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.
Bewitched
Julie Andrews Lyrics
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But a fool can have her charms
I'm in love and don't I show it
Like a babe in arms
Love's the same old situation
Lately I've not slept a wink
Since this crazy situation
I'm wild again, beguiled again
A whimpering, simpering child again
Bewitched, bothered and bewildered - am I
Couldn't sleep, wouldn't sleep
Love came and told me, shouldn't sleep
Bewitched, bothered and bewildered - am I
I lost my heart, but what of it
She is cold I agree
She might laugh, but I love it
Although the laugh's on me
I'll sing to her, bring spring to her
And long, for the day when I'll cling to her
Bewitched, bothered and bewildered - am I
The song 'Bewitched' is a tale of unrequited love, sung from the perspective of a smitten and captivated admirer by American songwriters Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart. The singer of the song is bewitched by a woman who he recognises is playing him for a fool, but is powerless to resist her charms. Despite her unmistakable flaws, he cannot help loving her, and is tormented by his feelings of helplessness and vulnerability.
The lyrics describe the lover's emotional state in vivid detail, with a powerful vocal performance from Julie Andrews. The use of repetition, such as the phrase 'bewitched, bothered and bewildered - am I', emphasises his obsessive love, while the playful tune belies the deeply felt pain expressed in the lyrics.
Overall, the song is a classic example of the timeless theme of unrequited love, with the singer torn between love and self-preservation.
Line by Line Meaning
She's a fool and don't I know it
I am aware that the woman I have fallen for might not be the most intelligent person.
But a fool can have her charms
Despite her lack of intelligence, she still manages to captivate me in some way.
I'm in love and don't I show it
I can barely contain my feelings for this woman and it shows in my every action.
Like a babe in arms
I feel vulnerable and helpless, like a baby who needs to be held.
Love's the same old situation
Falling in love is a common occurrence that people have experienced time and time again throughout history.
Lately I've not slept a wink
Ever since I fell in love with this woman, I have found it difficult to sleep.
Since this crazy situation
This love affair feels like an insane and irrational state of being.
Has me on the blink
This love affair has thrown me off balance and I feel disoriented.
I'm wild again, beguiled again
Being in love has brought out a wild and captivating side of me.
A whimpering, simpering child again
I feel weak and helpless like a child, unable to control my emotions.
Bewitched, bothered and bewildered -am I
I feel enchanted, bothered, and confused by this love affair.
Couldn't sleep, wouldn't sleep
I have been unable, and even unwilling, to fall asleep ever since I fell in love.
Love came and told me, shouldn't sleep
This love affair has taken hold of me and I feel as though it is telling me not to sleep, but to focus on it.
I lost my heart, but what of it
I have fallen deeply in love with this woman, but I am willing to accept the risks that come with giving my heart so fully.
She is cold I agree
I acknowledge that she is distant and unemotional, but my love for her persists regardless.
She might laugh, but I love it
Even when she laughs at me or the situation, I still find it endearing.
Although the laugh's on me
Despite finding her laughter endearing, I acknowledge that I may be the subject of the joke.
I'll sing to her, bring spring to her
In an effort to win her affection, I will sing to her and try to bring some joy and warmth to her life.
And long, for the day when I'll cling to her
I yearn for the day when I will be able to hold her close and give her all the love she deserves.
Bewitched, bothered and bewildered - am I
I remain spellbound, tormented, and confused by my love for this woman.
Lyrics © IMAGEM U.S. LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: LEIF EDLING
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind