and everyone anxiously looking on. The running of the Ascot opening race is described as thrilling, absolutely chilling, and maintaining an exhausting pace. The song captures the electrifying energy and the sense of triumph associated with this prestigious horse racing event.
Line by Line Meaning
Ladies and Gentlemen
Esteemed individuals of both genders
Ev'ry duke and earl and peer is here
Every titled nobleman and aristocrat has graced this event with their presence
Ev'ryone who should be here is here.
Every person of significance that is expected to attend is indeed present.
What a smashing, positively dashing Spectacle: the Ascot op'ning day.
This is an impressive, remarkably stylish display: the opening day of the Ascot races.
At the gate are all the horses Waiting for the cue to fly away.
All the racehorses are positioned at the starting gate, eagerly anticipating the signal to commence.
What a gripping, absolutely ripping Moment at the Ascot op'ning day.
Such a captivating, truly exhilarating occasion on the opening day of the Ascot races.
Pulses rushing! Faces flushing! Heartbeats speed up! I have never been so keyed up!
Adrenaline surging! Cheeks becoming flushed! Heart rates accelerating! I have never experienced such heightened excitement!
And second now They'll begin to run. Hark! A bell is ringing, They are springing Forward Look!
In just a moment, they will commence the race. Listen! A bell chimes, and they burst forward. Observe!
It has begun...! What a frenzied moment that was!
The race has started...! Such an intense and chaotic moment it was!
Didn't they maintain an exhausting pace?
Didn't they sustain an absolutely grueling speed?
'Twas a thrilling, absolutely chilling Running of the Ascot op'ning race.
It was a thrilling, completely spine-tingling race at the opening of the Ascot event.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ALAN JAY LERNER, FREDERICK LOEWE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind