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.
I'm Old Fashioned
Julie Andrews Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I admit I was never one adored by local lads
Not that I ever tried to be a saint
I'm the type that they classify as quaint
I'm old fashioned, I love the moonlight
I love the old fashioned things
The sound of rain upon a window pane
This years fancies are passing fancies
But sighing sighs, holding hands
These my heart understands
I'm old fashioned but I don't mind it
That's how I want to be
As long as you agree
To stay old fashioned with me.
I'm old fashioned but I don't mind it
That's how I want to be
As long as you agree
To stay old fashioned with me.
The lyrics of "I'm Old-Fashioned" by Julie Andrews reflect a nostalgia for a bygone era and a rejection of the new trends that come and go. The singer admits that they have never been popular or fashionable, but they prefer the simple pleasures of life, such as moonlight, rain, and stars. They acknowledge that modern trends are just passing fancies and believe that true love and romance are always relevant. The refrain "I'm old fashioned but I don't mind it, That's how I want to be, As long as you agree, To stay old fashioned with me" expresses the singer's desire for a partner who shares their values and view of the world.
The song was first performed by Fred Astaire in the movie "You Were Never Lovelier" in 1942, but Andrews's version was recorded for her 1962 album "Julie and Carol at Carnegie Hall." The song was written by Jerome Kern and Johnny Mercer, two legendary figures in the world of music. Kern wrote the music, while Mercer wrote the lyrics. Kern was one of the pioneers of American musical theater and is best known for his collaborations with lyricist Oscar Hammerstein II, including the groundbreaking musical "Show Boat." Mercer was a prolific songwriter who wrote the lyrics for many classic tunes, including "Moon River," "That Old Black Magic," and "One for My Baby (And One More for the Road)."
Line by Line Meaning
I am not such a clever one about the latest fads
I am not knowledgeable about current trends.
I admit I was never one adored by local lads
I confess that I was never popular with the boys in my town.
Not that I ever tried to be a saint
I never attempted to be extremely virtuous.
I'm the type that they classify as quaint
People label me as old-fashioned but charming.
I'm old fashioned, I love the moonlight
I have old-fashioned values and appreciate romantic activities like strolling in moonlight.
I love the old fashioned things
I cherish traditional things and values.
The sound of rain upon a window pane
I find the sound of raindrops falling on a window soothing and nostalgic.
The starry song that April sings
I appreciate the beauty of natural occurrences like the stars that twinkle in April's night skies.
This year's fancies are passing fancies
Current popular trends are short-lived.
But sighing sighs, holding hands
Expressing love through small gestures of touch means more to me than fleeting trends.
These my heart understands
My feelings can be better expressed through traditional romantic gestures than through current fads.
I'm old fashioned but I don't mind it
My old-fashioned ways are not a burden to me.
That's how I want to be
I prefer to live my life based on old-fashioned values and principles.
As long as you agree
As long as my partner understands and agrees with my values/style.
To stay old fashioned with me.
To continue living with traditional values to maintain our relationship and love.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Johnny Mercer, Jerome Kern
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
LoveTheOConnor
Bravo!! LOVE it, Jim!! Julie Andrews is one of my absolute favorite female performers--thank you SO much for this lovely video!! You've made my day. :))
KissMeQuk
Hi Jim, Love this tribute to Julie Andrews. She has the sweetest voice ever!!! Love this song too!!! Thanks for posting it!!! Pam
ClassicDamsel
I too love Julie Andrews and I was not familiar with this song by her. But oh, is it wonderful! She sounds splendid and I love all the pictures you included. This could be my theme song!!! Thank you so much for sharing this!
Jymster46
@LoveTheOConnor Thank You so much, Heather! She's one of my favorites too, she can do it all! Thank you so much for watching it! Your comments just always make my day and the "Bravo" is just whip cream on the apple pie!! All the best to You, my Friend! Jim
Jymster46
@ClassicDamsel "Old Fashioned", Yes, that is a Wonderful theme for life. Me Too! I'm so happy that you enjoyed this, Classic Damsel! She is such a lovely talented lady. Thank you so much watching it! Jim
Jymster46
@azw596 I'm so glad you liked it, Azw596! Hard to go wrong when choosing a song and including pictures of the Lovely Julie Andrews. Thank you so much for watching it! Jim
Jymster46
@KissMeQuk Hi Pam! You are very welcome! Thanks so much for stoppin' by to listen! Yes, she is something very special, for sure! Take Care, my Friend! Jim