The Meaning Behind The Song: Secret Love [From Calamity Jane] by Doris Day

“Secret Love” is a song from the 1953 movie “Calamity Jane,” starring the legendary American artist, Doris Day. The song was composed by Sammy Fain with lyrics by Paul Francis Webster and sung by Day, which went on to become one of her most popular songs. The iconic song “Secret Love,” not only won an Academy Award for Best Original Song, but it also represented the enduring power of classic Hollywood musicals.

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The Story of “Secret Love”

“Calamity Jane” is a film set in the Wild West of America in the late 1800s and tells the story of Calamity Jane, portrayed by Doris Day, who falls in love with a handsome lieutenant. She tries to win him over with a display of her tomboyish character, but in the end, she realizes that love grows even in the most unlikely situations.

“Secret Love” is the pivotal song of the film and represents the moment when Calamity Jane realizes that she has fallen in love with the lieutenant. She expresses her love through this beautiful and emotional song, which became an instant hit.

The Meaning of “Secret Love”

“Secret Love” is a song that many people can relate to. The lyrics speak of the deep and powerful emotions we feel when we fall in love, sometimes without even realizing it. It’s about wanting to keep that love hidden, for fear of rejection or not being accepted.

The song’s opening lines set the tone, “Once I had a secret love, that lived within the heart of me, all too soon my secret love, became impatient to be free.” These words epitomize the hidden and suppressed feelings that we feel when love strikes.

As the song progresses, we can feel the sense of longing and desire that drives Calamity Jane’s emotions. She yearns to confess her true feelings, but is afraid of being rejected, “Now I shout it from the highest hill, I want the world to know, I love him, I love him, I love him, and where he goes, I’ll follow, I’ll follow, I’ll follow.”

The song ultimately expresses the passion and courage of every person in love – the willingness to go to any lengths to make that love known and to achieve it.

The Legacy of “Secret Love”

Since its creation, “Secret Love” has gone on to become one of the most beloved and timeless songs of all time. Doris Day’s performance of the song in “Calamity Jane” is considered to be one of her best, and the song went on to win the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1954.

The popularity of the song continues to endure, and “Secret Love” has been covered by famous artists such as Elton John, and has been used in a broad range of TV shows and movies.

The song has also secured its place in the American popular culture over the years, and the National Recording Registry selected the original recording for preservation in the Library of Congress in 2008.

FAQs

Who composed the song “Secret Love”?

“Secret Love” song was composed by Sammy Fain, with lyrics by Paul Francis Webster. They are both renowned American songwriters who worked together on numerous classic Hollywood musicals.

Did Doris Day write “Secret Love”?

No, Doris Day did not write “Secret Love.” The songwriters Sammy Fain and Paul Francis Webster wrote the song for the movie “Calamity Jane,” which Doris Day performed in.

Did “Secret Love” win any awards?

Yes, “Secret Love” won an Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1954. It was also nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Original Song in 1954.

Who else has performed “Secret Love”?

Since its release, “Secret Love” has been covered by numerous artists, including Elvis Presley, Connie Francis, and Elton John. The song was also performed in the 2012 Tony Award-winning revival of “Once” by Steve Kazee.

What was the significance of “Secret Love” in the movie “Calamity Jane?”

“Secret Love” was a pivotal moment in the movie “Calamity Jane.” The song was used to portray the lead character’s moment of realization that she had fallen in love with the lieutenant. It is a metaphor for expressing your true feelings in the face of rejection.

When was “Secret Love” recorded?

“Secret Love” was recorded in July 1953, after the release of the movie “Calamity Jane.” The song was released on several different records and was an instant hit.

What was Doris Day’s inspiration behind “Secret Love”?

Doris Day did not compose “Secret Love.” However, in interviews, she has shared that she was drawn to the song’s melody and poetic lyrics, which beautifully expressed the emotions of the lead character in “Calamity Jane.”

What is the most memorable lyric from “Secret Love?”

The most memorable lyric from “Secret Love” is the opening line, “Once I had a secret love, that lived within the heart of me.” This iconic line perfectly encapsulates the feeling of hidden and suppressed love that the song portrays.

Has “Secret Love” been used in any movies or TV shows?

Yes, “Secret Love” has been used in many movies and TV shows, including “Lost,” “Frasier,” “Mad Men,” and “The Simpsons.”

Is “Secret Love” a true story?

No, “Secret Love” is not based on a true story. It was written for the movie “Calamity Jane” and is a work of fiction.

What was the impact of “Secret Love” on popular culture?

“Secret Love” remains an iconic song in American popular culture, with its powerful and timeless lyrics often used in movies and TV shows. The song has also been performed and covered by many well-known artists over the years, which demonstrates its enduring popularity.

Has “Secret Love” been used in any advertising campaigns?

Yes, “Secret Love” has been used in various advertising campaigns, including for Buick, Nestle’s Coffee-Mate, and a cover version by Welsh singer Duffy used in a 2009 Chanel No. 5 ad.

What did Doris Day think of “Secret Love?”

Doris Day has always expressed appreciation for “Secret Love” and considered it one of the best songs she ever performed. She has shared that the song has a special meaning for her, and she felt honored to have performed it in “Calamity Jane.”

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