Mantovani was born in Venice, Italy and his father was the concertmaster of La Scala orchestra under Arturo Toscanini. His family moved to England in 1912, where he studied at Trinity College of Music in London. After graduation, he formed his own orchestra, which played in and around Birmingham. By the time World War II broke out, his orchestra was one of the most popular in England, both on the BBC and in live performances.
Secret Love
Mantovani & His Orchestra Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
That lived within the heart of me
All too soon my secret love
Became impatient to be free
So I told a friendly star
The way that dreamers often do
Just how wonderful you are
Now I shout it from the highest hills
Even told the golden daffodils
At last my heart's an open door
And my secret love's no secret anymore
The song "Secret Love" by Mantovani & His Orchestra speaks of a love that was once hidden and kept secret within the heart of the singer. This love became overwhelming for them that it began to impatiently demand to be set free. They then confide in a friendly star, expressing their affection and admiration for the person they love. It is interesting that the singer used metaphorical language, referring to the person they have feelings for as wonderful and expressing their love in an abstract way.
Eventually, the singer can no longer contain their passion, and they publicly declare their love from the highest hills, even telling the golden daffodils. The song's title thus comes into fruition as we see a "secret love" that was once hidden and unknown, blossom into love that is both known and shared with the world. The song conveys the message that love, though sometimes meant to be hidden, is much more beautiful when shared and expressed fully.
Line by Line Meaning
Once I had a secret love
At some point in the past, I kept my affection for someone a secret.
That lived within the heart of me
The love I had for someone was deeply rooted in my heart.
All too soon my secret love
The love I had for someone became too much to keep hidden.
Became impatient to be free
I couldn't bear to keep my feelings hidden anymore; they wanted to be expressed.
So I told a friendly star
To confide in something friendly and non-judgmental, I expressed my emotions to a star.
The way that dreamers often do
I expressed my feelings in a way that was sentimental and fantastical, as is often done in romantic dreams.
Just how wonderful you are
I praised the one I love, highlighting all the wonderful qualities that person possesses.
And why I am so in love with you
I explained the reasons behind my affection for the individual.
Now I shout it from the highest hills
After suppressing my emotions for so long, I now passionately and loudly express my love to everyone.
Even told the golden daffodils
I expressed my love to anyone and anything that would listen, even a simple flower.
At last my heart's an open door
My heart is no longer closed off; it is now wide open and receptive to love.
And my secret love's no secret anymore
The love I had kept hidden is now out in the open for all to see and feel.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Paul Francis Webster, Sammy Fain
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind